Film Photography

  • Léo de Riedmatten
I've always had a powerful creative drive, manifesting itself in the creation of music, art, literature and photography. Being part of the late 90s generation, my first photography attempts were most likely with my first iPhone. Photography has become so 'easy' and accessible, it's hard not to abuse the instantaneous nature of phones and DSLRs. Growing up in a world that provides ever increasing instant gratification, it feels unavoidable that this will push us beyond the breaking point and back to the roots of it all. This is where my passion for film photography was born. While cleaning my house I found my dad's old Nikon F80, covered in dust. I got some new batteries and some expired film on Ebay, and the experimenting began. It was the first time I spent a few minutes thinking and planning each of my frames carefully, knowing it had to be as close to perfect as possible, since I wouldn't be able to instantly check the result. It was a beautiful feeling; and for the first time I felt like I was a photographer. I continued experimenting with film as I think it results in such a unique look that just cannot be replicated digitally, just like a film screening at a cinema or a vinyl, it's analog and pure. Here is a small selection of my favourite film photographs, straight out of the development lab with no editing whatsoever.