Why Melbourne is Perfect for Film Photography
Introduction: The Film Revival Meets Melbourne’s Soul
Film photography is making a serious comeback, and it’s not just about nostalgia. It’s part of a growing creative movement that values patience, imperfection, and authenticity. Here in Melbourne, with its layered laneways, unpredictable weather, and diverse culture, film photography doesn’t just survive, it flourishes.
Whether you’re wandering through Fitzroy, capturing shadows in the CBD, or chasing golden hour along the Yarra, Melbourne offers a constantly evolving canvas for analogue creatives. In this article, I’ll explore why Melbourne is one of the best cities in Australia for film photography, and I’ll be showcasing moments from my own 35mm and medium format work throughout.
Melbourne city skyline shot on the Pentax 67 using Kodak Gold 200.
1. Architecture That Feeds the Frame
Melbourne’s architecture is a striking mix of heritage facades, postmodern structures, and ever-changing graffiti-covered laneways. Film stocks thrive in these environments, rendering them with warmth, contrast, and texture.
Where to shoot
Flinders Street Station – Ideal for warm colour tones and character-rich details
Royal Arcade and Block Arcade – Great for capturing symmetry and shadow play
Hosier Lane – Bold, gritty, and always evolving
Melbourne’s Inner Suburbs – I personally love walking around Fitzroy, Collingwood, and even Port Melbourne! Just a few examples of inner city suburbs that are easy to access, and will always have something to offer or capture your attention for a shot. My best advice would be picking a suburb, and exploring it on foot. As many streets as you can! Especially off the main streets. There’ll always be a beautiful house front, abandoned car, or rusty street sign around the corner.
Tip: Goes without saying sometimes, but shooting in the middle of the day causes extreme contrasts, and can sometimes really negatively (haha get it?) your end result when it comes to scanning your negatives. Especially for beginners, shooting in the mornings or afternoons would be a safe bet!
2. The Film Look Just Works Here
Melbourne’s the art & culture capital of the country, that means there’s plenty of intriguing stimulus to capture. These qualities make film photography so unique in this city. Popular stocks like Kodak Gold, Kodak Portra, Fuji Superia, and Ilford HP5 offer beautiful results, all with their own qualities! I won’t go into stock types in this article, as it deserves it’s own article completely!
See it in action: Below are some of my captures on my 35mm Nikon F2 using a variety of stock types through the inner suburbs of Melbourne.
3. Subcultures and Style on Every Corner
Melbourne’s streets are full of character, with subcultures, vintage fashion, and expressive personalities all playing out in public view. From Brunswick bike messengers to vinyl collectors in Collingwood, there’s no shortage of compelling subjects for film photography.
Film-friendly neighbourhoods
Brunswick – Raw, creative, and full of texture
Collingwood – Gritty, artistic, and always moving
St Kilda – Perfect for candid beach scenes and experimental compositions
4. A Growing Film Photography Community
Melbourne has become a hub for film shooters, supported by a strong network of camera shops, labs, and local meetups. Whether you’re looking for a rare camera body or reliable development, Melbourne has it covered.
Local film labs and camera hubs
FilmNeverDie (North Melbourne) – Film stocks, camera sales, and community events
Ikigai Camera (Brunswick) – Specialised development, rare gear, and expert advice
Hillvale Photo (Coburg) – One of Melbourne’s most trusted film labs
Irohas Photo Film Lab (Melbourne City) - This is my closest and one I visit regularly
Pro tip: Some film labs offer same day digital scan delivery, look out for that.
5. Iconic Light and Weather Conditions
Melbourne’s unpredictable weather creates unique opportunities for film shooters who know how to work with changing light.
Golden hour in inner-city suburbs: Warm, soft, low-angle light and rich shadow contrast
Rainy afternoons in the laneways: Reflective surfaces and glowing neons
Foggy mornings in the Dandenongs: Soft, ethereal scenes with natural diffusion
Film responds beautifully to this kind of atmospheric variation, often elevating the mood of each frame in ways digital can’t replicate.
What Is My Film Equipment and Film Stock Choice?
Below is the film cameras I currently own and use. You’ll see see my preferred film stocks.
Cameras used: Pentax 67 (Medium Format), Mamiya 645 (Medium Format), Nikon F2 (35mm)
Film stocks: Kodak Gold 200, Kodak UltraMax 400, Portra 400 & 800
Developed and scanned at: Irohas Photo Film Lab (Melbourne City)
To view more, head to my Instagram profile to see my latest work! @photosbyjake
Final Thoughts: Why Film Is More Than Just a Look
Shooting film in Melbourne is about more than aesthetics. It’s about slowing down, observing your surroundings, and telling stories that feel honest. In a city that celebrates creativity, diversity, and imperfection, film photography finds a natural home.
Whether you’re interested in street scenes, architectural studies, or expressive portraits, Melbourne offers a unique blend of inspiration and opportunity for the analogue photographer.
Join the Conversation
Have a favourite place to shoot film in Melbourne? Thinking of getting started with film and not sure where to begin? I’d love to hear from you, drop me a message in the comments below, reach out through my contact form here, or through my Instagram!
