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.
A grand manor set in acres of parkland is Wollaton Hall & Park, which you may recognize for its starring role as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. Explore the whimsical natural history museum inside or capture landscapes outside. Use a Diana F+ for a nostalgic feel. Photo by @olly_loach
Wollaton Rd, Nottingham NG8 2AE, UK
The creative heart of Nottingham City Center, Hockley, is buzzing with record stores, vintage fashion, independent coffee shops and art galleries. Look out for colorful rainbow roads, cool street art, alfresco dining or catch a live gig at the Bodega. Capture a unique perspective with the Lomomatic 110 day or night. Photo by @lieksin
Hockley, Nottingham NG1, UK
Once the center of the global lace industry, the Lace Market is now filled with old warehouses repurposed as restaurants, studios and cocktail bars. The red brick textures, iron staircases and high windows are ideal for architectural abstracts. Bring your La Sardina and play with lines, shadows and silhouettes. Photo by @alisonjit
The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1, UKTake a stroll up to the University Park Campus, home to acres of green parkland, historic buildings and an iconic boating lake. Period buildings are mixed with modern teaching facilities, and the local community are welcome to enjoy the walks, parks and gardens in the University’s landscaped settings. Bring your Sprocket Rocket camera for the widest views.
University Blvd, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UKA hidden gem, Cobden Chambers is home to several independent businesses, and a vibrant central courtyard surrounded by colorful buildings where you’ll find pop-up food vendors, markets and street artists. With a rich history, it has been a photographer’s studio, a base for the Nottingham Society of Artists, the office for Notts County Football Club and an editing house for Platform, the Midland’s monthly art magazine in the ’70s.
Unit 5, Michael Levin Diamond Merchants, Cobden Chambers, Pelham St, Nottingham NG1 2ED, UKClaimed to be England’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is carved into the rocks beneath the castle. Atmospheric low light, candles, and historical quirks – perfect for black-and-white film or moody color shots.
1, Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham NG1 6AD, UK
Nottingham Arboretum is a Victorian park filled with ornamental trees, peacocks, and gothic-style structures. Ideal for soft-focus portraits or natural studies in seasonal colour – try Redscale film for autumnal tones all year round. Photo by @deborahcardinal
Arboretum, Nottingham, UKTucked away behind the city centre, Five Leaves Bookshop is a radical independent bookshop that focuses on politics, feminism, history and ecology.
14a Long Row, Swann's Yard, Nottingham NG1 2DH, UKHave you ever wanted to explore a new city and find all the best hidden locations and hotspots to feed your analogue passion? Well, we’re here to help you! We’ve pulled together some of our community’s most loved museums, meeting places, photography spots and must-visit processing labs and shops in Nottingham to give you the perfect guide to this great city through the eyes of an analogue enthusiast. All these recommendations have been approved and verified by Lomographers.
Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Nottingham
Nottingham Contemporary
One of the UK’s largest contemporary art spaces, it’s a must-visit for lovers of photography, installations and radical exhibitions. The unique building is built into the cliffside, seemingly much smaller from outside than it is within. Inside you’ll find ambitious exhibitions of international art, intended to spark discussion about culture and society.
Backlit Gallery
A vibrant artist-led space supporting early-career contemporary artists. With regular exhibitions, studio tours and open calls, it’s a place to engage with emerging voices and fresh visual ideas.
Savoy Cinema
This art-deco style cinema was built in 1935. Screening recent releases as well as the very best of arts and entertainment, this cinema is an off-the-beaten track cultural hub.
New Art Exchange
This gallery of contemporary visual art champions diversity and inclusivity and by providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the art world. Here you’ll find fascinating and varied exhibitions and events covering photography and other visual artforms.
City of Caves
This vast cave network is a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history, from a medieval tannery to World War 2 air-raid shelters, the soft sandstone of Nottingham’s foundations have enabled the creation this rare underground world.
The Museum of Curiosities
For lovers of the quirky and macabre, take a visit to this museum filled with “haunted” items from around the world. Packed with skeletons, taxidermy, and countless other oddities, this is a must-do during the Halloween season.
Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Nottingham
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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham-based LomoHomes and Partners.
Sneinton Market
This renowned market features the best of Nottingham’s artists, makers, designers, and creatives. Wander the colorful and eclectic stalls while sampling some outrageously delicious street food, and capturing all the activity with your favorite Lomography camera.
Sherwood Forest
Famous for its association with the legendary Robin Hood, this ancient woodland is the perfect day-trip destination from Nottingham. The Forest encompasses 425 hectares and boasts more than a thousand ancient oaks – the perfect place for practicing some experimental double-exposures in nature, or simply wandering the paths on a summer day.
Make it Easy
If you’re looking for a place in the city to get your film developed Make it Easy is the spot. This lab and darkroom space is well-known as a hub for film photographers in Nottingham. They also hold regular workshops for film photography newbies, and those looking to delve deeper into the craft.
Lace Market
Once the center of the global lace industry, the Lace Market is now filled with old warehouses repurposed as restaurants, studios and cocktail bars. The red brick textures, iron staircases and high windows are ideal for architectural abstracts. Bring your La Sardina and play with lines, shadows and silhouettes.
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.
Lomographers From This City
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well i'm me, don't really think anyone else would really want to be me and i'm not sure i'd like to be anyone else! www.lightleaks.co.uk
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