Sometimes, many times, life is not the picture perfect view for which we long. We wish we had a better job, a better living situation, a better relationship, a better body. We notice all of the flaws, the pieces of the whole that could be so much “better,” much closer to the idealized versions we have in our heads. As photographers, we do this with the images we shoot, too. The horizon line could be straighter, the exposure could be a notch lighter, the person could be NOT blinking, and on and on.
If you’re shooting digitally, many of these “problems” can be fixed in post-production. A bump of contrast, a little straighten and crop. BAM! But as someone who is in love with shooting film, I work to embrace my photos just as they are. I take a rather purist approach and choose not to “fix” my film photos in post. Sometimes this practice is harder to do than others.
Imagine my surprise when I recently got two rolls of 35mm film back from the lab and discovered that I have a light leak in my camera. These rolls were the first two I shot through my new-to-me Canon AE-1 that I had purchased to replace the one that got flooded in my river accident. I had no idea that the camera had any problems until I looked at my photos. And there it was, a light leak through the middle of most, but not all, images. At first, I was totally bummed out. I felt the air whoosh out of me as I gazed through each frame. Damn.
The next day, I looked through the photos again. This time, I started appreciating what I saw. I began to see the beauty of the film. This IS film. These photos are what they are, as is. Each of these moments were caught in their complete truth. Light leak and all.
Once again, photography is teaching me so much. Much more than just about photography. I’m accepting my images, my life, and myself for what they are — perfect imperfections.
Meghan of Life Refocused
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i find myself often thinking like this. Film is so imperfect. Sometimes it is hard to accept these imperfections and i get annoyed and conclude that they are mistakes. With every frame, with every roll i am actually taking and accepting risk that something may go wrong.But i love film anyway.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Kristina! Film is a love affair with many frustrations. Just like life. xo
in love with these photos. and grateful for the truth you share and the inspiration you offer.
Marina, your words mean so much to me. Thank you. xo
I say yes to all of this!
Thank you, Staci! xo
Oh yes! So inspiring in every way! x
Thanks, Kirstin! xo
I especially love the photo with the 2 people on the path. Something about the light leak on that image framing them “imperfectly” in it’s orangey glow. The colors all complement each other nicely even though it wasn’t intended. A happy accident for sure.
Having shot digitally for years I am just now learning and shooting film. What appealed to me with film is the sketchiness of it. The imperfect look that I’m bound to get. The light leaks. The grain. I’m in love with those characteristics. When I edit digital shots I put the grain and the fade in. It just gives me something that a crystal clear “perfect” shot doesn’t. It has a human flaw feeling to it so I’m drawn to that. Perfection is tiresome.
Sometimes I long for the days before digital…when you “got what you got” and it was more about capturing the memories than capturing the perfect image. I often get too hung up on that! Maybe that’s why shooting with instant film has great appeal for me…no post-production, just the image as it came out in the moment.