The Beauty of Physical Media: Film Photography

 Embracing an Analog Life in a Digital World

My Re-introduction to Film Photography

My then girlfriend (now my wife) back in January 2024. This was the first photo I ever took with the Canon AE-1 Program.

There is something special about exploring old technologies and methods of creation. In an age where everyone essentially has a camera in their pocket as part of their smartphone features, photos have never felt more cheap and disposable.

Think about it, does the photo gallery on your phone have the same feel and preciousness as the family photo album? I personally do not think so.

In January 2024, I picked up film photography. I started with my humble Canon Sureshot point-and-shoot camera that I purchased in Ann Arbor Michigan in 2012. After shooting a few rolls on that camera, I decided to upgrade to an SLR.

Cliche as hell and blurry to boot - but you can see my Canon Sureshot point-and-shoot camera in this shot. 

I ended up choosing something simple and affordable, the Canon AE-1 Program. This camera was released in 1981, just six years before I was born. It still shoots like a champ. 

Shooting with my Canon AE-1 Program.

I love shooting with the Canon SLR. I love hunting down and collecting the Canon FD lenses in different focal lengths. Photography sparked something in me that I did not feel in a while - being a beginner and learning a new skill set. 

The Inherent Beauty of Film

Film is gorgeous. The texture of grain so kicks the crap out of pixels. I love trying out different film stocks and learning what they can and can't handle well. The color grading and value dynamics of film are so different from digital cameras. So much fun.

Wintertime in Highland Park, Rochester, NY. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

Village Gate, Neighborhood of the Arts. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

Lamberton Conservatory, Highland Park, Rochester, NY. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

Hungerford Building Train Yard at Night. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

The Organ at Christ Church, Downtown Rochester, NY. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

 

First National Bank of Rochester, Downtown Rochester, NY. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.

Vacant Buildings on the Corner of Clinton and Main, Rochester, NY. Alex Ariza, 2024. Expired Kodak Gold 200.