Research Summary

I chose film photography for my interest because I have been taking photos on film now since January last year and I find documenting my friends and surroundings fun. I like the idea of building a physical collection of memories rather than just taking digital photos and think that this links to my preference for print rather than digital as whole. As well as this the process is a lot more interesting and complex in comparison to taking digital photos. I really enjoy taking myself to pick up some prints and taking the time to look though them. Furthermore, over lockdown I began to look through my mum's collection of film photos from her early twenties and found it fascinating to see. I've always relished the nostalgia of looking through old family photographs (my grandpa has a large collection of albums that have photos of their travels, beer mats, tickets, receipts etc.) and while hoping to inherit them, I have started a collection of my own. 

By researching some of the photographers that I like I have been able to analyse why I like film photography. For example, Ian Howorth's photos have lots of nostalgic tendencies and have a sense of tranquillity and quiet contemplation. The stand-of-ish nostalgia that is exhibited in Howarth's photos are inexplicably British to me, much like Peter Mitchell's photography. I am interested in Mitchell's work because looking at his photographs of Leeds in the 1970s and 80s is almost like looking at a family members, as the places are so familiar and the photographs so comforting. 

Furthermore, looking back into the history of film photography really opened my eyes and made me thankful that I am even able to shoot on film. I learnt about Florian Kaps - someone that was simply a big enough of fan of Polariod that when it abandoned instant film, managed to convince the comapny's production manager to help him continue making film. Secondly when Kodak stopped producing Ektachrome film, they were convinced to revive it five years later by fans. I love how this goes to show that whatever new technology is introduced, analogue will always be around. 

Finally, Lomography was a very interesting part of film photography history to look at due to it's connections to the Soviet Union, however, the most interesting thing about it's history was the way that it began. Being able to create an entire movement from a communal passion for one camera, the Lomo Kompakt, is so admirable. Especially as Fiegl and Stranziger were doing exactly what I, and so many other young people, am now - taking stupid photos of their friends to keep as memories.