First Double Exposure

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Since I started film, I've already wanted to have a double exposure. I'm just a bit disappointed with the cameras that I have since they don't allow me to go a frame back, unlike other cameras like Sprocket Rocket. This makes shooting double exposures and even multiple exposures really easy.

Since I have toy cameras which wind up manually, I decided to do a bit of experiment. I used my CDR-King 35mm film camera for the deed. After finishing the entire roll of film, I started to rewind it. I randomly stopped somewhere and began to shoot again. Then, I went ahead to finish rewinding the film.

My first attempt was just 'okay' for me. I actually wanted better photos. But this is to be expected since one is advised to shoot two contrasting images. One darker and one lighter. There are other photographers who just shoot normally, especially those who use color negatives. There are also some who underexpose the first image by 1.5 stops and the next by 0.5 stop. This really depends on the effect that you want. 

Since I can't properly expose with my toy camera, I'm happy with what I've got. I'll try to do little experiments soon with another toy camera. I hope all goes out well. 

Lesson Learned through the Sunny Juice Box Camera

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I was sooo happy to finally have a new baby on my list, a cute Sunny Juice Box Camera. The boyfriend gave it to me as a present a few days ago, sadly, I dropped it accidentally two days after. I got really depressed that day and went out and binged on KFC's french fries. I thought my new camera's a gonner.

the accident left a mark. :(

I decided that the best thing to do to test if the camera is still working is to shoot the entire roll and have it processed. I was really nervous. A part of me expects to see an empty roll, but I still wanted to be hopeful. It would really break my heart if the camera ends up broken.

At 4pm that day, I had the roll processed. I had to know that same day whether my new baby needed some fixing. I hoped for the worse. Thank heavens, it was okay. It was probably the worst roll I've ever had. Even my first roll was better and I've been shooting film for a couple of months already. Anyway, it was a breath of fresh air. I was more than relieved to see actual images on my roll, even if there were only three good ones.

The rest were either underexposed or covered by the broken flap of the lens, which I'll be discussing in a camera review soon. :)

The following photos where taken with an expired Fujifilm 200.

flap covers most of the photo :(

Mental note to self: Always use an ISO 400 roll with the juice box.

P.S. Always be careful with the camera. It's way too fragile.

Why I Shoot Film?

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Since I started shooting film, I’ve been having a problem explaining to people why I like it better compared to digital photography. Most of them think I’m crazy for going backwards. It’s really difficult to explain to some people why I see magic with film and why I’m letting go of shooting digital (not entirely though).

Using film forces me to be a disciplined photographer. You really have to take your time and compensate your shots properly or else it will look awful. You also have to be sure of your framing. If not, this will just waste your shots. You have to keep in mind that certain “moments” just happen once and you’re either getting it or not. You also have to properly budget your shots since you only have 36 shots in a roll or 24, depending on your film.

UP Cebu Oblation (taken with CDR-King 35mm x expired Kodak Ultra 100)

Cathedral on Film (Minolta Maxxum 3 x Lucky Super 200)

Bubble Tea (Minolta Maxxum 3 x expired Centuria DNP 400)

There’s also a level of excitement with having your rolls processed. It’s never like digital where you can see the photo right away. Having to wait to see your finished shoots is an interesting factor with shooting film. I get all jittery when that guy behind the counter develops my roll and scans it.

To be honest, I’m too lazy to edit my shots. With film, I can already get instant photo effects that I like such as grains, vignette, chrome, or red scale photos depending on the film and camera I’m using. I’m in love with grainy photos and film lets me get the effect without spending time on Photoshop.

I have to admit though that I sometimes get frustrated with film. You can’t really reshoot everything and you’ve got to be really sure with your shots. The limited shots in every roll  also stops you from being trigger-happy. Sometimes, you have to wait until you finish the entire roll before you can get that one photo that you need.  

Waiting for the Smile (taken with Canon 500D)

Realities (taken with Kodak point and shoot)

Nevertheless, using film is a sort of redemption for my love of photography. There came a time when I was too lazy to shoot. When I started this affair with film, I got hooked. After every film and camera that I purchased, I’ve been wanting more and more. It’s like an addiction. But, I’ve never been this fulfilled in all-consuming addiction. And, I’m happy.