Hello! Thanks for visiting and finding out more.
For a limited time I’m offering an introductory offer of £30 for a portrait session photographed on black and white large format film.
Why?
I’ve always been a film photographer. It’s how I learnt my trade. For paid work I use digital photography, but I still shoot a lot of film for personal and documentary projects and I’m keen to start offering film as an option for commissioned portrait work.
But, I need to get more familiar with the new to me film equipment and I need faces to practice on.
If you are willing to model and don’t mind me experimenting we will make up to 6 images on 4×5 film and might use some medium format film too using vintage cameras. You’ll get to view them via an online gallery and pick your favourite for a 10×8 inkjet print.
The price is really only helping to cover the cost of film, developing, scanning and the print. Of course, if you would like more prints I am very happy to offer them at a reasonable price. And of course if you would like to use the images for personal social media purposes that’s good too.
My aim for the session?
I would like to take up to 6 sheets of 4×5 black and white film with the aim of creating portraits I can use for my portfolio and promotion. It also gives me an opportunity to see if the equipment is right for me and the images I want to achieve.
What to expect?
If you have ever had your portrait taken in a studio it will be much the same, though I won’t ask you to say ‘cheese’ and we’ll have some fun as I mess around trying to focus a large format camera with a cloth over my head. (Yep, its one of those cameras on a tripod). If you have never had your portrait taken in a studio then don’t worry at all, it will be relaxed and there is no expectation at all on producing the next super model – I want you to be you.
The session will take place at my home studio in Walthamstow (near Wood St/Whipps Cross). I’d estimate it lasting about an hour. And time slots will be offered during the week day between 10am and 2pm.
Once done it will take me a little time to get the film developed and scanned but turnaround should be within a week, if not sooner.
**Disclaimer**
Film photography, especially with older equipment, is not without its risks. Malfunctions happen and though it rarely happens, mistakes can be made along the way, from accidentally exposing the sheets to light, through to development errors with the chemicals that can mean images are damaged. So, just a heads up that this is an experimental session, but I’m pretty sure we’ll come away with a great portrait.
What’s the deal with film?
Around for 100+ years, large format negative film is timeless, tactile and extremely beautiful. Using a large format camera can achieve different creative looks with blurred edges and an image quality that is unique and feels different from the ultra high definition digital image we have all become use to. It’s no surprise that analogue photography is making a comeback. Younger people are discovering its aesthetic and we all yearn for something tangible to hold in our hands – how many people still treasure their Grandparents photo albums? How many people treasure a defunct hard drive?
For more questions and/or to book please get in touch below and we’ll find a suitable date and time and take payment to secure the date in my diary.
Bookings from mid January 2024.