POV: you bring a film camera to london 🎡🇬🇧

Bringing a film camera to London was one of the best decisions I made for my trip! While digital is convenient, there’s an incomparable charm to seeing London through the grain and unique color palettes only 35mm film can offer. It really makes you slow down and appreciate each shot. If you're thinking of doing the same, here are a few tips I picked up along the way to make your film photography adventure in this incredible city even more rewarding. First, choose your film stock wisely. London's weather can be notoriously moody, so having a versatile film is key. I found that a good all-rounder like Fujifilm Superia or Kodak Portra works wonderfully, especially if you're unsure about light conditions. For brighter, sunny days around iconic spots like the Victoria Memorial or when capturing the vibrant details of London's charming streets, a lower ISO (like 100 or 200) can give you fantastic results. For those overcast days or indoor shots, an ISO 400 will be your best friend. Don't be afraid to experiment with black and white film too; Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament look incredibly dramatic in monochrome, especially when viewed from across the River Thames. Next, embrace the light. London light can be soft and diffused, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Pay attention to golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) – the way the sun catches the historic buildings can be absolutely breathtaking on film. I loved shooting around Westminster during this time; the warm glow on the ancient stone is something else. Even on a cloudy day, the diffused light can create a very cinematic look. Composition is key with limited shots. Unlike digital, you can't just snap a hundred photos and pick the best one. This forces you to be more intentional. Look for interesting angles. I tried to frame some shots with the classic red phone booths or double-decker buses in the foreground to really capture the essence of London. Don’t just point and shoot at the obvious landmarks; try to include everyday life. A shot of a vintage black car parked on a cobbled street, or the intricate details of a row of colorful London buildings, can tell a richer story. Finally, don't forget the practicalities. Bring plenty of film rolls! It's easy to get carried away. While you can find film shops in London, it's often cheaper to bring your own. Also, research where you can get your film developed. There are some fantastic independent labs in London that do a superb job and can often scan your negatives for you, so you get digital copies too. This was a lifesaver for me, ensuring my precious shots from London on 35mm were beautifully preserved. Taking a film camera to London truly elevated my travel experience. It turned every photo opportunity into a thoughtful process and left me with tangible memories that feel so much more personal. I highly recommend it!