I have this thing where I get bored really easily, so I try to challenge myself in ways that can expand my current skill-set. I have been drooling over images produced with film for some time now. There’s a quality about film that can be dreamy and raw, characteristics that I love. After researching film cameras and types of film for close to a year, I decided that it was now or never. I took the plunge! I bought the Nikon F100, bought a roll of Portra 400 and Ilford 400 and started shooting. Feening to shoot a great subject, I shot the Portra roll on a fellow photographer and friend of mine. Thanks Chaquana!

I am having a ball learning how to shoot this thing called film, and also learning patience. First, I’m only working with about 36 exposures, so I have to be really intentional when I shoot. I also have to be sure that the image that I’m making is worthy of the expense, so I have to be deliberate, waiting for moments to occur. This all helps me to be a better photographer overall, and will translate to my digital work. But here’s the kicker; I can’t come home after a shoot, pop my SD card into my computer and instantly see what I just shot. I have to actually send my film out to a lab to be processed. And not just CVS or some other drugstore. I have to send my film to a lab that specializes in processing film of this caliber. So, it can take a few weeks for me to get my scans back. But you know what? It’s exciting to wait! I’m enjoying this process and I look forward to the process reflecting in my work for my clients. I’m learning, getting sharper and growing.