In this edition of the #projectfilm time capsule series, we go back in time almost a year to when Jules, Claude, Bekah, and I explored the Cleveland Metroparks (specifically Squaw Rock) with the trusty AE-1. While my AE-1 wasn’t the only camera with me (a fact that shouldn’t shock you), it was this roll that I did finish and put away for later. If you want to see my Squaw Rock photos from last here- click here for the other cool shots I got.
One of the difficulties I’ve noticed shooting film on the AE-1 is probably my lack of choice with lenses. That could be view as both a pro (forces me to really develop my skills on a Prime lens) or a con (doesn’t allow me to get really cool shots with something like a fisheye lens). Where I have run into difficulty is when the lens on my AE-1 doesn’t mesh well with what I have on my digital body. This hike was a great example as I was shooting with a fisheye lens on the digital side, forcing me to move to get a good shot with the film camera.
One way I do plan to tackle this is to take out my film camera by itself more often. Besides allowing my mind to stay in one “mental zoom” frame of reference, it also will allow me to slow my relentless quest to document everything. The more pictures I shoot (regardless if anyone else ever sees them before I delete them) the more calculated I get in shooting photos. I struggle with the argument of “not everything needs to be documented” vs. “the more practice I get, the better”. I don’t think I will personally have an answer to this argument for a long time, but as the internet likes to joke, to me the struggle is real. Much like the meaning behind Squaw Rock, this answer might be specific to the individual.
If you would like to see the rest of the photos from the AE-1, click here for the #projectfilm Flickr album.
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