A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Los Angeles, USA

Los Angeles, or the City of Angels, is known for its stars, beaches and being the birthplace of the American film industry. There are so many different parts of the city to explore, and each has a different activity for everyone. Venture to Beverly Hills for the fashion, the South Bay to do a little surfing, or Griffith Park to take a look at the iconic Hollywood sign. Also the food scene is diverse and vibrant. There is so much to see, and we are excited to see what inspires our Lomographers!

Looking for a vista of Los Angeles at an iconic location? The Griffith Observatory gives you views of the entire basin – from mountain to sea. Go during the day, or at night to see the city of stars. If you keep an eye out, you might even see the Hollywood sign. Take your Lomography Redscale film for some epic shots of the sunset. Photo by jbeischer

Looking for a vista of Los Angeles at an iconic location? The Griffith Observatory gives you views of the entire basin – from mountain to sea. Go during the day, or at night to see the city of stars. If you keep an eye out, you might even see the Hollywood sign. Take your Lomography Redscale film for some epic shots of the sunset. Photo by jbeischer

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Ever been on a rollercoaster above the water? The Santa Monica Pier has a mini amusement park, with rides, arcade games and delicious food. Bring a Lomography medium format camera and use the Endless Panorama Technique to the end of the pier and capture the carnival of life around you! Photo by edwardconde

Ever been on a rollercoaster above the water? The Santa Monica Pier has a mini amusement park, with rides, arcade games and delicious food. Bring a Lomography medium format camera and use the Endless Panorama Technique to the end of the pier and capture the carnival of life around you! Photo by edwardconde

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Home to the legacy of college football, the Rose Bowl is located in Pasadena and features a Flea market on the second Sunday of every month. Over 2,500 vendors set up stands full of local art, antiques, clothing and maybe even a vintage camera or two. Who knows what you’ll find! Photo by resoca

Home to the legacy of college football, the Rose Bowl is located in Pasadena and features a Flea market on the second Sunday of every month. Over 2,500 vendors set up stands full of local art, antiques, clothing and maybe even a vintage camera or two. Who knows what you’ll find! Photo by resoca

1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
It wouldn’t be Los Angeles without its beaches. Manhattan Beach, named after NYC, has those iconic California waves and surfers galore. Make it a beach day, or take some time to walk around the downtown area for some great food and fun shops. Rent a surf board and paddle out with your Lomo LC-A+ in the Krab Underwater Housing loaded with LomoChrome Turquoise Film for some epic shots of the coastline! Photo by igotthechop

It wouldn’t be Los Angeles without its beaches. Manhattan Beach, named after NYC, has those iconic California waves and surfers galore. Make it a beach day, or take some time to walk around the downtown area for some great food and fun shops. Rent a surf board and paddle out with your Lomo LC-A+ in the Krab Underwater Housing loaded with LomoChrome Turquoise Film for some epic shots of the coastline! Photo by igotthechop

Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
Recreate a Pretty Woman shopping moment in Beverly Hills! Fun to people watch, you might even spot a celebrity out for a grocery run. The luxury cars driving up and down Rodeo Drive make the perfect photography opportunity. Stop into Nate’n Al’s diner for delicious American-style diner food. Photo by sara81

Recreate a Pretty Woman shopping moment in Beverly Hills! Fun to people watch, you might even spot a celebrity out for a grocery run. The luxury cars driving up and down Rodeo Drive make the perfect photography opportunity. Stop into Nate’n Al’s diner for delicious American-style diner food. Photo by sara81

Rodeo Dr, California, USA
Located just off of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theater has hosted the Academy Awards and is an extravagant cinematic experience. Stop by after finding your favorite celebrity’s star to shoot a photo of the iconic pagoda or see a film in the heart of Hollywood! Photo by kingnate

Located just off of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theater has hosted the Academy Awards and is an extravagant cinematic experience. Stop by after finding your favorite celebrity’s star to shoot a photo of the iconic pagoda or see a film in the heart of Hollywood! Photo by kingnate

6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles which features the works of Basquiat, Warhol and Kusama’s Infinity Mirror room. Shoot on our 2021 LomoChrome Metropolis film for the punchy pop art and on long exposure to capture the flashing LED lights! There are always events and new exhibits so check the schedule before you go. Photo by desidesidesi

The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles which features the works of Basquiat, Warhol and Kusama’s Infinity Mirror room. Shoot on our 2021 LomoChrome Metropolis film for the punchy pop art and on long exposure to capture the flashing LED lights! There are always events and new exhibits so check the schedule before you go. Photo by desidesidesi

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Looking to do a hike and see some history? After seeing the front of the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory, take an adventurous trek on the Cahuenga Peak Trail for a unique view of the city from behind the sign. Fun fact: the sign used to say Hollywoodland before a landslide took away the land part. Photo by cbadajos

Looking to do a hike and see some history? After seeing the front of the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory, take an adventurous trek on the Cahuenga Peak Trail for a unique view of the city from behind the sign. Fun fact: the sign used to say Hollywoodland before a landslide took away the land part. Photo by cbadajos

Cahuenga Park Trail, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
The Last Bookstore is probably one of the coolest places to buy books (and vinyl) there is. It has been featured in films as well and houses over 500,000 books. Maybe pick one up about analogue photography techniques while you’re there. The store also has a great cafe and photo opportunities. Photo by tracyvmoore

The Last Bookstore is probably one of the coolest places to buy books (and vinyl) there is. It has been featured in films as well and houses over 500,000 books. Maybe pick one up about analogue photography techniques while you’re there. The store also has a great cafe and photo opportunities. Photo by tracyvmoore

453 S Spring St Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Stop by Samy’s Camera for a selection of all types of film and photography supplies while you’re in Los Angeles! The store also offers imaging services and rentals if you are looking to test out some equipment. Photo by neufotomacher

Stop by Samy’s Camera for a selection of all types of film and photography supplies while you’re in Los Angeles! The store also offers imaging services and rentals if you are looking to test out some equipment. Photo by neufotomacher

431 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Located just off the 405 Freeway in Brentwood, the Getty Center has an amazing vista of downtown Los Angeles. Explore the extensive European art collection, special exhibitions and check out the gardens as well! Perfect for getting out of the city, and who knows, maybe you will find a Lomography product or two. Photo by cfrancisco

Located just off the 405 Freeway in Brentwood, the Getty Center has an amazing vista of downtown Los Angeles. Explore the extensive European art collection, special exhibitions and check out the gardens as well! Perfect for getting out of the city, and who knows, maybe you will find a Lomography product or two. Photo by cfrancisco

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Los Angeles

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

Photo by edwardconde
Photo by edwardconde

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
This art museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard and is adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits. Stop by the LACMA lights for a must-have shot, then venture inside the museum which features new exciting exhibitions as well as a current collection.

The Getty Center
The Getty Center features one of the largest collections of art on the west coast. It houses everything from pre-20th century European paintings to 19th and 20th century photographs. If you are feeling adventurous, drive over to Malibu to the Getty Villa for pottery and sculptures from antiquity. Recreate some of the poses in art for a fun photo opportunity.

The Broad
This contemporary art museum is a must-see in Los Angeles. Its collection immediately catches the eye and is sure to create some fun conversations.

Photo by theprime
Photo by theprime

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Los Angeles

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Los Angeles. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Los Angeles-based LomoHomes and Partners.

République
This restaurant is a must-visit while in Los Angeles. Built in 1928 by American actor Charlie Chaplin, it features amazing pastries and farm fresh ingredients. Just by eating there, you are reliving film history!

Melrose Avenue
This famous shopping destination in Los Angeles starts at Santa Monica Boulevard. Along it, you’ll find everything from designer to vintage stores, and many great photo opportunities with murals.

Amoeba Music
The World’s Largest Independent Record store and has a stock of over 100,000 Vinyl and CDs, perfect for our analogue photographers who also love the tangibility of their music.

Mel’s Drive-in
Probably America’s most iconic diner, this restaurant has seen many a star-studded party. A mix of the retro 50s style and modern touches as well as some LED lights perfect for a long exposure shot.

Venice Canal
Looking for a little slice of Italy in Los Angeles? The Venice Canal is in walking distance to Abbot Kinney boulevard and makes for a great photo opportunity.

The Grove
With an iconic movie theater, trolley and tons of shopping and restaurants, this outdoor mall is located right near Beverly Hills. Depending on the season, you might find some holiday decorations as well.

Catalina Island
Looking for a daytrip out of the city? Head over to the marina at Long Beach or San Pedro and board a ferry to this island for a little slice of heaven. The island has also been a filming location for over 500 different projects.

Dodger Stadium
The largest stadium in the MLB and home to the Dodgers, stop by for a baseball game, or take a tour! Outside the park, you will have an iconic view of Los Angeles as well.

Photo by lawypop
Photo by lawypop

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.

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

  • Hippolyte Bayard: A Persistent Pioneer

    2024-04-09 – 2024-07-07 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    Hippolyte Bayard: A Persistent Pioneer

    Hippolyte Bayard–Parisian bureaucrat by day and persistent inventor and artist after hours–is one of the lesser-known pioneers of photography. This exhibition presents an extraordinarily rare opportunity to view some of Bayard’s highly fragile photographs dating from the 1840s–the first decade of the new medium–and to explore his early processes, subjects, and strategies to achieve recognition. It highlights Getty’s treasured Bayard album, one of the first photographic albums ever created.

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  • First Came a Friendship: Sidney B. Felsen and the Artists at Gemini G.E.L.

    2024-02-20 – 2024-07-07 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    First Came a Friendship: Sidney B. Felsen and the Artists at Gemini G.E.L.

    The photographs of Sidney B. Felsen (b. 1924) eloquently document the remarkable history of Gemini G.E.L, the Los Angeles artist’s workshop and publisher of limited-edition prints and sculpture, founded in 1966. They capture with great empathy the joy and demands of the creative process, record the many close friendships fostered with artists who collaborated at Gemini, and bear witness to the evolving Los Angeles art scene.

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  • Arthur Tress: Rambles, Dreams, and Shadows

    2024-01-29 – 2024-02-18 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    Arthur Tress: Rambles, Dreams, and Shadows

    The first exhibition to chronicle the early career of Arthur Tress, one of the most innovative American photographers of the postwar era. During his first decade as an emergent professional in the New York photography world (1968–78), his artistic practice evolved from being rooted in the social documentary tradition to a bold new approach drawing inspiration from the inner worlds of fantasies, daydreams, and nightmares.

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  • AC Photo Community Mixer

    2024-02-09 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    AC Photo Community Mixer

    Authority Collective is hosting a mixer at the Los Angeles Center of Photography, for the local photo community to meet and mingle at LACP’s downtown LA headquarters.

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  • Tim Walker – Wonderful Things

    2023-05-02 – 2023-08-20 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    Tim Walker – Wonderful Things

    Journey into the fantastical worlds created by internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Tim Walker. The exhibition pays tribute to Walker’s distinctive contribution to image-making while also highlighting the work of his creative collaborators: set designers, stylists, makeup artists, models, and muses. At the heart of the show is a new series of photographs inspired by his research into the collections of the Getty Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London.

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  • The Adventures of Tamarind and Bandit – Bakeneko Monogatari

    2023-05-05 – 2023-06-30 · Los Angeles, United States of America
    The Adventures of Tamarind and Bandit – Bakeneko Monogatari

    The Adventures of Tamarind and Bandit – Bakeneko Monogatari – is an ongoing analogue double exposure series of Satomi Sugiyama’s cats and the cityscape of the places she has called home: “This project was born purely out of the love for my cats after I spent the previous few years feeling unmotivated, and it has given me a whole new life and meaning to my photography. All of those images were shot across two continents; The city layers were mostly shot in my hometown of Osaka while the cat layers of Tamarind and Bandit were shot back home in Los Angeles. My ultimate goal of this project is to create cinematic and ambiguous images that tell stories to the audiences while hopefully making them happy.” The opening will go from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on May 5th at “The Icon” in Los Angeles.

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Where to Buy Analogue Photography Cameras & Develop Films

Freestyle Photographic Supplies

5401 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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35m Pro

15133 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA
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Samy's Camera

431 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
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Vinovore

4627 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
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J Paul Getty Museum Store

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
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The Quiet Life

5108 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA
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Vinovore

616 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA
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The Icon

5450 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
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One Stop Film Lab

341 S Los Angeles St Unit 8006, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
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The Daily Planet

5931 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
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    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to the Big Island (Hawai’i), USA

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  • San Francisco

    Country/Region: United States
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to San Francisco, USA

    San Francisco is one of those cities that has everything. Located right on the California coast, it has both historic architecture and modern skyscrapers, as well as a beautiful natural setting. With its history in the California Gold Rush, there is no shortage of iconic landmarks and places you can take your film camera!

  • O‘ahu

    Country/Region: United States
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to O’ahu (Hawai’i), USA

    O’ahu is one of the eight main Hawaiian islands and has probably one of the most diverse landscapes. Honolulu is a bustling city settled right on the white sandy beaches of Hawai’i, while the North Shore, known for its iconic surf spots, is not too far away. The island also has beautifully lush jungle and mountains, which you can explore on foot or by air in a helicopter. Explore everything the island has to offer as well as the crystal blue water with the Lomography camera of your choosing!

  • San Diego

    Country/Region: United States
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to San Diego, USA

    San Diego has everything from gorgeous Southern California beaches, a plethora of museums and a historic Old Town. The weather is amazing year round, and this oceanside town also has a great food scene and features the laid back surfer culture California is known for.

  • New York

    Country/Region: United States
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to New York, USA

    In a city where grit meets endless opportunity, few places are as creatively fulfilling and inspiring as New York City. With its restless ambition, constant motion, and relentless creativity, it’s no wonder artists and visionaries have flocked here for generations. From timeless brownstones to avant-garde art spaces, every street corner tells a story – and every Lomographer should visit at least once. Expect towering skylines, subway musicians, gritty graffiti, and flashes of cinematic wonder woven into everyday life. This is the city that never sleeps – because it’s too busy constantly reinventing itself.

  • Santa Barbara

    Country/Region: United States
    A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Santa Barbara, USA

    Santa Barbara is one of the most charming cities in California. A seaside town, it is a gorgeous place to wind down and enjoy the California weather. It’s got funk, beautiful Spanish-style architecture, and is surrounded by nature on all sides which you can explore with your Lomography film camera!