Golden Hour to Neon Dreams: A Film Photography Journey in L.A. and Las Vegas
My family and I went on a quick trip to two of the most photogenic spots in the U.S.: Los Angeles and Las Vegas. With my 35mm film camera, a few rolls of Kodak Portra 400, and some Reflx 800T tungsten film, I was ready to capture the vibe of these iconic places.
In L.A., golden hour stole the show. Portra 400’s warm tones were perfect for the sunny beaches of Santa Monica. I explored Downtown L.A., snapping shots of the city’s business and finding a few dedicated communities’ shopping centers. Every photo felt like a snapshot of California’s laid-back charm.
Vegas was a totally different story—it’s all about the night. The neon lights lit up the city, and Reflx 800T captured it all with a cool, cinematic vibe. From the vintage glow of Fremont Street to the flashy signs on the Strip, every shot showed off Vegas’ mix of glam and grit. It also helps that it was a few days before NFL’s Superbowl LVIII featuring the San Fransisco 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs!
Getting my film back from the lab felt like unwrapping a time capsule. The colors, grain, and little quirks of film brought back all the memories of the trip in a way digital photos just don’t. I’ve picked out my favorite photos from the trip and shared them on the blog. Whether it’s the chill, golden scenes from L.A. or the bright, buzzing energy of Vegas, I hope these shots make you want to grab a film camera and start exploring too.
