Film photographer Joe Sterne

Today was full of film talk. I met with a film photographer today that specializes in photographing the night sky. Quite interesting! BUT that interview will be up sometime next week. Today’s film photographer is Joe Sterne! He loves challenges and continues to use film to explore different viewpoints. He has a yearly project called, #projectfilm where he shoots film on a daily basis. I chose Joe because of his lovely light leaks, which we all know I am a big fan of.

Who/what got you started on shooting with film?
I got into film shortly after I moved to the west coast. I wanted to become a better photographer and decided to learn how to shoot on film to make it fun. It’s a nice challenge and makes me use my digital camera differently. I would be lying if people like Kim Thomas, Patrick Onfore, and even Photojojo made my decision easier (and I look for inspiration from them as well.)

How long have you been shooting film?
I started shooting 35mm film (for the first time ever) in late December of 2012. My yearly project, entitled #projectfilm, officially started in January of 2013. Before that, I shot APS format as a kid when I was in high school (but not seriously).

What camera do you shoot with?
I shoot on a canon AE-1. Primarily use a 50mm f1.8, but also use a 135mm f2.8 and 100mm f2.8 macro from time to time.
[Yay! That’s what I use most!]

What type of film do you use?
I’m in the process of trying all types of film. My first roll out of the AE-1 was Kodak 100, but I’ve also shot the 200,400, and 800 of theirs. Tried some lomography film but I’ve had consistent issues with them.

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

What’s your favorite subject to photograph?
I really love to photograph nature. Especially the little details like flowers or animals. Shooting those subjects on film makes you hyper aware of your surroundings and much more focused at the task at hand. I do enjoy taking portraits of people but haven’t done much on film (yet?)

What photo are you most proud of?
That’s a tough one. I honestly get a new favorite photo out of almost every roll I shoot. There are a couple of the Golden Gate that I’m especially fond of…

What do you think of the “film is dead” attitude?
I don’t think film is dead. Like the people that said books would disappear once e-readers came out, I truly think film will live on. It will never be as big as it was, and it may get more expensive to do, but even today it’s legacy is strong. Look at Instagram for example. It has 100 million users taking photos and mimicking the effects of film. The demand for that type of photos is still there. It’s just a different creative outlet.

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

photo courtesy of Joe Sterne

There you have it, another Film Photog Friday wrapped up! Thanks to Joe for participating, great photo work and compositions. Glad to see you are trying out different films and lenses.

What to be featured? Send 5-10 film photos and a photo of yourself to kaitlinelnewman@gmail.com!