Rediscovering Photography: My Journey into the World of Film

Introduction

In the depths of the 2020 lockdown, I found myself yearning for a spark of inspiration. As a portrait photographer, the isolation and restrictions had begun to incredibly stifle my creativity and to be honest it really began to bum me out. So I pondered what could I do to get out of this rut. I didn’t really have any definitive answers at the time. I spent a lot of my hours doing the thing that is often not recommended, playing video games and watching random YouTube videos haha. Luckily the all powerful and ever knowing internet was feeling my vibes and the algorithm on YouTube started to become more populated with content creators and photographer videos. I started learning about the process of other creatives and being put on to some I still follow to this day. The ones that stood out the most were the creatives that exclusively worked with film. That’s when I decided to explore the world of film photography, a move that not only reignited my passion but also transformed my approach to capturing images.

Film photography, with its tactile nature and deliberate process, offered a new avenue to explore, a new skill to unlock. Over the next year, I gained more XP, and experimented. I Also bought several film cameras. I won't lie, it was also a form of retail therapy that I’m still addicted to this day (insert face palm emoji here).

Inspirations

My journey was guided by the works of several film photographers and YouTube content creators. Vuhlandes and Willem Verbeeck, in particular, had a profound impact on my approach to film photography. Their work, their passion, and their unique perspectives were a constant source of inspiration as I navigated my way through the nuances of film. Still take everything you hear with a grain of salt. End of the day your journey and discovery should be your own.

A New Toy

My entry into film photography began with the Mamiya RB67, which quickly became one of my favorite cameras. There was a bit of a learning curve, but it wasn't too steep, especially with the wealth of resources available online to guide me. I had always been intrigued by medium format, and the Mamiya RB67 seemed like the perfect starting point. Admittedly, I could have started with something simpler, but it was lockdown, and all I had was time. In hindsight, for those starting in film photography, I would suggest going with a 35mm camera. But hey, where's the fun in taking the easy route, right?

Since then, my collection has grown to include the Pentax km, Fuji gw690 ii, and an Olympus Stylus. Each camera, with its unique features and quirks, has added a new dimension to my photography. I'll delve deeper into these cameras in future posts.

This camera accepts 120 and 220 film, with interchangeable film backs for 6x7cm or 6x4.5cm exposures. So, whether you're shooting sweeping landscapes or intimate portraits, the Mamiya RB67 has got you covered.
Just remember, this camera is a bit of a beast, weighing in at around 2.69 kg (5.9 lb). But hey, who needs a gym membership when you've got a Mamiya RB67, right?
*Image: “Tata Gabor” Shot on the Mamiya RB67. Kodak Portra 800*

Favorite Film Stocks

Choosing a favorite film stock is like choosing a favorite child, but if I had to, I'd pick Kodak Portra 800, Fuji 400h Pro, and Cinestill 800T. The grain of the Kodak Portra 800 adds a beautiful texture to the images, the Fuji 400h Pro offers stunning color reproduction, and the Cinestill 800T brings a cinematic quality that's hard to resist.

**WHAT ARE THEY ABOUT?**

**Kodak Portra 800** is a color negative film that is well-regarded for its fine grain and natural skin tones. It's a popular choice among portrait and wedding photographers.
**Fuji 400H Pro** is a professional-quality, high-speed, daylight-type, fine-grain, color negative film, suitable for a wide range of applications, such as portrait, wedding, and fashion photography, especially under fluorescent lighting. It is also known for its excellent skin tone reproduction.
**CineStill 800T** is a unique film for still photographers. This 800 speed tungsten balanced color negative film is prepared from the same motion picture film stock used by top cinematographers around the world. This film is designed for difficult low light tungsten situations and may be used in many different lighting situations to achieve a variety of looks.

**THOSE COLORS THO!**

Kodak Portra 800 is known for its fine grain and natural skin tones. It has a high speed (ISO 800), which makes it ideal for low-light situations. Despite its high speed, the film maintains excellent color saturation and low contrast, which is a unique characteristic among high-speed films.
*Image: “Wise Guy” Shot on the Mamiya RB67. Kodak Portra 800*

**THE SWEETER THE BERRY**

**Fuji 400H** was first introduced by Fujifilm, a Japanese multinational photography and imaging company. The "H" in 400H stands for "High Definition". The film is known for its unique color palette, which tends to emphasize cooler tones—blues and greens—while maintaining natural-looking skin tones, particularly darker skin tones <3
The film has a nominal sensitivity of ISO 400/27°. It incorporates Fujifilm's proprietary 4th color layer technology, which provides incredibly fine grain, natural-looking images with a beautiful, soft color palette. This technology also helps to optimize color reproduction under various light sources.
Unfortunately this film was discontinued in 2021, which led to a surge in demand and prices for remaining stocks. This was due to the decline in the market demand for this product and difficulties in procuring the raw materials needed to produce it.
*Image: “TBTB” Shot on the Mamiya RB67. FUJI 400H*

**CINEMATIC FEELS**

**CineStill 800T**, a creation of the Wright brothers, Brian and Brandon, is a unique film stock designed for tungsten light, common in indoor and night settings. It's essentially a modified Kodak Vision3 500T cinema film, treated to remove the rem-jet backing for safe C-41 processing. This removal results in a unique halation effect, creating a soft halo around bright light sources, contributing to its cinematic appeal. With an ISO of 800, it's perfect for low-light scenarios but can be adapted for daylight with a warming filter. Known for its fine grain and wide dynamic range, CineStill 800T offers a distinct, cinematic look, making it a favorite among photographers seeking a unique aesthetic.
*Image: “24hrs” Shot on the Pentax KM RB67. Cinestill 800T*

The Impact of Film Photography

Film photography has been more than just a new medium for me. It has taught me patience, made me more mindful of my compositions, and deepened my understanding of the technical aspects of photography. The anticipation of waiting for the film to develop, the joy of finally seeing the images, the surprise of discovering an unexpected shot - these are experiences unique to film photography. And they have greatly enriched my work and my approach to photography.

Why Film Photography?

In this digital age, film photography may seem like an anachronism. But its resurgence among photographers around the world is a testament to its everlasting appeal. It can be a little…well VERY expensive spending on how much you shoot, but he pros in my humble opinion are the tactile experience, the unique aesthetic, the deliberate process - these are aspects of film photography that digital just can't replicate. I believe that anyone who is passionate about photography should explore film. It's not just about creating images; it's about experiencing the process of creation, and for over thinkers like me this is a welcomed moment for focus and meditation.

Conclusion

My journey into film photography has been a revelation. It has not only reignited my passion for photography but also reshaped my perspective. It has taught me to slow down, to be more deliberate, and to truly appreciate the art of creating images. And for that, I am grateful.

Until Then,

O