My photographs are hardly ever representative of objective reality, but they are representative of my vision, my artistic interpretation of the scene. In this article, I will talk about why I made a particular photograph, what was done in the camera, and then what I did in the darkroom to realize the finished image—or at least the image as it is right now.
As a filmmaker, there’s no denying that Wim Wenders has a distinctive and immediately recognizable visual style. But did you know that, in the years before his film career really took off, he developed and honed a great deal of his visual creativity working in the medium of Polaroid photography?
When I began photographing the landscape, the only option was using film, either black and white or color. When using black and white film, most of us used the Zone System or a derivation of it. Even those who cursed it as being too constrictive—it is not—or some kind of voodoo (again, it is not) were using this type of system in some way.
Photographing the landscape can be hard work, at times very hard work. It entails rising well before daylight in most cases and working in sometimes very harsh conditions. Most of the time, you will be out in the woods until well past dark, waiting for just the right moment, which may not come—even after your most valiant efforts.
I have had the opportunity of working as an Artist in Residence for the National Park Service four times. The last residency was for Buffalo National River in Arkansas.
Whenever I’m considering a new product, I always ask myself whether it will make me a better photographer. Will this item help me produce better images? Will it speed up my workflow? Can it help me do something I can’t do right now? And, because I’m a working photojournalist who lives only slightly above the poverty line, if the answer is “no,” I tend to avoid picking up said item.
A question arises: Exactly why is it that you still use very large cameras and film when photographing the American landscape? Which is what I do.
Using darkroom paper in a large format camera creates a distinctive aesthetic and provides an opportunity to experiment with a hands-on process. It’s an approach worth exploring if you’re looking to break away from your usual workflow.
A half-frame film camera could be the perfect Christmas gift. Make the right choice with this handy guide.
Designed to let you get twice as many shots (and sometimes more) from a roll of 35mm film, half-frame cameras are an ideal option for anyone interested in dipping a toe into the world of film photography, or film aficionados who want something fun and accessible.
When it comes to budget-friendly 35mm film cameras, the Canon AE-1 and Pentax K1000 often top recommendations. However, these options can be surprisingly expensive, especially for beginners. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Praktica MTL5B is a compelling choice.
In 16 short years, mirrorless cameras have gone from being the new kid on the block to the new normal, now accounting for about 90% of all sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras. The compact Panasonic Lumix G1 was the very first mirrorless camera, and it changed the photography world forever.
Film has made a bold comeback, grabbing the attention of a new generation of photographers. Imagine being able to develop your film at home. That's possible with the AGO Film Processor.
How many times have you watched a film about a photographer where the actor clearly has no idea how to use a camera? It's an unforgivable mistake, and one Kate Winslet was sure not to make in her new film, Lee, about the photojournalist Lee Miller.
I went to meet the founders of Lomography, Sally Bibawy and Matthias Fiegl, on an unseasonably warm Halloween morning in Brooklyn.
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 is more than a vintage collectible—it’s a piece of photographic history. Released in 1901, this camera not only introduced the world to 120 film but also made photography more accessible.
There's been a lot of (digital) ink spilled about the look and feel of film photos being vastly superior to their digital counterparts, and while that's a question up for debate, there's also something else I've noticed among my fellow film-shooting friends: the propensity to elevate objectively terrible photos as art.
Photography offers countless ways to explore creativity, and Nick Carver embodies this diversity. Known for his large format photography, Carver captures striking images of both natural landscapes and abandoned office buildings. His work highlights how settings, whether pristine nature or gritty urban spaces, can tell stories about their past and purpose.
So many of us photographers seem to have an insatiable appetite for camera gear. For some, it’s G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), while others are honing their photographic experiences into a seemingly futile and almost never-ending quest to trade up to the perfect camera. For a rare few, they have found their gear and are sticking to it.
Digital film simulations have become a popular way to capture the look of classic film stocks without the hassle of processing and scanning. They’re practical for anyone who wants a specific aesthetic without spending time on extensive post-processing, and they give you the freedom to focus on composition and light.
Several days ago, KEKS—a company you most likely know from their line of hot-shoe mounted light meters—announced their release of the new KEKS Rapid-Winder for classic Leica bodies. Designed to fit the M1, M2, M3, and classic MP, this accessory is a recreation of the original Leicavit MP and is designed around the same internal structure and materials.
Access to photography has never been greater, yet now the risk of the family archive dying out has never been more of an issue. This article explains why the digital age has put the family archive in danger, and what we, as photographers, can do about this.
Creating your own DIY lens for photography can be both simple and surprisingly effective. With just a few materials—some drainage pipe, magnifying glasses, and a little ingenuity—you can build a lens that opens up new creative possibilities.
Over the years, I’ve accumulated a truly embarrassing amount of film stock. I’ll freely admit that it’s a sickness. If I’m being honest with myself, it likely stems from a fear of missing out on something creative and new and a fear that one day it’s all going to be gone.
Does the joy of shooting with film always have to come at the price of expensive scans, or the frustration that can accompany the often time-consuming and laborious process of scanning your own film? Maybe not with this fast, cost-effective, and high-quality alternative to traditional film scans.
Intrepid Camera launched its latest Kickstarter campaign to introduce a brand-new large format electronic shutter compatible with Copal 0 lenses and a 150mm f/6.3 Cooke Triplet lens, giving photographers modern tools for large format cameras.
If you want a compact film camera that mixes classic style with modern convenience, the Rollei 35AF could be the perfect fit. As a modern take on the original Rollei 35, it retains the compact size and design while introducing autofocus, making it more practical for everyday use.
Film photography has its unique charm, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles for those who explore this medium is navigating through mistakes, often with no easy fix like in digital photography.
You may not have been aware that film director Stanley Kubrick was also a professional photographer, having shot assignments for magazines before he ever made any of his award-winning movies. So what did his photographer’s eye bring to his movies, and what can we learn from his creative process?
With film making a resurgence, especially among younger photographers, these are some of the critical mistakes I made while learning to use the medium that I had to learn the hard way. Throughout the video, I go through a few of them and will expand on them as well to hopefully help any photographers newer to film photography avoid making the same errors I did.
This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.
I summarize what makes each camera special, why I love it, and I'll show you one of my favorite photos taken with it. Make sure you check out the video, where I show my five favorite photos from each camera.
Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.
If you’re someone who enjoys the tactile, deliberate experience of shooting film, the Rollei 35 AF could be an interesting option.
Why do we take photos? It's a question that gets to the heart of why you pick up your camera. There's a deeper, more personal reason than just snapping a nice picture.
Shooting film can be an emotional experience, especially when you’re trying to find your creative groove in a new place. When you’ve moved across the country, it’s easy to lose that spark, but it’s just as easy to find it again with the right approach and tools.
A recent YouTube video was filmed entirely on 35mm film. Currently, this might be the only YouTube video that has ever been shot predominantly on film, and the look it produces is definitely interesting.
A YouTube channel called Stand-up Maths recently uploaded a video that was shot on 35mm film. The video itself goes into great detail explaining the different film formats.
Shooting with an 8x10 camera is a bit like entering an exclusive club—one that comes with high costs, steep learning curves, and some serious frustrations. But the rewards? They can be worth every bit of the hassle if you're up for the challenge.
The nuances of film exposure can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out, but getting a grasp on these basics will dramatically improve your work.
When it comes to film cameras, the Pentax 17 has sparked quite a bit of interest. If you’re considering diving into film photography or are simply looking to add another camera to your collection, here's a good look at the Pentax 17.
After all of the premature declarations that film is dead, we find ourselves in the midst of an extraordinary renaissance in film photography. Dehancer’s plugins aim to give digital photographers the best of both worlds by bringing the evocative look of classic film stock to digital images.
Many people are rediscovering the joy of film, from the anticipation of waiting for your prints to the unique look that only film can provide.
Does the universe have a plan for all of us? For Austrian-born photographer and artist Markus Hofstätter, the stars unexpectedly aligned for him to receive his Leica M2: a camera which seemingly transcended the depths of time and grief to find its way into his hands.
In a pivotal moment sixteen years ago, a photographer found himself preferring a digital shot over a film one, challenging his preconceived notions about photography. This experience led him to understand that a photographer's creativity and perspective are what truly make an image special.
The new Pentax 17 camera offers a fresh experience for photographers who want to enjoy shooting without the stress of technical perfection. It's a semi-automatic, half-frame camera that balances fun and simplicity, making it a refreshing tool for both seasoned photographers and beginners alike.
Film photography has seen a resurgence in recent years, captivating many enthusiasts with its authenticity. Exploring this trend reveals the nuances of film versus digital and why both have their place in today's photography landscape.
The Pentax 17 is generating a lot of buzz within the film photography community. Exploring its features and design, you might find it a compelling option for your photography needs.
Film photography has a certain allure. It’s drawn many, despite seeming like a hassle, time-consuming, and expensive. Curious to see if the effort, cost, and hassle are worth it, one photographer decided to dive into the analog journey.
Across the vast millennia of human existence, the total solar eclipse remains the most spectacular and celebrated of astronomical phenomena. As the blue sky dimmed, I suddenly decided to shoot the 2024 solar eclipse on black and white film using my trusty Hasselblad 500 C/M.
Capturing a photograph of a total solar eclipse ranks high on many photographers' bucket lists.
Film photography has seen a resurgence, capturing the hearts of many enthusiasts with its unique charm. What's your hot take on the trend?
The Zhiyun WEEBILL 3E gimbal represents a significant evolution in the WEEBILL series, offering advanced features and performance tailored to meet the needs of professional videographers and filmmakers at the right price.