Paris: 35mm Film Photography Workshop with a Visual Artist

Exploring Paris with a 35mm Film Photography Workshop: A Detailed Look

If you’re someone who treasures the idea of capturing a city’s soul on film, this Paris: 35mm Film Photography Workshop with a Visual Artist offers a uniquely immersive way to do just that. While I haven’t personally participated, a close look at what this experience entails reveals a thoughtfully crafted journey into both the art of film photography and the hidden corners of Paris.

What I love about this experience is the chance to learn from a professional photographer while exploring the city’s lesser-known spots, not just the typical tourist haunts. Plus, being provided with a rental film camera and a beginner’s guide makes this accessible even for newcomers. The intimacy of a small group, capped at just four people, promises personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

One potential consideration is that this is an analogue experience, which means no digital shots or instant feedback. If you’re used to snapping away on your phone or digital camera, adjusting to film might take some patience, but that’s also part of the charm.

This workshop is perfect for travelers who want a creative, mindful way to connect with Paris beyond postcards — ideal for photography enthusiasts, curious beginners, or anyone eager to slow down and see the city through a different lens.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Focuses on film photography, emphasizing analog techniques and mindful observation.
• Personalized Guidance: Led by a professional photographer, ensuring tailored instruction for beginners.
• Hidden Gems: Walks through lesser-known areas reveal a side of Paris most travelers overlook.
• All-Inclusive: Rental film camera, one roll of film, development, and scans are included, offering great value.
• Small Group Size: Max of four participants for a more intimate, engaging session.
• Flexible Planning: Options to reserve with flexibility—cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: A Creative Take on Paris

Paris is often portrayed through images of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, but this workshop offers a different way to experience the city—through the eyes of a film camera. The idea of learning analog photography in the City of Light might seem niche, yet it’s an invitation to slow down and truly see the city’s details.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on learning the basics of film photography while exploring Paris’s quieter corners. The welcome coffee, a curated beginner’s guide, and professional guidance set the stage for a relaxed, enriching four hours. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into the world of film, this is an ideal entry point.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s tailored to beginners and those new to film photography—so no prior experience required. The setting, with local insights and soulful storytelling, makes it clear that this isn’t just about snapping pictures but about capturing the essence of Paris at a slower, more deliberate pace. For travelers craving a creative, mindful experience, this workshop hits the mark.

What to Expect from the Paris Film Photography Workshop

Start with a Warm Welcome

The experience kicks off with a welcome coffee, where you’re introduced to your personal film camera rental, a beginner’s guide, and the photographer guide’s tailored instructions. This initial chat helps ease any nerves, especially if you’re new to film. The guide, whose name comes up in reviews as engaging and knowledgeable, offers insights into how to approach your shots, balancing technical tips with artistic advice.

Exploring Hidden Corners & Iconic Landmarks

Once equipped, the group embarks on a 4-hour guided walk through some of Paris’s lesser-seen spots. The small size—limited to four people—means plenty of personalized attention and space for questions. The route is curated to showcase overlooked details like quaint doorways, charming alleyways, and subtle architectural quirks, along with iconic landmarks that simply look better through a film lens.

Participants have praised the experience for revealing a Paris that’s not on Google, full of soulful, authentic scenes. The guide’s local insights add depth, highlighting stories behind the buildings and backgrounds to the images you shoot.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Shooting on Film

Throughout the walk, you’ll be encouraged to take your time with each shot, focusing on composition, lighting, and mood. The rental camera, typically a 35mm film model, is straightforward and designed for beginners. As reviewed, the process isn’t about capturing perfect images but about finding beauty in overlooked moments—like a beautifully textured wall or a street musician’s quiet performance.

The instructor offers one-on-one tips, helping you understand how different lighting conditions affect your photos. Since you’re shooting with a roll of film that will be developed and scanned afterward, the anticipation adds an extra layer of excitement—something digital photos can’t replicate.

Wrapping Up & Receiving Your Photos

After the walk, you’ll receive your developed and scanned photos, often described as “a soulful collection of Parisian scenes” by past participants. The sense of achievement in having shot entirely on film is palpable; many mention that the process made them more mindful of their surroundings and more deliberate in their shots.

Additional Details

• Included: Rental film camera, one roll of film, development, scans, welcome coffee, beginner guide, and professional guidance.
• Not Included: Extra rolls of film or personal expenses.
• Duration: 4 hours
• Group Size: Private, with max 4 people for an intimate experience.
• Price: At $445 per person, it’s a more premium but well-rounded offering considering all inclusions.

The Value of This Experience

While $445 might seem steep for a four-hour workshop, the value lies in the personalized guidance, all equipment provided, and the unique opportunity to shoot with film in one of the world’s most photogenic cities. The included development and scans mean you leave with tangible memories—something digital photos can’t match in terms of sentimentality.

Participants have appreciated the focused, relaxed pace of the workshop, allowing them to truly observe Paris through the lens. The experience also offers an educational boost, especially for those new to film, with tips that can improve your photography long after the walk ends.

The Real Takeaway

This workshop isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about reclaiming a slower, more thoughtful way of seeing. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a creative activity that combines art, local culture, and mindfulness. The emphasis on hidden corners means you’ll likely discover parts of Paris you wouldn’t find on your own.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to combine learning with exploration—perfect for creative souls, photography newcomers, or anyone eager to slow down and see Paris from a different perspective. If you’re curious about film, analog photography, or simply want a more mindful way to experience the city, this workshop fits well.

It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate small group, personalized experiences, and are comfortable with a 4-hour commitment. Photography enthusiasts will love the chance to hone their eye, while complete beginners will find the guidance accessible.

Final Thoughts

In a city as visually rich as Paris, this workshop offers a wonderful balance of education, exploration, and creative expression. It stands out for its focus on hidden gems and overlooked details, giving you a fresh perspective on an iconic destination.

The all-inclusive nature—camera, film, development, professional guidance—makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a well-rounded, meaningful experience. The relaxed pace and personal attention mean you’ll have plenty of space to experiment and learn, making it much more than just a sightseeing tour.

If you’re eager to slow down and connect with Paris in a more tactile, artistic way, this workshop could very well be your favorite travel memory—and a great way to develop a new skill.

FAQ

Do I need prior experience in photography?
No, this experience is designed for beginners and those new to film photography, with guidance provided to help you get started.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as you’ll be walking through different parts of Paris during the 4-hour session.

Is digital photography allowed?
No, this is strictly an analogue experience using film cameras—digital is not part of the workshop.

What’s included in the price?
A rental film camera, one roll of film, development and scans, a beginner’s guide, professional guidance, and a welcome coffee.

Can I bring extra film rolls?
Additional rolls of film are not included, but you can purchase or bring your own if you’d like to shoot more.

How flexible are the booking options?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.

What language is the instructor speaking?
The workshop is conducted in English.

Will I get my photos after the workshop?
Yes, your developed and scanned photos will be sent to you after the film is processed, giving you tangible memories of your Paris adventure.

In essence, this workshop is a charming, thoughtful way to see Paris through a new lens—literally. It’s perfect for those wanting to slow down, learn something new, and create authentic, timeless images of one of the world’s most photogenic cities.

You can check if your dates are available here: