The whole process of buying film and developing it, can be a costly exercise. Buying expired film off eBay can be cheaper but results can vary. But I thought it was a brilliant way to test the newly purchased Ricoh camera (soon to be passed on to its new owner). This is not my first foray into film, Some years back, I was gifted my grandfathers Pentax and I suppose, you could say, my love for film grew from there. One of my most precious images is of my grandmother on the last day that I saw her. The home she was in had called, I was the only one nearby as my family were travelling. I went to see her and I just knew it would be the last day. The only camera I had with me was my old Pentax and so, the last image of her that I have was forever captured on film
Recently, I have been exploring the use of a film camera more and the popularity of them seems to be growing. More and more little businesses that develop film seem to be popping up and just a Quick Look on eBay will show you thousands of options for cameras. Some very expensive and some, cheap and cheerful.
As a photographer, I have spent years honing my skills on a digital camera. Learning the ins and outs of the camera itself and all the equipment needed to get the photographs just right. Batteries, memory cards (quick ones that won’t fail), computer, Photoshop, Lightroom, hard drives to back up your images. Another one to back up the back ups. But recently, I have seen a shift. A shift away from seeking out the perfect moment, editing it, straightening it, making it just right. A shift away from that search for perfection. I have seen more than one photographer either adding a film camera option or move away from digital all together
What do I think has inspired this shift? Im not really sure, but I can give you the reason I love the Film camera. Purpose. You have to be purposeful with you photography. A roll has maybe 24 or 36 shots. When I am shooting with a digital camera, I may take 600-700 photographs in one session. This is then narrowed down and given to the clients. With film, you don’t have that luxury.
As someone born at the end of the 80s and who grew up in 90s South Africa, there was something so simple about our lives and our childhood. TV shows only at a certain time of day, dial up internet that worked at a snails pace compared to now, reverse charge calls on a payphone. I can’t help but feel that growing up in that but then experiencing the boom that the world has become; internet in our pockets, an answer just a quick google away, has made us tired. we are tired of striving for perfection. Rather, we want to strive for purpose and intent.
Film may not be perfect, it may be grainy, the colours may differ to what we are seeing. But those images have intent behind them. Thought. The idea of catching a moment once and not looking back at it. Enjoying the feel of taking a photo, putting a camera away and then taking it out a little later. Sending that film off and forgetting what you took pictures of. Then, receiving your prints and enjoying the memories attached to what you captured.
So, with that, Im off to search eBay for more film
with purpose and intent
Mel x
