Film // Our New Obsession
August 31, 2009 // Posted by in Film
Photography is a fascinating artform. You can approach it from so so so many ways. You can choose one format, one tool (say, a digital SLR like a Canon 5D) and work with it for years and years. You’ll become so comfortable with it that using it is second nature. We shoot with our 5Ds so much that all the button locations are memorized, like most photographers.
We decided that our approach to photography would be to always be learning, experimenting, and going outside our comfort zone. We had gotten very comfortable with digital, and it was starting to get a bit boring. Then a friend introduced us to film.
If you’ve chatted with us recently, I’m sure you can see the overflowing excitement we have with this new medium. Our eyes light up, we start talking a mile a minute, and Rob undoubtedly pulls out his 4x5 negatives to show them off. He’s even taken to carrying an overexposed frame around with him as a source of inspiration. That’s how smitten he is.
Technical details aside, that excitement alone is enough to make this new foray completely worth it. Anything that can make us so enlivened as artists is extremely valuable. Then, if you want to talk about real world benefits, well, I still have yet to see anyone produce anything that looks remotely like 4x5 colour positive film with a digital camera. It’s tangible. You can hold it, feel it, move it around. And the detail quality and tonal range are truly unmatched with anything we’ve ever used.
Our film camera collection is growing by the week. We’re experimenting with different types of film (instant, 35mm, 4x5, 4x5 instant, the list is growing and growing), and different types of cameras. Rob has started developing his own 35mm black and white film, and that in itself has been an intense learning experience. We’ve each found a format that fits with our unique styles, and are branching apart (Rob into 4x5, and me into instant film).
The reaction we’ve gotten with this new direction has been quite fascinating. Clients listen dutifully, but I suspect they aren’t really sure what about it makes us so excited. Photographers, especially those who started off shooting film, think we’re insane. We learned on digital cameras, and have never shot film in our lives. It’s almost like we’re learning the art of photography all over again from the start, and it’s invigorating!
So that’s a bit of what we’re feeling right now. Hopefully that will prep you all for a lot of stuff that will start popping up on the blog! And for your viewing pleasure, here are a few frames we’ve taken.
Colour images: Contax G1, Planar 35mm, taken on Kodak Portra film
Contax G1, Planar 35mm, Ilford Delta film
Contax G1, Planar 35mm, Ilford HP5 film
Polaroids taken with an SX-70 camera on Type 600 film.
These images are a starting point. We’re experimenting, learning, and making mistakes. Who knows where this will take us, but the potential is very exciting. Hope you enjoyed this little something different!
Happy Monday everyone!
Lauren :)
John 1 year ago
Very beautiful, I’ve also recently been experimenting with film and hope to posts the results very soon.. it’s so scary and amazing at the same time.. You just don’t know,I could shoot a roll of nothing and not know it.. it’s very liberating. :)
Jane 1 year ago
The texture and depth of these give me goosebumps. Why must you taunt me! I have no money to start with new equipment! :) You guys are awesome – thanks for the inspiration.
Julianne 1 year ago
You two are too funny and very talented! I love the one of Rob, and the wedding couple one is fabulous too!
Romy 1 year ago
Awsome stuff. I was wondering if our engagement shoot with the 4×5 had some influence in this haha. The images are awesome.
Jamie Delaine 1 year ago
Beautiful! I’m the same: too young to have ever shot film. I’d love to experiment someday!