In the age of digital and instant photography, the art of film photography is objectively ridiculous - an expensive and often delayed form of gratification with a high percentage of missed shots. But when all the magical ingredients align perfectly, film produces images that evoke raw emotions. As I look back on my photos from this past summer - from the landscapes of Alaska to the bustling streets of Morocco - these are some of my most treasured capture.
35mm
Morocco on Film: Leica Minilux /
Earlier this summer, we went to Morocco for the first time. And as a photographer, I had a bag full of cameras and lenses to capture the vivid colors of Moroccan cities and communities.
Despite having only a handful of publishable photos from my traditional digital cameras, I was determined to capture the essence of Morocco on film. Every snapshot taken with Leica Minilux is preserved forever in grainy images and vivid colors. Unfortunately, my camera did not make it through the entire trip and fell apart on our final day - but the film remained intact. Some of my favorite analog memories frozen in time:
Alaska on Film: Kodak Gold 200 with Leica MP /
Continuing with my film series and my need to experiment with different film stock - I bought a bunch of rolls of Kodak 200 given the price range and the ease of availability.
As much as I appreciate the vibrant hues in some of the shots, I have to admit that this particular film stock falls short in certain scenarios. The brightness and saturation often come out dull and lackluster, unless there is an abundance of natural light.
The Kodak Gold 200 film gives off a warm, vintage vibe with its slightly yellow and grainy appearance. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and adds to the vintage aesthetic of the photos. Below are a few samples from the Kodak Gold 200 - all shot with the Leica MP.
Alaska on Film: Kentmere 400 with Leica MP /
After selling my re-issued M6 last year, I thought I was done with film photography. But then I couldn't resist the Leica MP and ended up buying one. As much as I love my Sony kit, there's just something about shooting with film that draws me in. Part of me wonders if I made the right decision, as I've gone back and forth on whether or not to use Leica multiple times before.
This time around, I'm determined to fully commit to shooting with film. In the past, I would often switch back and forth between digital and film, never fully embracing one or the other. But this time, I'm holding myself accountable by going all in.
I've also been experimenting with different film stocks, something that I never really did before. From black and white to color, from low ISOs to high ISOs - each type of film has its own unique look and feel. It's been so much fun seeing how each roll turns out.
The photos below show a mix of landscapes, portraits, and daily life moments, all captured with the Leica MP, the 35mm f/1.4 steel rim and the Kentmere 400:
Freedom Tower on Film /
New York, NY