The Viewfinder

The Viewfinder 

How did I get into film photography?

It was honestly on a whim. It started while I was journaling one night. I used to journal in high school, but stopped once I got to college. I jumped back into journaling about a year ago and it has been helping me in so many ways (I will make a blog post about journaling soon).

So while journaling one night, I looked at my journal and said “My journal is kind of plain.” I don’t use fancy washi tape or make drawings in my journal. I only use colored fountain pens and get to writing. That’s good enough for me, but I thought adding pictures to my journal would be a nice touch. I googled “cool polaroid pictures” and found some on Etsy. I loved the vintage look of the pictures. The woman from the shop told me that she took the photographs with her film camera. From there I began to research film cameras on eBay and YouTube. In my head, I thought “This is cool. It doesn’t look too hard. I want to try it.” I added a film camera to my cart, but didn’t checkout. I thought “ Why should I buy this camera? I’ve never shot a film camera before.”

Two days later, I found myself constantly thinking about that camera in my cart. When I came home from work, I bought the camera. 

How has film help me in my personal life?

Needless to say, I’m so proud of myself for buying that camera. For some people that would not be considered spontaneous, but for me it was spontaneous. I am the type of person who likes to know all the details before diving in. I considered taking film classes before purchasing the camera, so that I would be prepped on how to use it. I am proud of myself for buying the camera because I didn’t restrict myself from trying something new.

Uncertainty makes us uncomfortable.

I think that’s what draws me to film photography more than digital photography.

We live in a world of immediate gratification. You take a picture on your phone, look at it and if you don’t like it you try again. When shooting my first roll of film, I had no idea if I loaded my film correctly and if I was even capturing anything. I was nervous while waiting for my film to be developed. Before opening my email with my scans, I thought “these pictures probably didn’t turn out well”. To this day, that first roll of film has some of my favorite photographs. After that I was addicted to the uncertainty of film photography. 

Film has also helped me really appreciate the beauty in each moment. It has helped me to slow down. I have a busy schedule and tend to rush through things. For example, when I go for a walk in the morning without my camera, I find myself walking faster and in rush to get back to work.

Basically lying to myself saying “I took time for myself” knowing that I was not fully present. When I go for walks with my camera, I notice that my pace is slower and I am actually present.

Every-time I look at my film photographs, I am able to remember the weather, the smell, the conversations around me, who I was with, and how I felt. I am able to capture each moment in my mind and with my camera.

Photography style?

I noticed that I like capturing nature in the morning. I am attracted to the morning light, especially in my bedroom and living room. I cant explain why, there’s just something about it. I don’t usually take many pictures of people, but that’s something I’m trying to get into.

Overall, I love film photography. I love the way it makes me feel. I would say that film photography is another form of journaling for me. Another way to reflect. Another way to view myself and others.

Do you guys like film? How does film make you feel? Do you have any similar feeling or thoughts about photography?