How to Think Like Expired Film
The best way to take pictures is with the right camera - even if it’s a crappy camera.
About a month ago, I was rummaging through an old store room and found an unused disposable Kodak camera.
The exciting part is that it expired 20 years ago.
How could I not give it a try?
I shot film all the time as a kid. I never thought about it, just snapped shots of stuff I loved.
My problem with shooting film in the digital era is that I obsess over what pictures to take.
I feel like I have to shoot ‘just the right thing’ and I’ve never been able to find that ‘thing.’
But this time, I knew exactly what I wanted to photograph.
It's autumn here in Canada, so I crammed my family in the van and drove north for one last camping trip - and to use the camera.
The whole way there, I began thinking like an expired roll of film (Kodak Gold 200).
I settled on shooting high contrast scenes with vibrant colours, going for moments with a nostalgic feel.
Wouldn’t you know it, nature mostly gave me overcast skies and flat light ;)
Nevertheless, I was so happy with how the photographs turned out.
If you have felt stuck or uninspired in your photography lately, grab an unusual camera and take it on an adventure.
For me, this means a roll of film, my waterproof Olympus Tough, the iPhone 4s, or a Fuji X with the miniature filter cranked to 11.
What would it be for you?
Hit reply and let me know - attach a couple photos if you like.
Mat
Love this and the thought of taking something that "isn't up to standard" and making absolutely beautiful art. What's a standard anyway? Screw the rules. I have been aching to add a film camera to my collection, but just spent a ton of money upgrading and adding to my gear and can't justify dropping the hundreds on the film camera that I want. You've inspired me to go search the thrift stores for the first working camera I can find. Maybe I'll even make a post about it. Thanks for sharing! 📸