17th June 2026

Shooting Fashion on Digbeth’ streets

On Saturday 13th June, I had the pleasure of leading a small group of four photographers in Digbeth, Birmingham, for an immersive film photography workshop on behalf of the Royal Photographic Society. The group was made of two photographers experienced with analog photography and two new to it.

Set against the layered textures of the Digbeth’s industrial and street art landscape, the half-day workshop was designed to slow the pace, sharpen observation, and reconnect with the intentionality that film demands.

Working with film and analog cameras shifts the dynamic—each frame becomes a decision rather than a reflex. Throughout the session, we explored composition, light, and timing with greater deliberation, balancing technical guidance with space for individual creative expression.

The model Kodou (Instagram @kodou.x2o) brought a strong, intuitive presence to the session, helping participants experiment with portraiture in a way that felt both structured and fluid. The challenge of shooting with a model added an extra opportunity to develop their skills: photographers were also responsible for choosing the locations, directing the model and finding the right natural light to work with.

Alongside shooting on film, I captured a series of digital images behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into the process, the environment, and the collaborative energy of the group. We had also committed to providing Kodou with a strong set of images for her portfolio, so working digitally allowed me to mitigate some of the inherent uncertainties of film. Until scans are returned, there is always a degree of unpredictability—exposure issues, processing faults, or even loss in transit. For that reason, I routinely carry a digital camera alongside my film bodies, ensuring both creative exploration and dependable outcomes.

I am pleased to share a selection of those images below.