The 12 Best Editorial Photographers in London

The city of London is a vibrant multicultural mix of people, places, and events. From the New Year’s Day parade in Westminster to Carnival de Cuba in Southwark Park, London Fashion Week to the Wimbledon Championships, the city is the dream destination for many. London’s veritable fabric of media ensures the world stays in touch with the best happenings in the city. Skilled London editorial photographers make sure we get to live these experiences through their unmatched artistry. Let’s check out a few creatives who put a visual to everything momentous and memorable in the city.

1. Tom Nicholson

There’s a lot to admire in Tom Nicholson’s portfolio, but what stands out for us is his inimitable sense of timing, as he manages to capture compelling images of history and headline-worthy scenes, right where they happen. His photographs carry a sense of provocation, telling viewers there’s more to the story. 

A regular photographer for Reuters, Nicholson has captured London beyond its magnificent architecture and extravagant events. The protests against migrant deaths, alarming Covid outbreak, and uncontrollable gatherings at Soho are just some of the many pressing issues that Nicholson has brought to light through his photojournalistic approach. We feel this characteristic makes his pictures the perfect visual for an editorial, a body of work that encourages the readers to see things beyond their face value. 

2. Jeff Gilbert

Jeff Gilbert is another master photographer whose snaps are nearly always on the news. From historic events, to the public marching for pride, or even leaders and CEOs at their best, Gilbert’s portraits have a brave confrontational quality that is hard-hitting and powerful. 

Having worked with the likes of The Daily Telegraph, The Times newspapers, and Transport for London, Gilbert’s vast experience as an editorial photographer paves way for authentic, sensational journalism. Every picture taken by him has an interesting story that unravels as we discover more about the people and places he so deftly seems to capture. This rare quality, of being a photographer and a storyteller at the same time, makes Gilbert one of the most adept London editorial photographers we’ve seen. 

3. Alex James

Alex James is one editorial photographer who makes beauty his business. From dancers and models to personalities showing off their elegant sides, to the photographer himself behind the scenes, James’ portfolio of fashion and beauty have a soul of their own. 

A clientele that includes Marie Claire, OK Magazine, Sunday Express Magazine, and H&M amongst others, James has solidified himself as both a commercial and editorial photographer. No matter the subgenre of print business—fashion, lifestyle, fitness, or sports, you can count on James to always overdeliver!

4. Jeff Moore

It’s rare for a photojournalist and editorial photographer to have fun while capturing all things newsworthy, but Jeff Moore manages to do exactly that. His photographs peel off a layer of formality and show his VIP and celebrity subjects for the very real humans they are.

Catch Duchess Kate laughing out loud, or Prince Harry and Bon Jovi at the Invictus Games, or Emilia Clarke giggling at a presentation in front of his lens. Moore’s ability to be real and funny makes his photographs truly memorable, a wonderful touch for those looking for a dose of human connection in their publications.  

5. Don Travis

Documenting the life, growth, and spirit of East London, Don Travis boasts a keen vision driving Future Hackney, a treasure trove of stories, histories, visual, and oral traditions. 

It’s not surprising that major London publications like The Guardian and BBC Culture hire Travis for some of the most interesting editorial projects. Her work is of the people and for the people, giving a crisp insight into the everyday joys and struggles of living in London. With compelling portraits, street photography, art exhibitions, and unfiltered glimpses of London, Travis creates a vision we just can’t let go.

6. Jason Garcia

From taking famous people’s portraits to covering thumping-good musical events to documenting protests that would forever change the course of history, Jason Garcia certainly makes the rounds as a fully realized London editorial photographer. 

Artists, athletes, and activists stand side by side proudly on his Instagram profile. Their visual impact is felt well with his masterful framing and editing, filling the picture with a sense of raw power that’s rare and riveting at the same time. This unsettling photograph from the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry, taken for BBC, only further proves that Garcia’s images need no explanation. They are worth more than a thousand words! 

7. Mark & Marianne of Earthy Photography

The gamut of services that photography duo Mark and Marianne Earthy provide is truly organized and impressive. With a hefty client list ranging from BBC to Euro Business Magazine to Reuters, and boasting multiple A-list actors and celebrities as part of their clientele, the Earthys have seen their portraits in major publications. 

What we love about this talented duo is how their photos end up being fun, informative, experimental, and provocative—all at the same time. Their street photography and photojournalism is no less than a visual delight. The Earthys’ vast portfolio takes them across various fields, from commercialized content to the newsworthy, making them the most sought-after London Editorial photographers.

8. Rory Lewis

When you have a niche so special that practically every titled member of the British government and peerage has stood in front of your camera, it makes you the most in-demand high profile photographer in the editorial world. Rory Lewis photographs royalty and celebrities in a series of regal and absolutely inspiring portraits that appear at the front of major biographical and editorial publications (BBC News, The Guardian, The Scotsman, to name a few).

Dame Judi Dench, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke of Kent, Sir Ian McKellen—London’s most beloved personalities have all been subjects of Lewis’s breathtaking portraiture. His VIPs also include heroes—men and women in arms and at the forefront of their fields. Bearing the weight of their legacy, his portraits are truly timeless in their representation. 

9. Samir Hussein

With an inroad at some of the UK’s most prominent events and a visual on its most happening celebrities, there isn’t much that escapes Samir Hussein’s viewfinder. Hussein’s portraits are a lovely mix of formal and candid, stylish and powerful, showing us exactly why A-Listers stand where they do.

Remember this photo of Meghan and Harry that Time magazine dubbed as “A romantic movie poster?” No points for guessing the name of the photographer! Recognized by esteemed organizations like the British Photography Awards and Getty Images, this London Editorial photographer was a no-brainer to include when we were curating this list. 

10. Dylan Martinez

When Dylan Martinez is not capturing Greta Thunberg’s chuffed thumbs up, he’s clicking some of the most prominent sports events, memorable interactions, and faces in the news. Often representing Reuters, Martinez has produced some of the most iconic images over the years.

From Simone Biles warming up in Tokyo, to the historic BLM protests, to the Taliban taking control in 1997, Martinez’s magnificent body of work is on full display. Having been featured in almost all of London’s print media, and even winning accolades for his work, Martinez’s photographs are truly attention-grabbing in the best way—exactly the characteristic that publications need today. 

11. Dan Burman

There’s a niche Dan Burman has claimed with elan, and that’s events and performance. His photographs are awfully fun, not just because of the subject matter but also for Burman’s choice of color palettes—neon, purple, and pink, a rarity for editorial photography.

From bikes, to backyard music, stunts to large quirky events, Burman’s captures give us a glimpse of Londoners at those nail-biting moments that get people gasping in wonder. His photographs are both album and news-worthy, gracing publications like The Times, Daily Mail, and The Independent—making him quite the offbeat London Editorial photographer.  

12. David Wheeler

David Wheeler’s portraits are a feature unto themselves. When working with publications and capturing personalities for the interviews, Wheeler’s photographing sportsmen, celebrities, and more, at their most compelling self. 

His powerful black-and-white stylized portraits form a captivating introduction to the person behind the personality. Bullet Media, Maverick Magazine, and F Word Magazine are just a few names that pop up when scrolling through his impressive clientele. Style meets substance when Wheeler is handed over the reins, giving us extraordinary editorial portraits to marvel at! 

Through London’s Eye

Over the years, editorial photographers have evolved from their traditional role of simply documenting events through images. Today, they inform us, inspire us, amaze us, and put our world in the broader context of history. Media publications, however big or small, need these passionate voices to substantiate their fine print with visuals that are authentic and ever-lasting. 

And when it comes to London, a city that is always on the radar for its cultural and political events, the need for talented photojournalists becomes even more crucial. We hope this roundup of talented London editorial photographers is helpful for your next story or featured publication to stand out the way it deserves to.

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