A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide Bristol, UK

A hub of creativity, Bristol is a city of contrasts where centuries-old architecture stands beside bold street art, and serene waterways meet vibrant independent culture. WIth a rebellious spirit and deep roots in art, music, and innovation, Bristol is a dream city for curious explorers.

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic Bristolian sight that spans the River Avon. Breathtaking at any hour, dusk or dawn brings the most atmospheric shots. Use the Lomo LC-Wide for moody vignettes and contrasty details or try the Sprocket Rocket for panoramic views. Photo by @liepabland

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic Bristolian sight that spans the River Avon. Breathtaking at any hour, dusk or dawn brings the most atmospheric shots. Use the Lomo LC-Wide for moody vignettes and contrasty details or try the Sprocket Rocket for panoramic views. Photo by @liepabland

Bristol BS3 2JX, UK
Stokes Croft is often referred to as the cultural quarter of Bristol. It’s loud, raw, and full of energy. Murals, graffiti, and DIY street installations make it a perfect place for street photography. Discover unusual shops, great pubs, real clubs, fabulous food and a wealth of artist studios and ever-changing exhibitions. Shoot on LomoChrome Purple film for an added burst of color! Photo by @jigsaw

Stokes Croft is often referred to as the cultural quarter of Bristol. It’s loud, raw, and full of energy. Murals, graffiti, and DIY street installations make it a perfect place for street photography. Discover unusual shops, great pubs, real clubs, fabulous food and a wealth of artist studios and ever-changing exhibitions. Shoot on LomoChrome Purple film for an added burst of color! Photo by @jigsaw

Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK
One of the longest streets of independent shops in Europe, Gloucester Road is where you need to be for some of Banksy’s best-known pieces, live music, exciting food options and shops of all kinds. Don’t be afraid to go for double exposures to capture the chaotic beauty of overlapping messages and moments. Photo by @pettingparty

One of the longest streets of independent shops in Europe, Gloucester Road is where you need to be for some of Banksy’s best-known pieces, live music, exciting food options and shops of all kinds. Don’t be afraid to go for double exposures to capture the chaotic beauty of overlapping messages and moments. Photo by @pettingparty

Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7, UK
The Harbourside was once a bustling port, it’s now a lively social and cultural hub. Capture colourful reflections off the water, old cranes standing over the docklands, and the bright façades of waterfront buildings. Ideal for a half-frame camera like the Lomourette Half-frame to double up on moody reflections and dockside symmetry. Photo by @kkiliszek

The Harbourside was once a bustling port, it’s now a lively social and cultural hub. Capture colourful reflections off the water, old cranes standing over the docklands, and the bright façades of waterfront buildings. Ideal for a half-frame camera like the Lomourette Half-frame to double up on moody reflections and dockside symmetry. Photo by @kkiliszek

Harbourside, Bristol BS1, UK
Bristol’s working-class roots and maritime history come to life here. Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a Victorian iron steamship with rich detail and patina – ideal for multiple exposures. M Shed’s industrial exterior, cranes and vintage vehicles are best captured with the La Sardina, for wide, saturated shots full of texture. Photo by @star-pixie

Bristol’s working-class roots and maritime history come to life here. Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a Victorian iron steamship with rich detail and patina – ideal for multiple exposures. M Shed’s industrial exterior, cranes and vintage vehicles are best captured with the La Sardina, for wide, saturated shots full of texture. Photo by @star-pixie

Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY, UK
A working boatyard that dates back to the 1800s, at the Underfall Yard you can see original pumping engines, boats, and historic dock machinery. Excellent for industrial textures and rusted colour palettes – shoot with LomoChrome Turquoise for striking metallic tones and watery hues.

A working boatyard that dates back to the 1800s, at the Underfall Yard you can see original pumping engines, boats, and historic dock machinery. Excellent for industrial textures and rusted colour palettes – shoot with LomoChrome Turquoise for striking metallic tones and watery hues.

Underfall Yard, Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6XG, UK

An independent film processing lab in Bristol, Jack’s Lab is an inclusive space for all levels of film photographers – A place you can come and hang out, chat about all sorts of nerdy film stuff, get your film developed, learn shit and ask questions. Working in collaboration with Photo Club Bristol, they organize social meet-ups, artist events, exhibitions, forums, workshops and more for the Bristol film photography community.

Meriton Foundry, Unit 34 Meriton St, Bristol BS2 0SZ, UK

Bristol Cameras is a store dealing in both digital and analogue photography and is conveniently situated right in the heart of the city. Stop by to stock up on all your favorite Lomography film and other gear.

47 High St, Bristol BS1 2AZ, UK
Photo by @agholt
Photo by @agholt

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Bristol

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Bristol to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Arnolfini
An international centre for contemporary art, Arnolfini sits right on the Harbourside and regularly hosts photography, performance, film, and sound art exhibitions. Alongside its exhibition programme, Arnolfini is a centre of everyday creativity and learning, working with a wide range of community and artistic partners, while continuing to explore and develop new opportunities across the city and beyond.

The Watershed
A buzzing media and arts centre with indie film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops. Sit with a coffee overlooking the harbour and shoot candid street scenes with a LomoApparat for sharp, characterful portraits.

Royal Photographic Society
Headquartered in Bristol, they offer a diverse education and exhibitions programme at their gallery and other venues across the UK. Founded in 1853 to make the art and science of photrography more accessible, their mission is to bring inspiration, creativity and connection through photography to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Photographique, North Street
Photographique is a film processing and print lab based in Bristol. They offer film processing, sell books and publications from local and international artists, and a selection of clothing & accessories designed by local artists.

Photo by @robertofiuza
Photo by @robertofiuza

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Bristol

St Nicholas Market
Under a glass arcade, this market mixes the smells of street food with vintage bookstalls, quirky crafts and global flavours. Great place to people-watch and capture daily city life.

The Lido
A restored Victorian swimming pool with café and spa in Clifton. The blue water and pastel colours make it ideal for clean, sunlit compositions.

The Apple
A cider bar on a boat. Yes, really. Hop aboard and sip Somerset cider as you watch the sun go down over the harbour. The reflections and movement make it a great time for creative double exposures.

Bristol Old Vic
The UK’s oldest working theatre, you will find a special programme of classic theatre, children’s shows and material from emerging talent. You can also take a tour of the theatre or attend classes at the school.

Bookhaus
With something for everyone, this independent bookstore focuses on politics, contemporary fiction and independent presses. Reflecting Bristol’s tradition as a center of radicalism, you can attend regular events including book launches, panel discussions and reading groups.

Photo by @ biblicalshower
Photo by @ biblicalshower

Bristol Folk House Darkroom
A charitable organization, this adult education center offers evening courses and workshops and is open to all over 18’s. The basement darkroom accepts individual bookings and has plenty of resources available.

Real Photography Company, St Pauls Darkrooms
Aiming to revive and refresh traditional and experimental photography, the Real Photography Company offer courses, workshops, exhibitions and community photography projects.​​ Their Community Darkroom facilities are available with free inductions.

Bristol Cameras
This camera store dealing in both digital and analogue photography is situated right in the heart of the city. Stop by to stock up on all your favorite Lomography film and other gear.

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Lomographers From This City

  • hooman

    473 Photos · joined 2024-07-20
    hooman

    A few decades ago, I learned film photography with Canon a1 and f1. After a long break, now I'm taking photos with kmz Zorki 4, Salyut-c, and Pentax k1000. I'm using film photography to expand my …

  • yildirimmustafa

    289 Photos · joined 2017-05-04
    yildirimmustafa

    Im just shooting some 35 mm films and sharing unedited versions. @justshooting.35mm

  • minty

    278 Photos · joined 2009-10-27
    minty

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/37695121@N03/

  • upstart_thunder

    995 Photos · joined 2010-11-23
    upstart_thunder

    Very much interested in some film sharing! Any country! :D www.upstartthunder.co.uk

  • woollographer

    1,832 Photos · joined 2010-05-13
    woollographer

    I'm about angles and corners. The Luddites were right. Digital is just a fad. Analogue 'til I die.

  • stubob

    127 Photos · joined 2016-11-23
    stubob

    I dance like no one is watching, but only when no one is

  • peter_parkinsons

    487 Photos · joined 2015-10-15
    peter_parkinsons

    100% Analogue

  • mattiiik

    176 Photos · joined 2015-02-22
    mattiiik

    Analogue heart, monochrome soul. Bristol, UK http://www.lomography.com/magazine/317295-mattiiik-is-our-lomohome-of-the-day

  • cprice

    112 Photos · joined 2020-09-05
    cprice

    - Fuji Tele Cardia Super date - Canon A-1 - Lomo'Instant

Where to Buy Analogue Photography Cameras & Develop Films

Bristol Cameras

47 High St, Bristol BS1 2AZ, UK
Show on Google Maps

Cameras
Films
Lenses
Development
110 Development

Bristol Cameras

47 High St, Bristol BS1 2AZ, UK
Show on Google Maps

Cameras
Films
Lenses
Development
110 Development

More Guides

  • Nottingham

    Country/Region: United Kingdom
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide Nottingham, UK

    A city where myth and modernity meet, Nottingham is home to rebellious legends, an independent spirit, and a thriving creative scene. From historic lace factories to cutting-edge galleries, it’s a place where the past inspires the present. Expect medieval alleyways, street art, underground music, and unexpected moments of cinematic beauty.

  • Oxford

    Country/Region: United Kingdom
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Oxford

    Oxford is a city in the south east of England famous for its rich history, internationally recognised university, grand architecture and the River Cherwell, a tributary of the River Thames, which hosts iconic punting and boat trips. This quaint little city has been admired by artists and writers for centuries. Victorian poet Matthew Arnold nicknamed it “The City Of Dreaming Spires” in his 1865 poem “Thyrsis”.

  • Bath

    Country/Region: United Kingdom
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Bath, UK

    Nestled in the rolling green hills of Somerset, Bath is a city of sand-colored stone, rich history and architectural elegance. As the only entire city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath offers a perfect blend of Roman heritage, Georgian grandeur and vibrant contemporary culture.

  • London

    Country/Region: United Kingdom
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to London, UK

    London is the capital of the UK and is one of the most famous cities in the world. It’s a place where history, architecture, culture and art all come together to create a truly unique experience. You can explore the Houses of Parliament, the iconic “Big Ben” clock tower, take a stroll along the River Thames, admire the huge London Eye or visit the many museums, art galleries, cafes and street markets in the surrounding areas. You could spend a lifetime exploring this fantastic city, so we’ve created a helpful guide which showcases our community’s favorite spots.