1st Roll Of Film
I'm super excited to tell you about my first time ever shooting a roll of film with my new Nikon F3HP camera! My dad gave it to me as a gift, and I think it's amazing. He showed me the basics of how to focus the camera and let the exposure be okay, but I wouldn’t say they’re amazing. So, don't be surprised if some of my photos are out of focus or not perfectly exposed.
The Film: Ilford HP4 200 Black and White
My cousin Angela gave me an Ilford HP4 200 black and white film to start my first roll. It was a little old, but she said it would still work well and be a great way to test out my new camera. I couldn't wait to see how the pictures would turn out, especially because black and white photos can look so edgy but kinda nostalgic!
The First Half: Backyard Memories
I took the first half of my roll at a friend's house where our families often hang out together. They have an amazing backyard, filled with gardens, fruits, and pathways so I wanted to capture some of those special moments. The photos didn’t turn out great to me, but I think their happiness shines way brighter than the photo
The Second Half: A Stroll Through Yale University
My family and I went to Connecticut for a dance competition (my team won national champion!), and on our last day, we made a stop to Yale University. Luckily, may dad had brought my film camera so I could capture the wonderful campus.
While my rising junior brother went on a guided tour, I wandered around the campus with my grandparents. It was beautiful to see all of the well-rounded nature, old buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. The Nikorr 50mm F1.4 lens helped me capture the elegance of Yale with its shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. The black and white film made the pictures look even more artistic and special. Though I do prefer color film and hope to work with it too.
Reflection
My first time using film and my own camera had been so much fun and enjoyable. Yale was a spectacular place and I hope to visit it again: It was an amazing and memorable experience! The Nikon camera and Ilford HP4 200 black and white film showed me a whole new world of creativity. I know I will take a bunch more photos in the future.
As I keep learning more about film photography, I'm excited to share what it’s like here on Reel Moments. I hope this blog lets you appreciate the beauty of the world and to capture those moments. Oh, and realize that practice makes perfect, because after looking at my first roll of film, I definitely need more practice.
I can't wait to try different types of film, learn more about how film cameras work, and get even better at taking pictures. I'm looking forward to sharing my discoveries, stories, and photos with you.