KateRomainWrites

My Journey as a Beginner Film Photographer

Going into Week Two

At first I was overwhelmed – and, if I’m honest, a little frustrated – by the amount of variables and things that can go wrong in the process of making a picture, both inside and outside of the darkroom.

Now I’ve taken two sets of classes, each six weeks long, and I’m reasonably confident when I snap a picture I’ll print something that at least slightly resembles the image I saw in my mind. This feels like big progress.

Still, if I’m honest, I’m less interested in the nitty-gritty of the process, and more in exploring, capturing moments, and being reminded of them again during the printing process.

This week, I lucked out and got the entire dark room to myself. I was able to quickly fire through my printing, working from the role of film I developed in week one. The film was relatively varied, and included images from California (Napa, Tamales Bay, Fresno), and New England (Providence and Boston).

So, what did I print?

Tamales Bay

These were the images I was most excited about, largely because of how much I enjoyed the day and its aesthetics – I find some days are just more visually appealing than others, y’know?

I like the images a set of three: a zoomed-out image; a medium-zoom image, and a more detailed image. First time around, I used 12 ‘pops’ on the enlarger for each image. Second time, I used a dodge tool to brighten up the figure a little. At least, as much as is possible from printing technique alone.

Though it wasn’t necessarily what I was going for when I took the shot, I do like the effect of the more shadowy, anonymous figure in this composition.

Sebastopol Trash Sculptures

These images are simple and, I think, a little comical. I didn’t do too much work here in terms of taking a creative photograph because the I found the subjects themselves to be so interesting. That set, I do like the skewed sense of scale in the first image.

In the second image, the figure looks at the camera as though sharing a moment of frustration with the viewer, perhaps grimacing over the traffic.

Providence

I love the effect of the trees against the clouds, and the blurred reflection of the building visible on the path leading to its entrance. This photograph was taken on a rainy day in Providence when my mum came to visit me in New England, from (old) England. We visited one of my favorite bookstores, RiffRaff, and ate Italian food for lunch.

I’m reminded how one simple photograph can bring back the details of a day so vividly.

Joseph Phelps Tasting Rooms, Napa, CA

Boy, was I lucky to get to visit the Joseph Phelps tasting rooms during my trip to Napa. This is a truly beautiful place, and if you ever get the chance to visit I’d highly recommend.

I was interested in the large wooden structure leading to the entrance of the tasting rooms, almost like scaffolding. In the first photograph I hoped to capture more of the rolling hills and vineyards which are just visible in the top-center of the image. I wasn’t completely successful, but there’s a sense of intrigue here which appeals. My partner is a wine-guy, and there’s a real magic in capturing people doing what they love. I do wish I’d taken more photographs experimenting with the composition.

The Technical Side

This week I use da high contrast filter (5) and f-Stop 16 on the enlarger to print my photographs. I used a high-contrast because my film was fogged, which I’m told can be a result of the following:

• The camera itself
• Whether or not I’d correctly fixed the lid when developing the film. It’s possible chemicals leaked onto the film during this process.

I hope it’s the latter. This will be a way cheaper and easier fix. But film photography is not a fast process, and I’ll find out next time I develop a role of film if the issue is with the camera.

I used Iford black and white film, with my Olympus 35 RC Camera. Sorry-not-sorry to admit I used the cameras auto-function for all of these photos. One day I will summon the courage to use a light meter and my camera’s manual functions. But not this time.

In Conclusion…

I left todays dark room session feeling good. Though I didn’t bring any film to develop this week, I know there are more photographs on this film I’d be interested in printing.

Next week… I plan to develop another role of film, and print more images from week one’s color film.

What was your experience as a beginner film photographer? Do you have any tips for those of us starting out? I’d love to hear in the comments!