I recently shot a roll of Provia 100F. This is a stock that doesn’t have much latitude when it comes to exposure (i.e. it needs to be exposed very carefully). I had never shot this stock before and I was a bit nervous! It’s more expensive to process and it’s easy to make exposure mistakes. Typically I overexpose film slightly because most film tends to be very forgiving when it comes to overexposure. In other words, film loves light.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got the scans back, especially the images of nature. These were taken around San Antonio, mostly at the Botanical Garden. All of these were taken with my Velvet 56, which I had also never used on my film camera (this was, apparently, a bit of an experimental roll!)
I love shooting film because it forces me to slow down. I have to be very mindful and careful.
I also like the unknown aspect of it, the little surprises. You don’t know what your images will be until you get the scans back, which can take a while, especially if you don’t shoot film often! Depending on my mood, a roll of film can sit in my camera for weeks or months.
For me, this is another advantage to shooting film-when you get the scans back, you have a chance to revisit those moments, some of which might have happened weeks or months ago. It’s a like a little gift to myself.
I don’t shoot a lot of film, and I’m not always happy with my images when I do. But when it works, it works. And it makes me very happy. There is something quiet and gentle about it.
The tones are calming, the process is mindful. It’s a chance to take your time, to practice patience. How often do we get those opportunities in this hectic life?
The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project. Photographers who participate hope to bring a sense of calmness and peace to their monthly images. Please continue the circle with Wendy May Photography to see what brought her some serenity this month.
Beautiful Eileen. It really feels like being right there in a garden viewing these images…. they feel so touchable. Gorgeous work.
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thank you!
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Just so lovely, Eileen! I always enjoy seeing your work.
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Thank you so much!
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LOVE these Eileen! I am partial to the first one of the succulent – I am drawn to the tones and feel of it. Stunning post!
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Thank you, Amy!!
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These all came out beautiful, Eileen. I think it is so cool that you are still photographing on film. You are right; film does make you slow down.
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Thank you, Iris! Film is fun 🙂
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These are all so beautiful Eileen! I really love the tones and the overall effect you obtained with this particular film stock. Also, well done for shooting with the Velvet 56 and film combined – trying something new and at the same time, being able to produce such serene images! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Jill!
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