ETC | The Saturated Blue Stool
<<< previous photo | next photo >>>Thoughts on Film Photography from a first timer...
(after 500+ posts of digital photography, this post wouldn't be right without a speech)
Today I'm posting the first film capture on this blog (the first exposure of the roll in fact - had to post it even though its not the most impressive of the lot). I have been using digital cameras for almost 2 years now and this is my first taste of what film photography is like. Well first the obvious part - it's harder (messed up at least 10 exposures), and that's why I can say that I have more fun shooting film than digital. Although I don't process my own film (it's too expensive) just getting that capture right is a challenge in itself. Getting the exposure just right without Live View on my R1 poses a challenge which is quite a bit of fun to take on.
I'm finding film photography a lot more satisfying - being more mechanical and feeling parts move, clicking wheels, pressing more buttons, the mirror snapping, the film reel advancing, it feels like a more raw form of photography, which I like.
When I shoot digital, it took milliseconds to frame the shot and release the shutter. I get around 100 or so shots on a one hour walk. With film, I find myself being much more strict on the finger, composing frames for almost 20 seconds sometimes before I can click it. I walked around for almost two and a half hours to get just 30 exposures (6 being wasted in the house later, mainly on the cats).
Being the avid Photoshopper I am I won't be posting straight from the camera (especially since I'm using consumer film and not pro film). All my rolls are scanned and converted to JPEGs to be imported on to my computer. For two reasons - 1. I tend to be more responsible maintaining a digital archive and 2. So Photoshop can apply the few touches every photo needs to make it pop.
This week (and if all goes well maybe the entire month) I'll be posting only film photography. I'd love your feedback and thoughts as I explore this completely new realm.
Of course this wouldn't be possible without a few people - mainly Mom who was more than willing (or so she says) to spend the insane amount to purchase (and import) the camera, lens and filters. Mike Pettitt, who sold me the camera and shipped it all the way to India without hassle. Him along with Phil Bebbington giving me my first advice on how to go about the entire thing (mainly choosing film). And of course some random fellow in Hong Kong who shipped the lens and helped avoid any customs duty on it.
Right, thanks enough talk, hope you enjoy the photography, Thanks for visiting.
- Azhar Chougle
camera : Minolta Maxxum 7
lens : Sigma 24-70mm EX DG Macro
film : Fujifilm Fujicolor 100
post processing : Levels + Color Balance
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