Chafeeza

I picked up my first film camera as a child. I was fascinated by my older sister’s Polaroid. She would not let me touch it, and honestly I do not blame her. I am protective of my cameras now too.

I had a digital camera in middle school and high school, but I returned to film in 2005. Now, 20 years later, I have fallen in love with film all over again.

I am still a student of photography and I am still learning. I took my Canon EOS 10s with me to New Orleans and was excited to see the film developed.

Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed. Only a few images came out the way I hoped.

These were out of focus and overexposed.

Instead of tucking my tail and walking away, I reached out to Thacker’s lab for advice. They sent a few helpful emails and then called me. They even sent a PDF manual for my camera and offered for me to come in for additional guidance.

In New Orleans, I challenged myself not to rely on auto mode. I wanted to program the camera myself. I wanted to find the light, adjust the ISO, determine when flash was needed, and make those decisions intentionally. It did not go exactly as expected, but that is part of the process.

I am not discouraged.

My camera will be out all weekend.