F is for film.

I was that girl who had a camera close by and took any opportunity to take a photo of my friends being silly, family being lovey, or important moments in my life. I have always been in love with Photography, though by no means have I always considered myself a Photographer. I used to browse Photographers websites or sit in book stores flipping through page after page of simply breathtaking images, coffee in hand for HOURS…. I could get lost in their images. Then one fateful day, an unexpected turn of events pushed me to take action on my dream. I immersed myself in my passion and did (and still do) whatever I can to better my skill and constantly challenge myself.

Like many Photographers these days I “started” in the digital age. Don’t get me wrong… I owned film point and shoots, Polaroids and used disposable cameras like everyone else that grew up in my generation, but I had never used a film SLR camera. That being said, I’m oddly drawn to the allure of film. Maybe it’t the nostalgic feel of the images, or the memories it brings me back to…. Whatever the reason is, I’m simply in love with the visual aesthetic film produces and therefor made getting acquainted with it one of my personal goals for the year.

Having never shot a film SLR camera the thought was for some reason almost paralyzing. So much to the point that I was given a beautiful camera as a gift and for MONTHS it sat on a shelf… loaded with a roll of film and ready to go, but I could never bring myself to click that shutter for the first time. The thought of not being able to look at the back of the camera right after capturing an image was so scary!!!!!

So, with a big trip to happening I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take the leap and push myself face first into my fears for film. The process of using that first roll was such an exhilarating feeling. It forced me to stop and think about what story I wanted to tell, how I wanted it presented, and really enjoy what I was doing. I was in love with the entire process from that moment.

These images are ones that I will always remember, and have further shaped my passion for what I do. Reminding me that there is so much more to Photography than meets the eye, and that each image allows me to shape a story forever, capturing memories and experiences.