A few notes regarding film photography … for those who may be interested.
All of these photographs were taken with my Olympus om-1, 35mm film camera. Some with a 50mm lens and a few with a 135mm lens. The camera and lenses were all purchased at a local thrift shop (total cost $140). I was practicing using an external light meter (Sekonic L308X-U). It took me a few trials to understand the difference between incident and reflected light, but I think I’ve got it now. All of the photos were taken with Kodak Portra 400 film. I mention all of these details because I am amazed at how the characteristic tones of a specific film can bring a collection of images together—almost effortlessly. I also find that using film influences the composition of my images. Film’s ability to handle such a wide dynamic range really broadens my way of seeing. For so long, I have limited my photography to what I could take or make successfully. Often ruling out a photo before even trying because I was so sure it wouldn’t “look good.” I am much more willing to take risks with film. I know this might sound odd, given that film photography can become expensive very quickly. But for me, it has been a worthwhile trade-off. Not being able to see the picture immediately on an LCD screen has created the space I needed to loosen my perfectionist tendencies. I can’t delete the picture on the fly. I can’t make a correction and shoot again. Of course, I can bracket an exposure or try a different perspective or lens, but it’s all a gamble. Or maybe an educated guess. Regardless, this work feels really good.