Liverpool is a brilliant city to shoot in. Grand columns, cobbled streets, a world famous waterfront, big green parks and a beach with iron men on it, all within a short drive of each other. Whatever the look, there is a spot here that fits it.
These are the places I keep coming back to for artist shoots, natural light actor headshots, showreel scenes and personal branding, plus what each one does best.
The short version
- Royal Albert Dock and the waterfront. Columns, water and golden hour.
- St George’s Hall. Grand, classic and timeless.
- Sefton Park. Greenery, the lake and soft light.
- The cobbled bar streets. Texture by day, neon by night.
- Terraced streets and back lanes. Real, grounded character.
- The coast. Dunes, big skies and room to move.
- Pubs, bars and friends’ places. Be a little cheeky and ask, or hire a hotel room or Airbnb.
1. Royal Albert Dock and the waterfront
The colonnade around the dock gives you rows of columns, shade on bright days and lines that lead straight to you. Step out to the waterfront railings and you get the river and some of the best sunsets in the city. It is a favourite for musicians, personal brand shoots and anyone who wants a polished, city feel. It gets busy, so early mornings are the sweet spot.
2. St George’s Hall
Huge columns, wide steps and serious scale. St George’s Hall makes anyone look like they belong on a poster. It works beautifully for press shots and editorial portraits, and grey days are no problem here because the pale stone bounces soft, even light back onto your face.
And that is just the start. Liverpool has an abundance of architecture: grand, industrial, derelict, 1920s right through to modern. There is everything here, you just have to hunt! Get on Google Maps, start a vision board and send it to me. I love seeing what people find.
3. Sefton Park
When you want something softer, Sefton Park is the place. The lake, the trees and the paths give you natural backgrounds that melt away behind you, and the light through the leaves is gorgeous for relaxed headshots. It changes with the seasons too: blossom in spring, rich colour in autumn. There is plenty of space, which dancers love.
4. The cobbled bar streets
By day the brick, cobbles and shop fronts give you texture and a lived in feel. After dark the same streets glow with neon and street light, which is perfect for musicians and moody showreel scenes. Night shoots need a plan for light, so I bring my own and use what the street gives us.
5. Terraced streets and back lanes
Rows of Victorian terraces and quiet back lanes feel real and grounded. They are ideal for character roles, drama scenes and artists whose music has that honest, homegrown feel. We keep things quiet, never block anyone’s door and move on quickly, so residents barely notice we were there.
6. The coast
A short trip out of the city takes you to Crosby Beach, home of Antony Gormley’s Another Place, and the dunes at Formby. Big skies, wind in your hair and space to move make it amazing for music videos, dancers and anyone after a sense of freedom. Tide times and weather matter here, so we plan around both.
7. Pubs, bars, hotels and the places your friends have
Some of my favourite shoots have happened indoors, in places you would never find on a list like this. I have shot in pubs with the landlord’s blessing, in artsy bars before opening, in restaurants on a quiet afternoon and in friends’ flats with gorgeous window light. Liverpool is full of spaces with real character: old wood, tiled walls, neon signs, velvet booths and big old windows.
The secret is being a little bit cheeky. Ask your mates what they have access to, whether that is a bar they work in, a studio, a shop, a vintage car or a flat with a view. Pop into the independent bars and cafés you love and ask if they would be up for it at a quiet time. Post in local Facebook groups too. You would be amazed how many people say yes, especially when you offer to tag them and share a few photos they can use.
If you want total control, hire a space. A boutique hotel room, an Airbnb with great interiors or a venue booked by the hour gives you a private set for the day, with no customers to work around. Check the booking allows photography first, and split the cost with a friend who needs photos too.
Always ask first and get a clear yes, keep it quick and tidy, work around their customers and leave the place exactly as you found it. Do that and you will often be invited back.
Permission and a plan B
A small portrait shoot in a public space usually runs without any fuss. Some spots are privately managed, and bigger shoots with a crew, lights or lots of kit can need permission, so I check before the day and let you know. And because this is Liverpool, there is always a rainy day plan: a covered spot nearby or my city centre studio.
Plan your location shoot
Before the day
- One or two locations close together
- Time of day picked for the light you want
- Outfits that suit the backdrop
- A rainy day plan agreed
- Asked friends, local bars and Facebook groups about indoor spots
On the day
- Comfy shoes for walking between spots
- A bag for outfit changes
- Water and a snack, especially at the coast
Questions people ask
Can we shoot inside a pub, bar or café?
Yes, with permission. Pubs, bars and restaurants make brilliant backdrops, and plenty of owners are happy to help at a quiet time if you ask nicely and offer them a few photos in return.
Can we shoot at more than one location?
Yes. Pick spots that sit close together, like the dock and the waterfront, and we can get two or three different looks without losing time travelling.
What happens if it rains?
We move to a covered spot or into the studio. Overcast weather is actually lovely for portraits, so a grey sky is rarely a problem.
What time of day is best?
Early morning is quieter and softer. Golden hour, just before sunset, is warm and flattering. Night works brilliantly for neon and street light.
More guides for artists and actors: How to prepare for your actor headshot shoot and What casting directors want from a showreel.
Got a look in mind?
Let’s find your spot
Tell me what you are working on and the feel you are after, and I will suggest the best location for it.