London's Photographic Galleries

Photography is everywhere in London! 

From tourists getting snap-happy at London landmarks to paparazzi lurking behind their lenses, London is full of photographers. 

And whether you're a budding amateur or a professional, there are a whole host of photographic galleries in London to inspire you. 

Take in the latest cool images at Proud Camden, explore eclectic talent at the Photographers' Gallery or view seminal images at the National Portrait Gallery Photography Collection. London has a photographic gallery to suit everyone's taste...

Proud Camden

A bar, live music venue, celeb hang-out and exhibition space rolled into one, Proud Camden is where hip 20-somethings and rock royalty in the making come to play. Exhibitions are dedicated to photographs of popular culture, encompassing rock music, fashion, sports and film. Shows are always cutting edge, often controversial and never dull.

National Portrait Gallery – Photography Collection

The first photographic exhibition that took place at the National Portrait Gallery was a Cecil Beaton retrospective in 1968. Since then, the gallery has presented a regularly-changing programme, ranging from Captain Scott's last expedition to the Royal Ballet's 75th Anniversary retrospective. Don't miss the stunning rooftop restaurant.

V&A Photography Collection

The Victoria & Albert Museum began acquiring photographs in 1852 and its collection is now is one of the largest and most important in the world. The V&A Photography Collection holds more than 500,000 images by both classic and contemporary photographers, and runs annual displays of around 40 images from the collection.

Michael Hoppen Gallery

A major presence in the international photography community, the Michael Hoppen Photography displays vintage and contemporary black and white photography . The aim? To emphasise the importance of photography in contemporary art today. Exhibitions feature both established and emerging artists.

Photofusion Gallery

This trendy Brixton gallery is a photography geek's heaven. The rotating Photofusion Gallery collections are all open to the public, and showcase emerging and eclectic talent. There are also darkrooms, digital print facilities, a fully-equipped studio and a range of classes available for budding photographers. 

The Photographers' Gallery

The Photographers' Gallery always packs a punch. Previous exhibitors include Juergen Teller, Martin Parr and Faye Goodwin. It's Britain's leading centre for contemporary and historical photography, and also hosts the annual Photography Prize, one of the most coveted awards in the art world.

Host Gallery

Host Gallery is a joint venture between top independent picture agency, Panos Pictures, and photography magazine, foto8. It specialises in photojournalism exhibitions that are both engaging and exciting. Past subjects have included the shocking truth behind the diamond trade and the dark side of the New York crime scene.

Getty Images Gallery

London's largest independent photographic gallery, the Getty Images Gallery showcases photos taken from contemporary libraries and its Hulton Archive. Founded by Picture Post publisher Edward Hulton, it's one of the largest resources of original archive photography in the world. Photographers can also hire the venue for exhibitions.

Hoopers Gallery

Located in hip Clerkenwell and named after its owner, himself a photographer, the Hoopers Gallery is a platform for fresh talent plus a showcase for more recognised modern masters. The 1,000sq ft main exhibition area is one of the largest in central London, and there's also a more intimate lower gallery.

Viewfinder Photography Gallery

Showcasing the work of emerging and established photographers, the Greenwich-based Viewfinder Photography Gallery presents a fast-paced and exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops and events. The gallery is a registered charity and free to visit. There's also a space for projects from new photographers.

Chris Beetles Fine Photographs

Chris Beetles Fine Photographs specialises in photographic prints by the world's most sought-after photographers, with an emphasis on 20th-century and British masters. You can buy many different types of work, from vintage to limited-edition modern prints, and the gallery holds regular exhibitions.

More Ideas for Photography Lovers in London

Visit London's Flickrpool
Check out Visit London's Flickr for fantastic pictures of London
Lazarides Gallery
Lazarides is an unconventional outsider art gallery in Fitzrovia
White Cube
White Cube shows controversial, contemporary art in Masons Yard
Hamiltons Gallery
Hamiltons Gallery in Mayfair showcases the best modern masters
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