I started my photography journey with learning to shoot in film.
�I’m not saying we should always start with shooting in film instead of digital, but I feel it is important to share the mindsets that I developed over shooting in film, so that even when you choose to start with digital, you will bear in mind what ultimately is important when learning photography.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here are TWO things:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(1) Not looking at the monitor constantly�
Many people ask me how I manage to capture such emotions/moods in my photographs.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
One key to maintaining connection with my clients is that I’m almost never looking at my monitor even when I’m shooting digital - because shooting in film never gave me that option.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I can understand how it’s just so instinctive to keep checking the monitor when shooting in digital - but every time u look down, remember - you are disconnecting with your client. And you also easily miss pre- and post-pose candid moments. It takes you away from the flow state, from the present moment.��(2) Observe and think carefully before pressing the shutter�
This is so so so important - photography is more mental work than physical work.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My mind is always exhausted after every shoot, because I’m constantly thinking, observing, and making decisions as I get to know my clients more.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Shooting in film trains me to do so, as I know every click of the shutter costs me. I couldn’t (and still can’t) afford to waste shots unnecessarily.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When you think and observe, you know exactly what you are wanting to capture, and you use ways to draw that out of your clients. Photography should be a very intentional process.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let me know what you think or if you have any questions on shooting in film!
