How many cameras do you have in your collection?
I currently have 20 cameras, some were also generously given to me.
How long did it take you to get to this point?
I started collecting them 7 years ago.
What are your favorites subjects to shoot?
I started shooting street scenes then gradually progressed into travel photography. I still do a bit of both, but now also dabble with portraits.
Which one in particular is your go-to camera and lenses?
I often shoot with either my Nikon FE2 or Canon AE-1 Program with 50mm lenses and a point and shoot camera (usually my favorite Pentax Espio 115). I've found that this pairing lets me be flexible with my subjects, approach, and results wherever I go.
Scenario: Evacuation. If you can only save one of your cameras which would it be?
My Nikon FE2. It's the camera that taught me everything I know now about photography, and the one that made some of my best work possible.
What is your ''Spirit Camera?"
I'd probably be an unassuming point and shoot camera that produces great results, like my favorite Pentax Espio 115.
What is your Holy Grail Camera?
I am still missing a great medium format camera in my collection, like a Rolleiflex TLR, Mamiya, Fuji medium format rangefinder, or Hasselblad. A girl can dream!
What film camera can you recommend to newbies?
If they have the budget for it, an SLR camera that lets them shoot in full manual mode. Otherwise, even a point and shoot camera would do. The most important thing is that it's something they can and will actually practice with frequently.
What is your current film stash count?
I have some 34 rolls (mix of 120 and 35mm) at the moment. I am usually guilty of hoarding more than I shoot, but trips and the random impulse to shoot these past few months shed some rolls from my film stash. The itch to hoard strikes again!
Films you cannot live without.
Kodak Ultima 100, Kodak Colorplus 200, Fuji Superia 400, Fujicolor C200, Kodak Portra 400, Kodak Tri-X 400. But there's surely more!
You realized you were too obsessed with cameras when:
When I started shooting film 7 years ago, my goal was to collect as many cameras that would allow me to shoot with a different camera every day. I'd say I'm close to this goal if I keep up with it!
Why do you shoot film?
I enjoy the process. I am fascinated with the history of each camera I own. I love the depth and interesting results, and the fact that I don't have to do much digitally to get the results that I want. It's also worth noting that I met some of the best people in my life through the community of creatives, artists, and visual storytellers that film photography fosters.
Who do you look up to for inspiration in your photography?
Aside from the greats like Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier, Sally Mann, Steve McCurry, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Alex Webb, I am also inspired by my film photographer friends from all over the world, and those whose works I discover while writing about art and film photography for various online publications.
What is the worst thing about Film Photography?
I'd say that it's how the medium can be so unforgiving -- if you get bad results, there's no excuse or remedy for it. But then, that's actually how you learn to shoot photos that matter and make every precious frame count. Still, there's also the fact that many great films have already been discontinued, and we're at a mad scramble for every last roll of those films!
What, in your opinion, is the greatest misconception about film photography?
That it will automatically produce results like those photo app filters.
What's the best advice you received from another film shooter?
"The best camera is the one you have with you." and "Take the photos that mean something to you."
What's the Best advice you can give to a new film shooter?
Don't fuss with your gear; focus on your story.
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