My most recent trip to Tuscany was a first of sorts. I took along a film camera and some film to understand why everyone makes such a fuss about film photography. With my Konica Hexar AF camera, I knew at least I would at least get the photos right. In addition to my digital photos, I used up four film rolls, shooting at the same time and locations where I was also using my Leica SL camera.
The film photos elicited a lot of reaction from friends who aren’t photographers. One of them pointed out that it felt different, even though he had no idea I had shot it on film. I will be the first to admit that I don’t quite know how to describe how film photographs feel different, but I can feel it. In my brief experiment, what I like is that I have to focus on composition and exposure. The film and lens render a special quality to the photos and it has nothing to do with post processing. In many ways, it captures the moment more effectively.
Even thought it costs about $40 to buy, process and scan the film, I don’t mind. Having not to worry about the post-processing is a huge win. I am probably going to be experimenting more with film. Now I need to figure out how to do long exposures with film.
One of my favorite photos from the trip is the one above. I love this as it takes me right back to the place where I saw the magic unfold in San Gimignano, Toscana. Chris Michel, who is my photography sensei thinks that “it’s a photograph that we want to inhabit. A photograph we want to continually revisit.” Another good photographer friend of mine, Johnny Patience (on Instagram) noted: “I often feel drawn to images that make me feel something I can’t put my finger on.”
Me neither!
If you want to see more of my film photography from Tuscany, visit the album over on SmugMug.
November 12, 2017, San Francisco
