10 years ago, I was in art school. 10 years ago I was shooting exclusively film and absolutely loved it. I swore it was all I ever needed. And then 6 years ago I got my first photography job and was handed a digital camera. And that was that for 4 years. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed digital. It was a new process for me and I spent several years trying to master a new medium. But I always missed film. I missed the whole process, the range, the colors, the grain (Oh! the grain!) I couldn't get my digital photos to completely look the way I want. It was missing some of the depth and texture. I knew film was something I wanted to go back to. But I was scared. I was used to digital. It was safe. I could check my LCD screen to make sure I was okay. However, I found myself continually being drawn to film photographers. There was something about their work that spoke to me. it fit so well with my own personal aesthetic. I finally recognized while their work was beautiful, it was the medium that I was relating too. I finally asked myself, if I loved it so much why wasn't I shooting film? The answers were easy,
I had the digital set-up
I had the confidence in digital
I had never shot film for anything but personal work
Enter the Film is Not Dead Workshop and Jonathan Canlas. It gave me the confidence to try something new (it felt new to me all over again), push myself, and gave me the know how to grow as an artist and business owner. I needed technical answers, and that is what I learned, in addition to finding an amazing support network. Last year I began incorporating film back in. And it started a bit of a love affair. While I definitely agree that the magic of the photo belongs to the skill of the artist, there are 2 main reasons I'm in love with film,
-Results
-Workflow
With film I get exactly the look I want. With film my workflow is cut by half, if not more.
So, when I found out Jonathan was creating a Digital Guide Photographers Guide to Shooting Film, I couldn't have been more excited. I have so many people ask me for advice on how to shoot film or where to begin. I always recommend the workshop. But sometimes workshops aren't practical. I understand. It took me 3 years to do my first and only workshop. I had to save up for it. Now enter the film guide. It's all the info from the workshop packed into 96 pages. I have read it cover to cover and it is amazing. It goes through, step-by-step, on film choices, camera choices, how to expose for each film, how to organize, where to process. It is so much more in-depth and straightforward than I could ever put together. Plus, there are beautiful examples throughout the entire PDF.
So here is the link to buy the book. It is $89 through the 22nd and then changes to $150, which is think is a pretty amazing deal!
(click on the text, Learn to Shoot Film, to purchase your film guide.)
If you have ever wanted to shoot film, this is definitely worth your money. My recommendation is to start small. I started out with a used 35mm camera I bought online, that was compatible with my digital lenses. My initial investment was $250. It is easier than you think.
And since I want to be completely transparent, I do believe 100% in film, Jonathan Canlas and the quality of the workbook. I would advertise for it either way. But I also get a few bucks if you buy it. Which is nice for me. But even nicer for you. Trust me.
4 comments:
I have been soooooooo wanting to take the plunge into film, but nervous about it. OH! but film images are just breathtaking.
What was the camera you bought? Would you recommend it?
Geri, I bought the Canon EOS 3, but that was mainly because I had Canon lenses. If you have a Nikon camera, get a Nikon. I firmly believe with 35mm, it is the quality of the lenses. I shoot it all on manual, so I don't need anything too fancy. I also have a Contax 645. But there are lots of more inexpensive medium formats, like the Mamiya 645. You would be so great at film. You really would. It is in your aesthetic too.
Thanks for this post! I am moving back into film for my personal enjoyment (been too intimidated to think of doing it for business). I have a Canon 35mm and then my father.in.law is giving me his early 70's Minolta and various Rokkor lenses - thrilled! I want to understand why my digital stuff never looks like what I remember film looking like in school. Will definitely get the book! Thank you, thank you, three bags full!
LINDSEY! This is SO funny and awesome that you posted this today, because just last night I thought, "I'm going to email Lindsey tomorrow about film...possibly doing a mentoring session all about film". :) Perhaps this is my answer! I would still LOVE to sit down with you and hear your thoughts and stories about your adventures in film. But for now, I am hopping onto that link and buying me some film-lovin' info!!!
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