WE ARE FILM FOLK: Patricia Agnes

Thank you Patricia for this wonderful entry! And you are right, shooting film is THRILLING and gives any memory a unique form of preservation. Keep shooting! And we hope you get your Twin-Lens soon!

How many cameras do you have in your collection?

I have four: Nikon L35AD, Olympus Trip 35, Canon Prima BF-80, and an Instax 210.  The Canon Prima BF-80 used to be my mom’s. It used to be my go-to camera, but it’s now broken.

How long did it take you to get to this point?

Back then, my mom would always take pictures whenever we go out of town and during important occasions. As I grew up, I started borrowing her point-and-shoot camera. I enjoyed taking photos whenever there are school events and going out with friends. I was about to become a college freshman when I stopped. That was also the time when camera phones were becoming popular and the film camera was put to shelf. Few years later, probably in 2010, I found the camera again and I felt the need to use it again. I’ve been consistent with using it. I’m even happier to have been using film cameras when travelling!

What are your favorites subjects to shoot?
Regardless of being digital or analog, places that I visit, my friends and family, and anything that I find interesting.

Which one in particular is your go-to camera and lenses? Why?
I’m always comfortable shooting with an automatic 35mm point-and-shoot camera. I prefer not adjusting too much especially when I’m on the go! I always bring the Nikon L35AD.


What is your ''Spirit Camera"? (If you were a camera, what would you be?)

I would love to become the classic instant camera, Polaroid. I LOVE capturing moments as they are and have them in print!

What is your Holy Grail Camera?
A twin-lens reflex camera such as Rolleiflex! I still haven’t tried shooting with one.

What film camera can you recommend to newbies?
Any functioning automatic 35mm point-and-shoot camera would be great. It’s their choice, really, if they prefer going for a manual or automatic camera.

What is your current film stash count?
CURRENTLY RUNNING OUT OF FILMS!! I only have one or two left, I think. I still haven’t used my black and white film yet.

Films you cannot live without.
Kodak Ultramax 400, Fujicolor YKL 100, and Lucky Super New 200. Lucky Super New 200 used to be my go-to film, but right now I can’t find it in the online store that used to sell them.

Why do you shoot film?
I find shooting film thrilling. The words wait for it does not only mean few seconds or hours; it could take days of wondering and waiting how the photos would turn out. It also helps you find the right moment to take a picture and then simply focus on being there, minus the hassle of taking pictures, not liking the photo preview, and then shoot again. It is definitely a refreshing way to preserve my perspective of the place.

Call me old-fashioned (which I’m fine with), but it’s also a great way to practice delayed gratification. I like the suspense of waiting for photographs to be developed and get surprised with the results most of the time.

It’s also for my personal documentation. I love the printouts of film photos! I post them on my own bulletin board and also in my journals.

Who do you look up to for inspiration in your photography?
Linda McCartney, Weegee, William Eggleston.

What is the worst thing about Film Photography?
The film camera often occupies a lot of space in your backpack!! Hahaha. Sometimes it also stresses me out when I suddenly cannot take photos because the batteries already ran out. Also, when I’m so into the moment of taking a picture then I realize I don’t have spare film for replacement. Especially when travelling. There are instances when I get too excited and reckless that I accidentally exposed a film. Some memories captured had been lost.

What in your opinion is the greatest misconception about film photography?
Perhaps it’s the misconception that it’s a hipster thing. Right now, many people think that it’s impractical to go analog due to the expenses that it could entail. It may also have to do with the very limited market—one has to search deep the interwebs to find online shops that ship locally; some go to Hidalgo to buy film and camera. But for me, it’s probably because not everyone appreciates investing in something they believe in, also in waiting for photographs to be developed and viewed.
 
What's the Best advice you received from another film shooter?

It’s okay to make mistakes. Sometimes the photos don’t turn out the way you want them to be, but it’s okay. Keep shooting.

What's the Best advice you can give to a new film shooter?
Remember, you have no photo preview. Live in the moment and take your shots wisely.

More importantly, be patient when you have your photos developed. Your wait will be worth it. I promise. 

FOLLOW PATTI ON INSTAGRAM

Instagram: @patticorleone

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Website: http://girlchildwithfilm.wordpress.com

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