It all began with some housecleaning. For weeks prior to this post, I had been stretching my creative brain trying to figure out what I would possibly post about in my first quarterly installment here on Viewfinders. Firstly, thank you for inviting me, I am honored to be among such resplendent company ; I am so often inspired by the brilliant ladies behind Viewfinders. In coming up with a theme for my first post, I wanted to do something that would carry me through the year. How could I connect the stories of these four posts that I’m slotted to do? It came to me while cleaning and rearranging some living room furniture. As I went to move a credenza from one side of the room to another, I made a happy discovery. On the floor, was an unused roll of film, a favorite film of mine, Neopan 400. I did a little happy dance, because at that moment, I knew my first post would feature this film. I’ve decided that each post I make this year, will feature a favorite film of mine. My reasons for liking each one, is entirely emotional. Yes, you read that right. While there is nothing wrong for liking film for it’s technical qualities, mine, are purely passionate. I reorder films that consistently help me translate the gentle stirrings of my soul. When it happens, you just know. I’m not much of a technical shooter. I play around, I have fun, I experiment; Photography is one area of my life where I fall behind the noise of my brain. My heart leads, and there is a quiet, knowing calm. While I more often than not have a digital camera strapped to me, I still shoot film for concupiscent reasons. Film is the sexy classic. And classics never get old. My two favorite film cameras at present are my Nikon F100, and my Canon AV-1. They are tried and true to me. Like worn in blue jeans. The images below were shot with the F100.  I fell in love with Fujifilm’s Neopan film four  summers ago. While I am a gigantic fan of Neopan Acros 100 and trips to the beach, I love the versatility of the 400 speed. ( almost technical sentence!!)  The thing I love most about Neopan 400, is the creamy dreamy fine grain, and the film’s ability to work so well in low light situations.  I always think it looks like a dream maybe you’ve had….

I chose to take my soon to be 13 year old daughter on an adventure in to Philadelphia for the afternoon. I wanted to scout a certain area for an upcoming shoot, and my daughter makes for most excellent company. We walked, talked, and she let me photograph her being her. She’s the coolest.

We went for coffee at a newish coffee shop in Fishtown. This led to more pictures.

The last stop we made was next store to our coffee. It’s an offbeat store that sells recycled music, clothes, books, art. It’s completely overwhelming and completely wonderful.

Raven turned 13 just this past Monday, and I’m glad I took a little time on this day that was just the two of us. It’s so easy to let these moments slip by. We both had a great time, and I was able to capture her during this momentous age, and remember this time spent. I love how the film and the moments spent together told the story. Perhaps it will become a classic to the two of us.

In what ways have you been adventuring with your camera? Do you have a favorite film that you’ve been experimenting with?
I’d love to hear!

~Audrey