Film is Not Dead Part 1 : Alexis & Andrew

Film is Not Dead Part 1 : Alexis & Andrew

First Comes Love

Well, Ryan and I are back from Europe! We had an amazing time, but as always, travel makes us really appreciate our home in America. We really are a blessed nation for so many reasons. It’ll take me a while to dig myself out of the pile of editing that needs to be done, but I will survive. And just because I hate editing digital images with a vengeance, I’m posting film images! Ha!

In July, I was lucky enough to attend Jonathan Canlas’ Film is Not Dead Workshop. It was AMAZING, to say the least. Jon is a true artist, and one with raw, authentic vision. He strives to be unique, honest, and open with everyone, whether it be his clients, or his workshop attendees. I was SUPER nervous to attend his workshop, as I hadn’t picked up a film camera in ages. I really “overthought” film, and assumed that it would take me until the end of the workshop to even begin to understand how to shoot it. Needless to say, it was much easier than I thought it would be. Obviously there are nuances to different types of film, but the cool thing was that he provided TONS of film and we got to try whatever we wanted. He completely demystified the process for me, enough so, that for my recent trip to Europe I didn’t shoot any digital. Yep, Ryan did the digital shooting and I shot all film either on my Contax or EOS 3. I’ve been in love with film for years, and never knew that it was film that I loved. There are a few photographers who made my heart leap every time I saw their images. While their composition was great, it was the look of the film that was just incredible to me. When I found out the common thread of all of them shooting film, it all made sense. The major thing I took away from Jon’s workshop (I’ll mention tidbits of wisdom here and there in upcoming posts, as there is so much to be said), was that it’s really important to have your own vision. He only gains inspiration from sources OUTSIDE of the wedding industry. While he is continually featured in tons of magazines and wedding blogs, he doesn’t read or look at them. He wants his inspiration to come from within, and it’s impossible with all of the noise out there to have a pure idea if you are looking at other industry professionals’ work. It was also refreshing to hear from him that there are certain wedding blogs he refuses to submit to (because they play favorites). It was encouraging to know that even a hugely successful photographer like Jon has noticed bias in the industry, and he refuses to play to it. It perfectly fits with his no BS attitude. He knows who he is, and his work reflects that. He’s all about shooting personal work constantly (something I’m really bad at!), and his wedding work is just a continuation of his artform. Anyways, here’s part one of gazillions! This was on the first day, as I was still learning the manual focus thing on my contax! :)

I especially love the look of green on film. It makes me melt.

This shot below was a total accident, while playing with my camera. But I LOVE it. I’ve come to realize I love little mistakes like this.

Saved one of my faves for last!

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tags:Film is Not Dead San Diego Engagement Photographer

Alisa Greig: October 5, 2010 1:51 pm
love these!! i hope to make it to a FIND workshop one day :) and i agree, the greens on this film are yummy–especially when it matches the eyes! beautiful
Maritha: October 5, 2010 3:03 pm
Love these Katie, love the look and love the greens for shore! The colors on these are so refreshing to the eye.
Amber Fox: October 5, 2010 3:50 pm
Beautiful work Katie. Considering I teach film photography, I love that you are falling back in love with it. Film is beautiful and so are your photos.
Sarah Frenzel: October 5, 2010 10:16 pm
Great snaps Katie! Love the them all!
Blair Van Bussel: October 6, 2010 8:39 pm
LOVE the first few, all of them really! So beautiful Katie!
Harmony Loves: October 7, 2010 1:53 pm
I’m in love!!! I can’t stop looking at these. You my friend are amazing!!
Jen Johnson: October 12, 2010 5:54 pm
Katie – WOW! These are truly LOVELY!!!
Marissa Rodriguez: October 14, 2010 4:48 pm
Ok so I had looked at these before but I hadn’t read what you wrote and I finally had some time to do that now and seriously, I think I love Jonathan. I haven’t really read too much about him but he sounds wonderful! I love the fact that he doesn’t give in to the ‘favoritism’ of some wedding blogs! And of course, these are incredible Katie!