Happy Thursday everyone. How’s it going? Swimmingly? Good!
For the past two months or so, I’ve gone “back” to my camera/photography roots with good ‘ol film. Remember those things that came in canisters or rolled up on spools? When pictures weren’t instantaneous (except for maybe poloroid), and you had to wait anywhere from an hour to a week to see the photos you took? Yeah, that stuff!
If you’re like me, and had a childhood BEFORE the internet, then I’m certain you have photo albums filled with actual PRINTED photographs. Yup, actual photos that you can put in your hand and look at without a computer, tablet or phone. Crazy huh?
When I first started in photography, I learned using film. Black and white film that I rolled into canisters myself (it was cheaper that way back then vs. buying a whole bunch of rolls). I took photos, had them processed, printed them on contact or “proof” sheets, all of this taking place within a matter of a few days. No instant gratification, just anxious waiting to see what I got. That was the thing that I loved most about photography back then, today too, the feeling of “what did I get?”
As a person who makes his living with photography, in the digital age, it’s not uncommon to shoot 100+ frames on any given shoot. It’s so easy, and there’s no waiting! It’s instantaneous. With this advantage, we sometimes take things for granted. We can shoot a couple of “test” frames before getting the one shot we want or need, no problem! But with film, you HAVE to slow down and actually think about what you’re going to do before pressing the shutter. Mostly because it’s a slower process, and you’re limited to the number of exposures you have on your roll, which for 35mm is usually 24 or 26 frames, or for roll film (120/220 size), 12 to 24.
For me, it’s the opportunity to just S L O W the whole photographic process down, and really get creative. To actually think about what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, and what it’ll look like in the end, when you get the roll processed. It’s a way for me to get back to my roots, and to broaden my artistry with my photography, vs. just getting the shot. Shooting with film makes you S L O W down to make better images. Just like with quality made goods, things take time.
In addition to shooting digital, which is a modern day necessity, I’m going back to film. Armed with a few “new” old cameras, including a Mamiya RB67, a 62 year-old Russian made 35mm camera, my old Nikon F3 and F100, a Kodak Brownie and a Yashica 124g TLR, I’m happy to move back into the slow lane.
With this said, here’s a few examples of stuff I’ve photographed with my awesome analog cameras! All the images you will see have NO post processing added to them. That’s the beauty of film! What you get, is what you get! Sure, I could process them in Lightroom or Photoshop, but why? I love the feel and texture of what the film gives, better than any filter ever created.
There you have it! I love that each image has so much character – flaws, depth, strengths, etc. So much more than any digital file. If you want to become a better photographer in this digital age, or just want to have some fun, pick up an analog camera. It’ll be like old times for some, and for others, it’ll just test your patience, for the BETTER!
Thanks for stopping by folks. Happy Thursday!
Mike
