film

film

the above image was the result of a happy accident. basically a user error made when scanning some 35mm velvia film. i think the accident is kind of interesting and it lead me to reflecting on my own photographic journey. one of the things i’ve realized is that as my passion and understanding of digital photography has grown, i’ve simultaneously become interested in other types of traditional and analog photographic techniques.

there are a number of reasons why i’ve come to appreciate film. for example here’s one reason…. not too long ago i was over at seal (the musician) and heidi klum’s home in beverly hills. seal is a great photographer and we were talking about photoshop, lightroom and photography. at one point seal said something profound, “…when i shoot with film i embrace the mistake, when i shoot with digital i look for the mistake.” that idea stopped me in my tracks and really got me thinking about how i shoot regardless of the format.

as i’ve mentioned before, i’m not interested in the film versus digital debate. rather i am interested in growing and developing as a photographer. and for me, film happens to be part of that process (among other things). as a result i thought it would be worthwhile to take one week and post an image each day that was recently captured with film. i hope you enjoy these postings, and even more i hope they get you thinking and ultimately spark some new ideas, growth and development of your own. here’s to a week devoted to film – enjoy!

comments

8 Responses to “film”

  1. Kendall on December 6th, 2009

    Great words all around, Chris. I mostly shoot film and it’s the mistakes that make the shot so many of the times. Thanks for this.

  2. Jason Gibb on December 6th, 2009

    Unbelievable how true that quote is, even for myself. That’s definitely one of those thoughts that will stick with you for a lifetime. Thanks for sharing!

    Could you possibly elaborate some on your analog to digital conversion that you use for your particular shots as we go through this week? Looking forward to the daily photo updates!

  3. Toby on December 6th, 2009

    I like that take on it. When I began shooting seriously I used digital almost exclusively, but the allure of film has been getting stronger and stronger, to the point where I ordered a Mamiya 6 the other day. I always welcomed the unexpected in my long exposures, and now using film that element is even more prominent.

    It is a grand time to be a photographer, with so many options available!

  4. chris on December 6th, 2009

    “It is a grand time to be a photographer, with so many options available!” very well said and i completely agree!!

  5. Petrus on December 7th, 2009

    With film you take photos. With digital you make photos.

  6. naveed on December 12th, 2009

    wonderful !!! even your post are so much inspiring :)

    specially these lines

    when i shoot with film i embrace the mistake, when i shoot with digital i look for the mistake.” that idea stopped me in my tracks and really got me thinking about how i shoot regardless of the format.

  7. Superha on January 8th, 2010

    Seal and Heidi Klum? You’re such a rockstar, Chris! :) Nina

    I’m trying harder to embrace the mistakes.

  8. » Blog Archive » 10YRS AFTER on March 22nd, 2010

    [...] (Chris Orwig was an instructor I was fortunate enough to study under while perusing a career in photography, and he has always had a solid opinion/outlook when it comes to the ever-so-controversial subject of film vs. digital… read here.) [...]

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