As 2023 draws to a close, let's take a moment to pause and reflect. This isn't just about the photographs made or the projects completed but also about a peek behind the lens - into some of the stories, the data, and the defining moments of my year in film photography. Even as we approach the year's end, the momentum continues with extensive production photoshoots scheduled right up until December 20th, paving the way seamlessly into 2024. A heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who's been a part of this year's narrative, adding depth and dimension to each frame. For those looking forward to working in 2024, consider this recap a prelude to the success we will be achieving together. And for the photographers and enthusiasts out there, I hope this retrospective helps spark your creativity and offers practical insights for your artistic endeavors.
A Year in Numbers
26 professional commissions for leading brands, businesses, and visionary creatives.
45 film mini-sessions, artistically preserving personal stories and milestones.
17 Specialized Sessions: From family portraits to fine art, capturing unique moments and individual expressions.
21 experimental test shoots, diving into new realms of film photography.
2 collaborative projects, creatively engaging for the sheer joy of photography.
Diverse Professional Engagements
Adapting Across the Spectrum of Paid Work
This year's 26 professional commissions took me across a spectrum of industries and creative challenges. Each project brought its own set of requirements, challenges, and artistic opportunities. Even though things varied, I could still predict the needs of clients well. Regardless if it was for commercial projects, businesses, or creative professionals, the focus was often on aligning my artistic vision with the brand's identity, where the challenge was to translate their brand story into visual narratives that resonated with their audience, blending my photographic style with their marketing goals. It's that simple and prevalent in any paid work, where everything lies in the execution and how an individual voice can put things together. In a sense, you get hired for your mind - and how you execute imagination and ideas.
Personal Stories Through Film Mini Sessions
The tally of 45 film mini-sessions, while seemingly substantial, was efficiently orchestrated – all within just one day and one weekend of the year. Despite the brevity of these sessions, each one was a concentrated endeavor in storytelling and personal connection.
In these sessions, my focus was on quickly tuning into the individual energies of each client. With our limited time together, the ability to intuitively read and respond to subtle cues was key. This skill set shone particularly bright when meeting someone for the first time in such a structured yet fleeting setting. It allowed me to capture genuine moments and expressions, each a unique snapshot of personality and mood.
These concise, structured sessions served a dual purpose. They were an introduction for clients, many exploring professional photography for the first time, to experience working with an experienced photographer. Simultaneously, they provided me an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of wonderful individuals, each bringing their distinct flair and style to the session. Thus, the mini-sessions became a gateway, extending the reach of film photography to an audience that is curious and yet has a discerning eye for quality and style.
Capturing Individuality in Specialized Sessions
This year's 17 specialized sessions were a journey through diverse subjects, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Standing apart from the brisk pace of film mini-sessions and the business-oriented approach of commercial projects, these sessions allowed for greater depth and freedom. Whether capturing the personality of an individual, the dynamics of a family, or the intricate details of a finely crafted object, the focus was always on highlighting the unique qualities of each subject.
In these sessions, the aim was to transcend conventional photography, focusing on crafting narratives that reveal the deeper character of whatever was in front of the lens – be it a person, a moment, or an object with its own story.
The approach and intent were never about chasing the superficial trend of being different for the sake of novelty. Instead, the final collection of images did more than just meet the clients' needs; they redefined the norms of photography by emphasizing depth and relevance. In a world often fixated on pursuing uniqueness, which can lead to a sense of disconnection, these sessions stood out for their commitment to meaningful and resonant photographic expression. By not deliberately trying to be different but by simply being myself and doing things my way, the work naturally distinguished itself. This organic differentiation came from not worrying about what everyone else was doing, but rather, from a commitment to authentic expression and storytelling.
Pushing Creative Boundaries in Test Shoots
Throughout the year, my 21 experimental test shoots were a vital platform for professional growth and innovation in film photography. Unlike digital photography, where experimentation often revolves around computer and software manipulation, film photography demands a hands-on approach. This year marked a significant step in my journey as I ventured deeper into the realm of film by building a darkroom. This has allowed me to take greater control over the entire photographic process, from conceptualization to the final image.
Collaboration and Experimentation
These test shoots were not always solitary endeavors. They involved working closely with models and other creatives, which provided an opportunity to test physical ideas and concepts in a collaborative environment. This interaction added a dynamic layer to each shoot, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the creative process.
Seeds of Future Projects
The images created during these shoots were not intended for public consumption. Instead, they served as the seeds for future work, helping to germinate ideas that could be developed further in other projects. This approach allowed me to experiment freely, without the pressure of client expectations or public scrutiny, giving birth to concepts that could later be refined and introduced in professional settings.
A Blend of Technical Skill and Creative Vision
Working with film photography in such an immersive way – particularly in the darkroom – allowed me to explore the interplay of light, chemistry, and timing in a manner that other forms of photography simply can't match. The test shoots became a playground for technical skill and creative vision, where every experiment, successful or not, contributed exponentially to my growth as a photographer.
Valuing the Unshared
In an era where sharing every detail online has become commonplace, I've discovered the importance of holding back certain aspects of my work. Not every creation is destined for public display; often, the most profound growth and innovation occur behind closed doors. This practice of selective sharing isn't about secrecy; it's about nurturing a space where ideas can mature and evolve without external influence. By keeping some elements of my work to myself, I safeguard my artistic integrity and cultivate a distinctive voice in a world where constant exposure can dilute originality and depth.
Lighter Clicks: Fun Facts from Behind the Lens
As we take a step back from the deep dive into the year's professional journey, let's lighten the mood with some amusing and interesting tidbits from 2023. These lighter moments and statistics offer a glimpse into the quirky and fun side of film photography.
1. "Favorite Film Fling"
Most Used Film Stock: Last year, my go-to color film stock was Portra 800, but this year, I found myself gravitating towards Kodak Ektachrome 100 slide film. Both are stellar choices, but I was ready to move away from the overexposed, pastel 'wedding-ish' look that's become trendy among film shooters on social media. It's not that I would typically create photos with that look, but I wanted to distance myself from what others were doing. Ektachrome 100, with its small exposure latitude and demand for precision in challenging lighting conditions, offered just the right kind of challenge I was looking for – and a bit of a departure from the masses. 😂
2. "The Chuckle Shutter"
Funniest Photo Shoot: This one's a no-brainer. Imagine the scene: I'm set up the studio, ready to create some chic fashion images with my large format 4x5 camera. The model and I are in sync, the usual creative buzz in the air - when suddenly, our allergies decide to make an appearance. Here's where the comedy starts. With a large format camera, several meticulous steps are needed before pressing the shutter. And once you do, that's it for that frame. You can't see your subject right before the shot, and you only get one chance per frame. Then, it's back to square one, repeating the whole process for the next photo.
So, every time I pressed the shutter, the model's eyes blinked (due to them being itchy from allergies)—without fail. Every single frame of an entire box of film captured her mid-blink. It was like a perfectly timed comedy routine. Amid this, my allergies were also in full swing, so there we were, a duo of sneezes and blinks, trying to keep it together. The scene was comical—a mix of laughter, sneezes, and the laborious process of resetting the camera after each blink-captured frame. It was a shoot that was memorable not just for the images we eventually succeeded in capturing but for the unexpected humor and lighthearted struggle behind each shot. It's one of those experiences that sticks with you, reminding you that sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
3. "4x5 for the Win"
Most Used Film Camera: The Sinar Large Format 4x5 was my go-to camera this year. Its use was driven by necessity, not convenience. The unique demands of my projects required the precision and organic aesthetics that only a large format camera can offer. The Sinar, renowned for its capability for detailed movements, was instrumental in transforming many concepts into reality in a manner unmatched by other cameras. This preference aligns with historical trends – large format cameras have always been the tools of choice for working professionals, particularly in product photography, and this year was no exception in my practice.
4. "Unexpected Star"
Surprise Hit Photo: In photography, some of the most extraordinary shots emerge from the least expected moments. This year, one particular photo unexpectedly became a client favorite. It wasn't the fruit of an elaborate production or a detailed plan. It materialized spontaneously at the end of a portrait session on location. As I was packing up, a certain element in the scene captured my attention. Reacting instinctively, I quickly set up and directed one last shot.
What made this image stand out was its natural and unforced quality, which turned it into the most visually appealing shot of the session. It wasn't a photo I had planned, but its effect was exceptional, leading to more work and unforeseen opportunities. Pinpointing what exactly made this image resonate with the clients is challenging. Yet, when I saw the abstract qualities in my mind while it was happening, I sensed its special quality. This experience reinforced a valuable lesson in photography – often, the most impactful shots are those serendipitous creations born in the unscripted moments of life while you're actively engaged.
5."Words vs. Reality"
Most Overused Creative Industry Phrases (2023): In our professional sphere, terms like 'authentic,' 'storytelling,' 'cinematic,' and 'creative' hold significant weight, encapsulating the spirit of our work. Yet, their overuse has inevitably watered down their impact. These terms have been absorbed into general internet culture and used to describe everything from serious artistic endeavors to routine daily activities and vlogs. How often have we seen an influencer doing a 'cinematic' target haul or the drone footage craze among YouTubers from a few years ago, where every video was a 'cinematic' drone trip to fast-food joints or mundane locations? It became so common that it trivialized both the use of drones and the term 'cinematic' itself, leading to burnout all around.
In today's digital landscape, where everyone is a content creator, these words have become all too common, often detached from the skilled, thoughtful creativity or results they are meant to describe. This ubiquitous use has brought us to a point where using these terms, even in appropriate contexts, can feel awkward or clichéd. Recognizing this issue is essential, as it calls for self-awareness in how we use language in our profession. We still need these words to communicate and describe our work, and we will continue to use them. But as professionals, we strive to infuse these phrases with true meaning, ensuring they reflect the depth and nuance of our creative endeavors. It's about distinguishing between buzzwords and the genuine articulation of our artistic vision. Actions must align with words.
6. "The Golden Hour Award"
Best Lighting Moment: For those who know my approach, the allure of natural sunlight in film photography is unmatched. Unlike digital photography, where light is converted into electrical signals and numbers, in film photography, all forms of light interact directly with the film, creating a distinctly organic and tangible effect. Sunlight, in particular, has a way of transforming the environment that can't be replicated by artificial sources.
This natural interplay is akin to the perfect pairing of peanut butter and jelly, or the synchronized dance of thunder and lightning. While I work with various lighting sources – strobes, flashes, and constant lights – integrating natural sunlight in creative ways remains my first choice, and this year I pretty much did just that in most of my photoshoots.
Conclusion: Framing the Future
As the last light of 2023 fades, let's not dwell on endings or beginnings. Instead, consider this: every photograph I've taken this year, every moment captured, is not just a memory frozen in time, but a launchpad for what's next.
The coming year is less about new resolutions and more about continued revolutions – in how we see, capture, and interpret the world through our lenses.
We're not just waiting for the future but actively shaping it. Every decision every action, contributing to the story we're writing.
2024, here we come. No scripts, no blueprints. Just us and the raw canvas of the year ahead. Time to paint outside every line we know. Ready for the ride?
❤️🔥🌊🌙
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