A film photography project revolving around creating authentic portraits of individuals using a 50 year old film camera, as well as sharing their stories.
Project Details:
We live in a technology era where we are all about the latest and greatest. Technology has changed the way we go about our daily lives, simplifying tasks and allowing us to connect in new ways. It has changed the way we do our jobs and how we spend our time. Many of these inventions and advancements have changed our lives for the better.
As a portrait and wedding photographer, the development of advanced features in today's cameras has made my job easier. From amazing autofocus and low light capabilities, to increasing megapixels and metering options, with each new camera we get a new range of features designed to help us do our jobs. On a consumer level, the cameras in phones are becoming more advanced as well, with multiple lenses and modes to help users create better images with a camera that they always have on them. More images likely being created on a daily level than ever before. Digital photography has made taking photos easy and accessible to all.
Last year, I purchased a new (to me) camera. This camera didn't have all the latest and greatest technology. There is no autofocus system or metering. There are no electronics in the camera whatsoever. It is a medium format film camera, with which one gets 12 images per roll of film. The camera is almost 50 years old and I have to say, I have learned more and created more personally meaningful images with that camera than I have with any piece of gear I have ever owned. While technology has made our jobs easier and more reliable as photographers, it has shown me that it doesn't necessarily create the character, connection and soul in the photographs we take.
Using this camera for portrait sessions has made me slow down. It takes longer to use and each shot is valuable. Where I would shoot hundreds of images in digital shoot, I am limited to a much smaller number of images, as one must also factor in the cost of film and developing. When shooting with this camera, I became more deliberate and intentional while shooting. This slowing down creates gaps in time between shots, which leaves opening for more conversation. Through more conversation, the opportunity to get to know my subjects arises, creating the potential for them to relax, share, and not focus on the camera in front of them. They are simply humans, being. On film, I was creating some of my favourite images ever, despite the fact that they were fairly simple black and white portraits. I was feeling more connection, which I think is something we are starting to miss in today's society. This pushes me forward.
I want to create simple, authentic black and white portraits on film using this almost 50 year old camera, this old technology. I want to create images that are a stark contrast from the selfies or promotional images we are flooded with everyday. And through this process, I want to get to know and connect with the people in front of the camera more. Hear their stories. The images may feel a bit raw, but my hope is that they feel real, honest, and connect on some level, to the subject and with the viewer.
There is also a second part of this project, which involves words. In slowing down while shooting film sessions, I have gotten the opportunity to talk to my subjects and hear some of their stories. The more I hear these stories, the more I realize that you can't make assumptions about what someone has been through based on their appearance. Feelings such as sadness, happiness, joy, safety, grief, or love are universal throughout humanity, though some have experienced more than others. Through this portion of the project, I hope that subjects will share something about themselves that will help me create a more authentic portrait of them and could also let someone else that may have gone through (or be going through) something similar know they are not alone. It could also just be something happy that will put a smile on someone's face, or be a defining experience that impacted your life. The choice belongs to the subject. The goal of this part of the project is to share the portraits and words in groups such that you don't know which story belongs to which subject.
Notes for subjects/participants:
Sessions will take place in studio and likely last 30 min - 1 hour.
Come as you are! We strive to make the studio an inclusive, welcoming place.
Wear clothes and dress in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
You'll be sent a link with a short questionnaire for the written portion.
You'll be asked to sign a release so that we can use and share the photos and words.
If you're interested in participating, get in touch! Currently adding names to the list.