As an *elder... oof... millenial, I grew up with point & shoot film cameras until digital photography rocked our little worlds in the late 90's. The joy of shooting my little roll of drugstore film and then dropping it in the bin (at that same drugstore) to be sent to the lab was unmatched. Then we'd wait a week until the phone call came in "your photos are ready" and we'd go pick up a happy packet of prints. Half the images were a mess, out of focus, blown-out by flash, too dark... but it didn't matter. Every frame had value. Of course digital took over and it seemed silly to spend all that time and money on film when we could have instant gratification, but the allure of traditional film never left me. I picked up a Pentax k1000 about 8 years ago and I instantely was transported back to the excitement and anticipation I felt as a kid.

I've been photographing my family on film for years and have thrown a roll into a wedding or session here and there, but the pandemic made it really difficult to get a hold of certain film stocks. Supply chains were a mess (we all know this) so I stopped bringing my analog gear along to shoots with me. I even sold my medium format camera (so much regret) and paused my film joy. Time passed and things started to settle down so I dusted off my gear and began adding film to sessions & weddings again - this time as an option for my clients, not just for my own fun. I even re-purchased that same Pentax 645n that I sold in what can only be described as a momentary blackout. Let me tell ya... it feels GOOD to be back!!!

I needed to run a test roll through the camera I'd snagged online so I put out a model call for an all film session here in Oshawa. Andrea and Ryan answered that call and boy am I ever thankful they did.

On what turned out to be a frigid & windy day, we hit the beach painted with beautiful neutral tones that only early spring could provide. The wind can be annoying, but the way it tousles hair and adds movement always makes things feel all the more organic and real. The sun may not have graced us until the last 3 frames of the session but even in the overcast light Andrea & Ryan shone brightly.

As we wrapped up the session, I had that momentary panicked feeling that every film photographer gets "what if none of these turn out?" but I didn't need to worry. Kodak Portra 400, my gear, my experience, and my kick-ass lab (shoutout AllThingsFilm) had my back and I'm thrilled with the final images. Thank you to A&R for braving the cold for me - I truly appreciate you sharing your love and your time with me!

If you're thinking of adding some film to your wedding or session, drop me a line!!!