Corina Bermudez Instagram @cornetta_banana

What first drew you to film photography?

I’ve always loved photography; I almost went to college for it. Instead, I ended up studying graphic design, but I still took a few photography classes, including a darkroom course I really loved. For whatever reason, though, I didn’t stick with it after school. Now I work as a product designer and spend most of my day in front of a screen. A few years ago, after chatting with a friend who’s into film photography, I decided to pick up a camera again as a creative outlet outside of work.
After moving to San Francisco, I realized how great the city is for street photography and how strong the local film community is. It’s been a fun way to explore the city, slow down, and take a break from the digital world.

Which camera, film stock do you find yourself reaching for most often — and why?


I usually grab my Olympus OM10 with Portra 400. I love the warm tones and how well it handles different kinds of light. It’s just an all-around solid film stock. Every now and then, I’ll load up Ektar 100 depending on what I’ll be shooting. The colors are so vibrant and rich, and the shots always come out super crisp.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while shooting film, and how has it influenced your growth as a photographer?

Honestly, the biggest challenge is how expensive it can be. Out of a 36-shot roll, I might only get a handful of photos I really love, and it adds up, especially if you’re sending everything to a lab for developing and scanning. But I still prefer film over digital because it forces me to slow down, frame the shot, and make sure it’s worth taking. There’s something almost meditative about that process.

What advice would you give to someone just starting with film photography?


Just start shooting! I kicked things off with a little point-and-shoot I could toss in my bag for trips, and it made everything super easy and fun. Eventually I moved up to the OM10, and I’m still learning new things as I go. I mostly stick to aperture priority because it’s way less stressful than full manual. And try not to sweat it if a roll comes back with a bunch of duds, that's totally normal and part of the fun. 

  • Kirby Cove

  • Stinson Beach

  • Camera Obscura

  • Seattle Market

Can you share one photo (or series) that feels especially meaningful to you, and tell us the story behind it?


These few photos are especially meaningful to me because it was the first time I took my Olympus Mju on a trip to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in 2021. I had so much fun shooting in the park. I’ve always loved the desert, and Joshua Tree feels almost otherworldly to me… the light, the textures, the whole vibe of the place. When I got the scans back from that roll, I knew I’d be shooting film from then on.

What’s your favorite place to take photos in San Francisco, and why does it inspire you?


This is such a tough one! I’m not sure I have a single favorite spot in SF. The whole city is so photogenic that I usually just wander around with my camera and shoot whatever catches my eye. That said, some of my favorite shots have been at Ocean Beach, so if I had to pick, I’d probably go with that.