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”.

At over 400 years old, the Oxford Botanic Gardens are the oldest botanic gardens in the UK and contain over 5,000 plant species. Visit in spring to see blooming flowers and blossoms abound. Literary lovers will find nods to the work of Lewis Carroll, J.R.R Tolkien and Philip Pullman, who were inspired by this tranquil spot. Photo by weleasewoger72

At over 400 years old, the Oxford Botanic Gardens are the oldest botanic gardens in the UK and contain over 5,000 plant species. Visit in spring to see blooming flowers and blossoms abound. Literary lovers will find nods to the work of Lewis Carroll, J.R.R Tolkien and Philip Pullman, who were inspired by this tranquil spot. Photo by weleasewoger72

Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ, UK
In sunny weather there’s nothing better than a walk along the Oxford Canal Path, photographing the unique narrowboats, weeping willows and picturesque architecture along the way with your favorite Lomography camera. Make your way north from the city center to the trendy neighborhood of Jericho, with its many cafes, pubs and bars. Photo by oldskool_rider

In sunny weather there’s nothing better than a walk along the Oxford Canal Path, photographing the unique narrowboats, weeping willows and picturesque architecture along the way with your favorite Lomography camera. Make your way north from the city center to the trendy neighborhood of Jericho, with its many cafes, pubs and bars. Photo by oldskool_rider

Jericho, Oxford, UK
The Cowley Road area is known as the the heart of Oxford’s thriving music scene, where bands like Foals and Radiohead had their very first gigs. Here you’ll also find Truck Store – a fantastic independent record store and music venue. Discover new artists, or rediscover old favorites among its vinyl treasure trove. Photo by ilikepeas

The Cowley Road area is known as the the heart of Oxford’s thriving music scene, where bands like Foals and Radiohead had their very first gigs. Here you’ll also find Truck Store – a fantastic independent record store and music venue. Discover new artists, or rediscover old favorites among its vinyl treasure trove. Photo by ilikepeas

101 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1HU, UK
The best views of the city can be seen from the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin (or simply St Mary’s Church). Make your way up its 127-stepped medieval spiral staircase and snap a stunning shot from the top with a panoramic camera like the Sprocket Rocket or Spinner 360°. Photo by monstermuffin

The best views of the city can be seen from the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin (or simply St Mary’s Church). Make your way up its 127-stepped medieval spiral staircase and snap a stunning shot from the top with a panoramic camera like the Sprocket Rocket or Spinner 360°. Photo by monstermuffin

The, High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ, UK
In the Headington area of East Oxford you can spot one of the city’s most bizarre and eyecatching artworks. The 25 ft-long Headington Shark appears to be crashing through the roof of an ordinary residential building. This iconic artwork has been in place since 1986, erected by the owner of the house as an anti-bomb statement, and despite efforts by the city council to have it removed, it has remained and become a much-loved feature of the neighbourhood. Photo by rosalinenancy

In the Headington area of East Oxford you can spot one of the city’s most bizarre and eyecatching artworks. The 25 ft-long Headington Shark appears to be crashing through the roof of an ordinary residential building. This iconic artwork has been in place since 1986, erected by the owner of the house as an anti-bomb statement, and despite efforts by the city council to have it removed, it has remained and become a much-loved feature of the neighbourhood. Photo by rosalinenancy

2 New High St, Headington, Oxford OX3 7AQ, UK

The Jolly Farmers pub on Paradise Street is popular with students and visitors alike. This LGBTQ+ pub and venue offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, and is the perfect place to snap some photos with friends using a Lomo’Instant Camera.

20 Paradise St, Oxford OX1 1LD, UK
The historic Covered Market is a cavernous maze of restaurants, cafes, bookshops, bakeries, flower shops and more. Grab a delicious wood-fired pizza from Sartorelli’s, or an unbeatable coffee at Colombia Coffee Roasters. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the low-lit and cosy ambience on some high ISO film such as Lomography Color Negative 800. Photo by carsten-schmitt

The historic Covered Market is a cavernous maze of restaurants, cafes, bookshops, bakeries, flower shops and more. Grab a delicious wood-fired pizza from Sartorelli’s, or an unbeatable coffee at Colombia Coffee Roasters. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the low-lit and cosy ambience on some high ISO film such as Lomography Color Negative 800. Photo by carsten-schmitt

Covered Market, Oxford OX1, UK
You won’t be able to miss the Radcliffe Camera while exploring Oxford city centre. The striking circular design of this 18th Century baroque-style building makes it instantly recognisable and an iconic feature of the city. The “Rad Cam” is part of the Oxford University library, and in recent years has been an important focal point of many student-led protests. Photo by roxyvonschlotterstein

You won’t be able to miss the Radcliffe Camera while exploring Oxford city centre. The striking circular design of this 18th Century baroque-style building makes it instantly recognisable and an iconic feature of the city. The “Rad Cam” is part of the Oxford University library, and in recent years has been an important focal point of many student-led protests. Photo by roxyvonschlotterstein

Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

Located in the upmarket Summertown area, Gatineau Artisan Patisserie & Bakery is the perfect place to regain energy during a day of sightseeing. Indulge in their creative and delicious array of cakes and pastries. Or if you prefer a more chill vibe, head over to Society Cafe, which also serves cakes supplied by Gatineau. Here you can browse a selection of independent magazines and art books while you taste some of the best ethically sourced coffee in the city.

209 Banbury Rd, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7HQ, UK

We know how much our community enjoy sightseeing and discovering new places so we’ve gathered some of our favorite locations in and around Oxford that are perfect for the avid analogue photographer. So next time you want to visit you’ll have all the right gear and you’ll be ready to make the most of your trip. All these recommendations have been approved and verified by Lomographers.

Photo by lola_juanlu
Photo by lola_juanlu

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Oxford

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

Modern Art Oxford
Check out this contemporary art space in the heart of the city, with a reputation for innovative and ambitious programming. The gallery celebrates the best of modern visual culture and has creative participatory activities for visitors too!

Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology was the UK’s first public museum when it opened in 1683, and of Oxford’s many museums it is the most well known. Here you’ll find artefacts from all over the world in beautifully curated collections.

Pitt Rivers Museum
This museum of archaeology and anthropology holds more than 500,000 objects, photographs and manuscripts from all over the world. Wander these atmospheric rooms and discover the stories of humans throughout history.

Bodleian library
Founded in 1602 the beautiful Bodleian Library is still the main research library for the University of Oxford and houses over 13 million items. The stunning interior has made it a popular filming location for movies including Wonka and the Harry Potter franchise.

Sanders of Oxford
This unique shop sells antique prints and maps from its historic premises on Oxford’s high street. A must-visit for all lovers of art and quirky items, here you can find everything from beautiful Japanese wood-block prints to decorative Art Nouveau works, and more historic maps than you could ever imagine.

Photo by ihave2pillows
Photo by ihave2pillows

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Oxford

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 Oxford. 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 Oxford-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Photo Oxford
Photo Oxford is a biennial photography festival featuring ​​acclaimed photography in a variety of genres and hosting exhibitions and events throughout the city. They also regularly run competitions, events and workshops in alternative analogue processes.

Cowley Road Street Art
Here you can find a contrast to the historical churches and university buildings that dominate Oxford, and revel in the vibrant and ever-changing street art on display. Cowley Road in east Oxford is covered with colorful murals reflecting the area’s diverse community.

Photo by lola_juanlu
Photo by lola_juanlu

Bridge of Sighs
Hertford Bridge, more commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway across New College Lane. Why not put a Lomographic twist on a familiar location by shooting this landmark with a LomoChrome color shifting film?

London Camera Exchange
Don’t be confused by the name, this is a great photography shop with locations all around the UK where you’ll be able to stock up on some Lomography film if you get caught short.

Photo by ihave2pillows
Photo by ihave2pillows

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

Affection for Squares with Steven Meyer-Rassow and the LC-A 120

2021-10-18 #news #people
Affection for Squares with Steven Meyer-Rassow and the LC-A 120

Steven Meyer-Rassow recently invested in the LC-A 120 and talked to us about his experiences with this camera and his love for shooting and processing film.

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Tips from the Lomography School

Lomographers from Oxford

  • weleasewoger72

    4,627 Photos · joined 2011-05-06
    weleasewoger72

    I have a record/tape label https://richterscaleoxford.bandcamp.com/

  • sifree

    2,253 Photos · joined 2013-01-27
    sifree

    What started out as messing around with analogue cameras, old and new has grown into a fully fledged love of photography.

  • elixirix

    2,639 Photos · joined 2010-06-11
    elixirix

    Home of the Day: 24 September 2013

  • rhysbm

    192 Photos · joined 2012-07-09
    rhysbm

    One of the younger members of the Analogue revolution! I love to experiment with film and capture memories forever using many different cameras!! :)

  • joederville

    614 Photos · joined 2010-10-09
    joederville

    He: Loves the Zenit E / Likes likes / Loves comments / Lives in Oxford / Makes music with these: www.soundcloud.com/borderville / xx

  • tommelia

    453 Photos · joined 2009-10-09
    tommelia

  • ilikepeas

    244 Photos · joined 2016-04-11
    ilikepeas

    Noise maker / producer, part time geek. http://soundcloud.com/tigermendoza http://facebook.com/TigerMendoza http://tigermendoza.co.uk

  • alangoodenough

    163 Photos · joined 2009-12-02
    alangoodenough

    Photographer in Oxfordshire, UK. Shooting both digital and analogue using a Canon 1000D and Canon EOS 88 My Youtube channel can be found here --> https://youtu.be/MIHkXMovwcY

  • nisz321

    185 Photos · joined 2011-06-21
    nisz321

    I'm Nick, a Masters student from Oxford studying Neuroimaging at King's College London. I've recently come across analog photography, have seen all the crazy and cool stuff that other people have u …

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