It’s been one year of film photography. One day, out of the blue, I decided to search for the film camera my father-in-law gave me a few years ago, connect a lens to it and shoot my first roll of film. I didn’t read any “how to(s)” ahead of time, had no clue what I was doing, and started shooting just like it was a digital camera.
Lesson learned; my first scans were less than impressive and I quickly realized I needed a lot of help. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time pouring over articles on Shoot It With Film‘s website, plus shooting a lot of rolls of film.
It’s been a lot of trial and error, but film breathed new life into my photography when I needed it. I became interested again in shooting things that bring me joy, besides family photography. Plus, the delayed gratification of receiving my scans with the final results is semi torturous, yet very rewarding.
Here are my top 5 highlights from a year of shooting film.
Everyday Adventures
I had fallen out of love with documenting my kids, because the last thing I wanted to do was upload, cull and edit more images. Film photography revived this for me and I’m happy to have captured a lot more of our everyday adventures this year, without spending hours editing images.
Travel
Very similar to documenting our everyday adventures, editing images after a trip just didn’t appeal to me anymore. Plus, my digital gear is heavy and bulky and doesn’t make traveling with kids and all their stuff any easier. Bringing my film camera along still takes some work packing wise, but I limit the rolls of film I bring, so I’m not overshooting and still present on my trip.
I Am Project
Who knew I had more I wanted to express about myself through my photography. I sure didn’t, until I did. Working with my friend Becca was better than I could have imagined. She nailed the emotion and gave the images so much depth. I was so proud that Shoot It With Film agreed to feature the project on their site back in April.
Experimenting with Film Photography
Shooting film still feels like one big experiment, but I’ve enjoyed trying out different concepts like light leaks, double exposures, expired film and grain. I’m less burnt out from experimenting. Plus, film photography has inspired me to be creative and free in the way I shoot families.
Intention
After practicing with my own family, I finally got the courage to shoot a few family sessions on film this spring/summer. I don’t believe I’m a better photographer because I shoot film, but I do believe the effects of shooting film have made me a better photographer. Film photography helps me slow down. I think about how I’m going to achieve the shot in one or two frames. Sometimes those extra two seconds might cost me a shot, but with film, I don’t just click away hoping I get what I want.
View more of my personal work on film on my Shot on Film series.
Let’s Start Planning Your Family Photo Session
Pregnant and expecting?! Is your child growing quickly and you want to freeze this phase?! Or maybe you want updated family photos, but think you have to wait until next fall (you don’t!). Contact me and let’s start planning today. I’ll help you plan what to wear for family photos! 😉
In the meantime, check out more of my family photography work.
Meredith Green Photography specializes in maternity, newborn and family photography. I’m based in Fort Worth, TX and serve the DFW metroplex. My work captures the joy of family and the details you won’t want to forget…their little toes, those curls, that look, the snuggles! I’ve been working with families just like your for over nine years. I’m here to make your session easy and your experience memorable! I look forward to hearing from you!
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