The Film Experience: Soho - A 35mm Film Photography Workshop

This workshop dives into the magic of 35mm film. Forget digital perfection, it is all about the unique grain, subtle imperfections, and the distinctive mood only film delivers. You'll learn to shoot with intention, embracing film's limits to create photos that feel authentic, textured, and truly lived-in.

Everything you need to shoot a roll of film is included. Whether it’s your very first time with film or you’re looking to build confidence and experience in a supportive environment. This workshop is about slowing down, really seeing, trusting your gut and focusing on presence over perfection.

Join Nathan McLune for a down-to-earth, no-pressure workshop where camera settings don’t matter.

This Workshop Is For You If…

• You've shot some digital or film but want to go deeper into intentional, atmospheric photography.
• You are drawn to the look of real 35mm film.
• You want to learn by doing, not sitting through a lecture.
• You're looking to slow down and rediscover the joy of a more thoughtful, analogue creative process.
• You prefer a small intimate group where you can receive one to one support to enhance your creativity.
  
  

What Makes This Workshop Special

This workshop is designed to be a creative and relaxed experience. It's not about getting every shot "right" but about having fun and exploring the beautiful, unpredictable nature of film. This is a judgment-free zone where you're encouraged to experiment and play, not just get a perfect result.

We'll be shooting in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, an area bursting with character. The eclectic mix of streetlights, neon signs, and historic architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for both black and white and colour film, offering endless opportunities to capture the area's unique energy.

Before we load our first roll, I'll walk you through the basics of using a 35mm film camera. We'll cover everything you need to know, from loading the film to understanding how to focus and meter for great exposures. I'll also share a few examples of what we'll be capturing, including photos of my own and some from past participants, so you can see the distinctive looks we'll be aiming for.

This is an intimate group, limited to just two participants, which means you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance and support. You'll have the choice of two film stocks, each with its own special characteristics:

Kodak Tri-X pushed to 1600:
We'll be using this classic black and white film and "pushing" it, (underexposing the film then overdeveloping it). This process gives us a significant boost in contrast and creates a distinct, beautifully gritty grain that's perfect for capturing the mood of Soho's streets at night.

Here are some of the shots my attendees took during the workshop. Tri-X at 1600 in full Soho mood.

Candido 800:
This cinematic colour film is known for its beautiful, ethereal qualities. It has the unique characteristic of halation, meaning that bright light sources like streetlights and neon signs create a beautiful red or orange glow, almost like a halo. It also has a lovely colour clash, which lends a surreal and moody look to your images.

What You'll Get

• A loan of a 35mm film camera with a versatile 50mm f/1.8 lens provided to use in the workshop (or bring your own)
• A roll of film from a choice of either Tri-X 400 or Candido 800 (36 exposures)
• A guided photowalk through Soho’s gritty, character-filled streets
• Real-time support on gear, exposure, and composition
• Creative exercises tailored to our film stocks and location
• A guide to the film stocks and their look
• Your film developed and scanned by a trusted lab
• Digital scans delivered within 14 days (no physical prints are provided)
• A PDF workbook

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes and clothes for shooting outdoors.
• Curiosity, patience and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable.

What You'll Take Away

• Confidence in shooting film, from loading a roll to mastering focusing in difficult conditions and composition.
• A mindset shift: learning to slow down, see more deeply and shoot with real intention.
• A personal set of film photos that capture your unique perspective and pace in Soho.
• A deeper understanding of how film interprets light, mood and atmosphere.

Please note: Film can be unpredictable and while I'll do everything I can to help you get good results, I can't guarantee every image will come out perfectly. What I can promise is to guide you to fantastic locations, support your creative process and ensure you have a brilliant time doing it.