What first drew you to film photography?
I took film photography classes in high school and was instantly drawn to it. My friends and I spent hours thinking up photo shoot ideas and executing them. I spent a lot of college in the darkroom as well, though most of the classes were geared towards digital photography and editing. I took a long break from shooting in general after college, but got back into film during the pandemic (when we were all depressed and desperate for creative energy).
Which camera, film stock do you find yourself reaching for most often — and why?
My Nikon FE2 is my ride-or-die 35mm. It’s such a workhorse and I have been using it for so long (since high school) it’s like an extension of me. For film, I'm using a lot of Kodak Gold right now.
Can you share one photo (or series) that feels especially meaningful to you, and tell us the story behind it?
As I was getting back into film during the pandemic, my partner and I took several road trips. Getting the film developed was so exciting at that time because it was reigniting my love of film and photography. I still feel that excitement whenever I look at photos from those trips.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while shooting film, and how has it influenced your growth as a photographer?
Time. With a corporate job and a busy schedule, it can be hard to find consistent opportunities to shoot. I’ve had to become really intentional about carving out time and attending photo walks or meetups. Even when it takes effort, I always appreciate showing up for myself in that way.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with film photography?
Take time to learn the basics! Understand the basic technical aspects of your camera. Learn how to develop your own film and print your own photographs if possible. It gives you a deeper appreciation for the craft. There’s something really special about making a photo from start to finish.
What’s your favorite place to take photos in San Francisco, and why does it inspire you?
San Francisco (and the Bay Area in general) has so many iconic landmarks, which are always fun to shoot. But lately, I've been joining a lot of neighborhood photo walks and finding joy in the small things.
