this feels so much like the old Peter McKinnon videos, the ones that got me into photography in the first place. Just a friendly chat in front of a camera talking about whatever topic. Really wish these videos will keep coming
I'd like to remind all digital photographers that you too can slow down without having to move to film. Just take your time and look through that view finder for a while
You will see me at a photoshoot or a photowalk @petermckinnon with both digital and film on most days - film for me is always good for my days where I just need to shake it up. I finally did a Star Wars shoot the other day with 2 film cameras - colour and monochrome - it was just so much fun to do it that way - just so little to edit and enjoy.
I come from the Analogue days, and i mainly worked as a concert photographer. I still remember the main thing it taught me. Because you only have 36 shots you have to learn how to "read" WHEN the moment happened BEFORE it happened. There was no spray and pray so you had had to use your senses to see into the future + click exactly when the time was right. Today I have lost that skill because of working digital only.... Another thing is that I was able to read exposure correctly without lightmeeter, I was able to see when to use 1600 ISO, 125 shutter and 2.8 apperture without using the gear.... today I have lost this skill as well because of digital.
I am a concert photographer as well and never shot analogue. I'd say that I'm capable of knowing which settings to use 90% of the time but spray and pray is real. When I know a confetti shot is coming I start banging through the shot. 50? 100? Who cares? That's a single digit GB, basically nothing and I can get the best one during editing. I sometimes really wish to go back in time
Agreed. I've shot both but started with digital SLR when I got more serious and began leaning about light sensitivity. SD cards weren't as limited as film (count wise), even back in in the early 2000s, but they still made you carful. Even working backward with tech, I just began memorizing what worked in the lighting situation and gradually learned. Gives you an appreciation of the time and skill it took those that started with film. Seldom do I need to adjust now unless it's macro... I still manage to misjudge with the outdoor shots and the diffuser's range limits to the subject.
As a concert photographer, why were you limited to 36 shots? Would bringing more than one roll of film to a concert break your budget or weigh down your camera bag too much??
@@yeohi My main job was working on stage, the organizer was just kind enough to give me a few minutes where I had the freedom to roam around and take some photos. And with limited time I tried to make the best of it.
Shooting film definitely changed how I shoot digital. You learn light and new techniques and how to slow down so well! Stoked you had the same experience. ALL DIGITAL SHOOTERS SHOULD AT LEAST TRY FILM JUST TO LEARN MORE!
In the early days I thought had a good grasp of photography when I could take some star trail shots or cleverly use a full flash in the correct moment. NOW, in a really weird way, I feel like digital photography was just a way for me to get ready for ACTUAL photography… shooting on film. Digital was absolutely the best way for me to learn because I could make mistakes so quickly. I became intimately familiar with ISO aperture and shutter speed. Now it’s really interesting because my mind kind of makes the picture in the moment and then weeks later I get to see if I was right. There’s something really fun about the technical challenge of it. It’s really awesome.
really agree with this, I wanted to say your technical ability on the eclipse photo was inspiring, it's made me reconsider what can be done with the medium.
Not sure if you ever going to read this Peter. But I discover your channel almost when you started it, and I just got so inspired back then that I bought my first camera. When I forgot why I started, when I have difficult days, I come back to this channel and remember why I started my journey and why photography is so important to me. Thank you
If you want to fall in love with film all over again, I HIGHLY recommend developing and scanning on your own 🥰 it’s truly so rewarding to see your final image from start to finish! Cheers❤
After a rough day at work knowing I get to come back and watch this video when I get off in 30 minutes, turned the whole day around. Had to put this here before even watching.
@@PeterMcKinnon appreciate it man! I just re watched all of the film videos you’ve uploaded lately yesterday, stoked to see a new video related to it. Keep it up and take care hope you’re doing well!
I started photography in 1986 and it was all film back then. Now I shoot digital but my picture taking is the same process as it was back then. Get it right in camera and minimal processing post. The only thing I miss in the digital world is the 3 second film wind on where you are taking a pause between shots. No digital equivalent and I miss that.
What about looking forward to trying new brands or new types of film? Finding out that Ilford was from England after being so used to American Kodak and Japanese Fuji. Wondering what Agfa was like but nobody sold it. Reala compared to Fujicolor. Tmax compared to Neopan. TMax compared to Tri-x.
I have done the reverse from you. I shot film from 1975 to 2004 and then picked up digital. I'm not sure what that did to my craft, but I do enjoy digital.
I encourage you to learn how to develop your own film, you would probably shoot more, and have so much fun in the lab. For me, developing my own negative film, is like a zen moment. You will enjoy it!!
Shooting film is a lost art. I'm glad I was able to shoot film starting in the 70s. I started with the Nikon EM and ended film with the Nikon N75 in 2004. When digitizing slides became a thing I had a Minolta scanner and then a Nikon. Between scanning and editing, it took close to 30 minutes per image. Mostly the scanning and cleaning dust spots from an image when the scanner missed cleaning them. The digital age brought lots of unwanted noise to the lava flow outings if I had to be around other people. I remember the first time some guy walked over and set up right next to me and held the shutter button down for what seemed an eternity. I asked him what he planned to do with 1000s of photos from that moment and he replied, oh I'm hoping for 1 good one. Then there are the time-lapse ones that don't use the camera's silent setting. I shoot digital like I shot film. One or two differing exposures and on to the next subject.
I learned photography starting in the early '70s. Digital was rectal exam back then. I had a darkroom in my parent's basement, and I loaded my own bulk film. I have no idea how many rolls of Tri-X I shot. There was no auto-focus or auto-metering. I started with a Yashica rangefinder my father gave me when he upgraded to an SLR. I bought the Olympus OM-1 when it came out and used that for many years. I still have it and it still works perfectly. The big advantage to learning photography by shooting film is learning to compose in the camera. As a result, I still compose in camera and rarely crop anything other than wildlife photos. I still shoot film, and I especially like the Bronica 2S I bought a few years ago. I have to externally meter the light, and the square format really makes me think about the composition. I develop my B&W film at home and scan the negatives into LRC. I send color film to the Darkroom in CA. Shooting film these days is my way of getting back to my roots. It slows me down and makes me really pay attention to what I'm doing. I love it.
Film is genuinely the best step I’ve ever taken in photography, such an important medium and more new photographers should give it a shot you learn so much
I’m sooooo inspired watching this. Please keep pushing the boundaries, please keep telling us about your experiences. This video has me so fired up. I’m in the valley of film and content right now. This is what I needed
I applaud you... you speak the truth of a photographer.. not of a digital artist... seeing the light, shooting it in camera.... shoot film, slow down, see the light, and fall in love with true photography.
I truly love this adventure you are on with photography. I had 2 different Pentax digitial cameras that bricked themselves after some time, and this past year I've been playing around with film so much more, and it's made me like a kid again! I love the silly and ridiculous. I have a Diana F that I am OBSESSED WITH (it's a toy...seriously). I do plan on getting another digital at some point, but I really adore the organic feeling of film. I don't mind artifacts, I don't mind imperfections, I don't mind the not perfectly framed shot. I laugh at the out of focuses when I'm learning a new camera. I think you should always try and follow the joy. Love your work as always Sweetie Petey 💖
That’s a heartfelt review of the pros and cons, and interesting to see this from the perspective of the digital generation - I’d guess I can say I shot film for 25 years & digital for the last 25 years. A couple of things I’d share. My first SLR (ST605N) survived plenty backpacking trips and still works, needed “dehumidifying” after some trips. Learning incident light metering was a major qualitative improvement for getting really accurate exposures - but in body metering was steadily improving at the time so later bodies were better - last one was a late stage Pentax - autofocus, autowind, auto exposure- pretty impressive- but sadly failed recent. I’d still love to shoot a few roles of Kodachrome 25 on a landscape photography shoot - silky smooth, but I’m still appreciating the digital benefits as the failure rate in film remained so challenging.
I only started out this photography jounery about a year ago, but i spent the entire year before that to just watch your videos. Thats how i really got inspired to take the chance on buying a camera and the editing software i needed to get started. I am only shooting digitally since that is the only thing i got right now, but i do miss the old days when we used to shoot with film, so i might give that a try one day! So, keep doing what you do, you are an inspiration for me when it comes to photography. And i doubt that i am the only one feeling like that, you are an inspiration to a lot of people all over the world! So the next time you are in Norway, come over for a cup of coffe!
Man! This video has so much emotion! It did impact me so much It just makes me rethink the way am I in photography and filmmaking right now! Thank you for always making the most inspiring videos! 🙏🙏
This is what we call motivation. That means anyone with hard work can achieve it and yes there are lot to learn. Your videos started the fire of photography in me. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
You look everywhere to find on internet that video to explin/show it to you with every single detail to learn about something and there’s no one, you just find some portion of it… but, is this guy Peter, who’s doing everything with passion and offers you for free lessons nowhere else you can find! Thank you Peter!
Something I always tell friends that are getting into photography is go out and shoot sharpen your eye. You have to look at things as if time is moving forward for you but yet you are standing still when you are trying to take a picture. If you see the sun to your left now, imagine the sun moving throughout the day to your right and how the picture would end up looking. That's how you get to visualize better pictures and that's how my brain works. Sometimes I shoot less. Sometimes I shoot more. It just depends. I love film and thanks to film early on in life. That's how my eyes now look at the world. Thank you Anthony. Peter for always an inspirational video and always keeping me motivated. I appreciate you
I've had a rough year + lost my father last November. I was going through some of his old boxes and found his old Canon T60. It reminded me of my love for photography and has spured on a few found joy through the challenges and suspense of having to wait for film to be developed and not having instant gratification. This gives me all the more motivation and excitement to see where film takes me!
I found this video Peter, to be very inspiring. I love how this whole film-shooting process has led to your slowing down to plan to do it right the first time. Thank you for your inspiration.
This video really reminded me why I love this format. Doing my best to manage my own expectations when shooting and travelling with film. Travelling with film as you mentioned... gosh. Thank you kindly for this :)
A friend recently inspired me to start shooting film, I've only shot like 7 rolls at this point, but I have loved every minute of it. Taking the time to correctly expose and focus the shot, to not know if it looks good or not. I love it
The other day I bought my first medium format camera, I have already shot the first film and the photographs are amazing, as you said straight from the laboratory, they do not need editing, like every photograph is a work of art.
As a fellow creative, I have enjoyed following this year long experiment, reinvention, slowing down. It feels like people have been sh!tting on your content more and more BUT, for me, I still look forward to every video (regardless of what it’s about). Digital or film, your photography continues to inspire me on my creative journey. Thanks 🙏
Cold sunny afternoon here in Melbourne Australia . Sitting in front of the 🔥 watching Peter Mckinnon video on shooting film . This video reminded me of your early videos and why l subscribed way back then . Enthusiasm in life is a buzz , great video ❤
Your passion for photography is amazing. The direction and process you took to navigate through anhedonia truly make your love, affection, and loyalty to the art shine through. You didn’t give up on it; instead, you figured out a way and renewed your excitement and love for photography. Keep being an inspiration, sir.
I'm so glad to see this! I've been photographing for 40 years now and started in film. I want you to know that I stand by everything said here. Digital can make you a lazy photographer but because film is so expensive now, you slow down and stop taking photos and start making photos. One more lesson. Black & white film photography. It will teach you about light over color and how light falls onto a subject. You learn that certain colors react in certain situations. You learn how important contrast ratios really are. I love color photography but I feel the art lies within black & white. By the way, I still shoot digital as well and carry it with me everywhere but my heart is with film.
“I like my work more now than I ever have” - I have heard so many photographers say that after switching to film, and it often seems somewhat related to the shift in subject matter it brings. Great video, very thoughtful.
Near to all Pete’s vids inspire me to get back into photography, the past few years I’ve struggled to want to shoot again and pick up my Fuji, but this video, knowing it’s not just me that gets burnt out at times from photography and the bucket shot have really spurred me on to edit and shoot once again, thank you for always making amazing videos and art, you truly are inspiring man, keep flying the flag.
watching this, has been truly inspirational and I mean truly. Everything about this video and your others about shooting film photography and finding your passion and want to take pictures makes me want nothing more than to pick up my camera and start taking pictures of everything I see.
For me it's not only film, but going back to analog in general sometimes. That's where my love for mechanical watches comes from. There's just so much more emotion in any of that.
Love this! I started shooting film a little over a year ago. I’m fortunate enough to shoot for work but in that can get creatively drained at times. Film helped me get excited to shoot and be more engaged in my personal creativity. I find myself only really wanting to shoot film when it comes to shooting for myself. The slower process and anticipation of getting scans back makes it fun. The limitations that come with film have def helped strengthen my skills and move out of habits that I’ve built with the crutches of a digital camera. Thanks for continuing to inspire and show that growth and learning is always a part of the process!
Right On Peter!! You are spot on with all your points. The fact that you wake up and feel inspired to take your camera out means a lot, and says that you are also having fun with it. For me Film has inspired me like nothing else, yes I also owne digital cameras but the feeling I get when I take out my Film cameras out is on a diffrent level. I have truely enjoyed watching your journey into film and I agree that I saw your creativity and art of photography grow over the last year of shooting film. Thanks for giving film a chance and sharing your adventure with us!!!
I think what you said in the beginning is key and that is to just dive in. No matter what you want to do in life, if it is photography or something else, just keep showing up each day. In today’s hi tech, instant everything, connected all the time world we do not take time to grow and fail. Failing is part of the process and just small wins turn into big gains over time. This video is so spot on!
The effort in this video (story, vid quality, sound, music, edit, etc) does not go unnoticed. This was an inspiration on multiple levels. Thanks for creating it!
I am so happy that you took a break from "normal" life and tried something different. It is always a good way to discover something new in your life. Not necessarily good or bad, but DIFFERENT. It is important that you do something different from your daily routine and see that all things can be done in various ways. Not everything must be exactly as it "should" be. Thank you for all the years of inspiration.
I enjoyed watching your film journey, and hope you continue to shoot film-at least occasionally-and share your experience. Your videos are hugely inspirational and this one was no exception. Love your work and your message!
I remember watching the first video, and I also had just started using film! Only regret has been not shooting more!! Always inspired by u Pete, here’s to both of our first years with film 🙌
I started mobile photography in 2020 during COVID, I was really enjoying the process of going out in evenings and look for random stories. But after the REEL era, I shifted to Videos. Not that I regret it, but I do miss clicking photographs, sitting down with a cup of tea, listening to music and editing them. Gradually I just stopped talking pictures because I was more focused on Videos, and also I felt my gears were not upto the level to click photos i wanted to. But, I recently bought my New Camera, I think I'll take my time for Photography again. ;) Thank you for this gentle reminder Pete. You have always been an inspiration for me. ❤
Film will never die. It’s a the only format I feel like I own my pictures. From shooting to developing at home and scanning, it’s a different experience
WOW, Peter!! I have been watching you for years and I think this is one of your most inspirational videos ever! Definitely makes me want to do better in my photography!! Thanks!
Last year I sold most of my photo gear and bought a little rangefinder Fuji. I found that I loved slowing down, breathing through every shot. Living in the moment. I found that I really appreciated the journey more.
Hey Peter, beautiful summary bro. I’m not a pro like you, just a guy that loves to take pics. Been shooting a LOT more film lately and everything you said resonates. Keep at it, and keep inspiring. Don’t let the haters get at you.
I found a more artistic feel with film shooting. There are a few other comments here about being able to get the same feeling from a digital camera and I agree but to do this, test yourself by locking into a single ISO and limiting to shutter speed and aperture changes only. Also I love that Petes film experiment involves a Leica M6, Mamiya 7ii, Contax T3, Pentax 67 and Mamiya RZ. The first 3 are the most premium of what they are designed to do.
I loved getting to be a film photographer before digital came about. But boy am I glad to have worked through that back when there weren't alternatives :)
In Italy - they saw my Zfc and they asked me to avoid the luggage scanner - nice guys. I’ve told them it’s a digital and that I apreciate their care for film.
I started with film photography cause thats all there was 40 years ago... and i get where you are coming from Pete.. this makes you a better with digital shooter and why i love both..
In many areas, there is a trend away from the cold convenience of digital to the care and craft of analogue, making a deeper connection to the world we inhabit. We were told vinyl records were dead, they made a come back. Now audio cassets are finding new life and so too, film photography.
I've started my photography journey with a 20 $ analog Nikon from my parents. I never had the same feelings than those days. shooting digital now but waiting slowly to come back. Loved to see Peter input about all of this.
The best thing I ever did is quitting photography as a profession. I enjoy it much more as a fun hobby. Whether its grabbing a film or digital camera and running, I can really enjoy my surroundings while creating images.
I've been following you pretty much since the beginning, this year the content that you put out - at times I found difficult to connect to. but after this vid I think I understand more about the process you've gone through in the art. I might need to go back and see your vids through this new perspective.
You are truly an inspiration. Watching your videos always motivates me to try photography. Although I've had other responsibilities that have kept me from starting, I know that one day I'll pick up a camera. When that day comes, I'll be smiling.
Wow this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I've been struggling the past year trying to find my musa back. Amazing video bro!!
Thank you Pete. I have been a fan of your channel for a while, and I have always wanted to get into photography. A year ago I bought my first camera, a Zenit-E 35mm and had so much fun learning how to shoot, just last week I got my first digital camera (EOS R) and just this afternoon picked up the PM x Nomatic 25L bag. I have enjoyed shooting so much and you have been such an inspiration, thank you.
Although i don't agree with some of your criticisms of film photography, I absolutely loved this video! You're such a talented storyteller, i always leave your videos feeling inspired 🙌🏽
You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I've always enjoyed photography, but I'm newer to the business side and it's been a transition that I've always dreamed about, but difficult in ways I wasn't expecting. Thanks for always being there to inspire, Peter. You help more people than you know.
Wow! I came back to this channel after a very long time. I started watching this when Peter was “young” and “green” aka “honest” on youtube. As honest as any creator can be. Then I lost you and you have been swimming along with the “very” commercially successful youtubers and their soul less contents. The Pete, I respected was gone!!! Thank you so much Peter. I guess you are back to doing what your heart desires and it brought me back to your frontyard again. I wish to stay here as long as you are doing what your heart desires. Thanks again.
this feels so much like the old Peter McKinnon videos, the ones that got me into photography in the first place. Just a friendly chat in front of a camera talking about whatever topic. Really wish these videos will keep coming
+1000000 I almost cried watching this. The feeling is the same. Also the long hair. Love it Peter, thanks.
so true. That's the OG Peter
I'd like to remind all digital photographers that you too can slow down without having to move to film. Just take your time and look through that view finder for a while
Agree. You DON'T NEED to go out and buy that Pentax or Mamiya just because Peter has it.
Yup, switch to a manual focus lens and you're 90% there
I shooting straight out of camera. This slows me down, making me think more about what I want to shoot and what settings I can use for a better photo.
@@RussellAlboroto 10000000000%
@@RussellAlboroto Maybe 50% there. I personally feel peaking is nowhere near as nice to use as split prism from SLRs or a rangefinder patch.
The 1 thing that keeps me coming back is that every time I'm done watching, i got extremely motivated. Love your videos man!
Love to hear it! Thank you!
@@PeterMcKinnon No, thank you!
Absolutely! I got to minute 7 before I hit pause and fired up lightroom to do a little bit of light editing.
You will see me at a photoshoot or a photowalk @petermckinnon with both digital and film on most days - film for me is always good for my days where I just need to shake it up. I finally did a Star Wars shoot the other day with 2 film cameras - colour and monochrome - it was just so much fun to do it that way - just so little to edit and enjoy.
Sameeee
"don't expect results, you have to go get them" hit harder than i expected. Thank you for sharing your experience and takeaways
I come from the Analogue days, and i mainly worked as a concert photographer. I still remember the main thing it taught me. Because you only have 36 shots you have to learn how to "read" WHEN the moment happened BEFORE it happened. There was no spray and pray so you had had to use your senses to see into the future + click exactly when the time was right. Today I have lost that skill because of working digital only.... Another thing is that I was able to read exposure correctly without lightmeeter, I was able to see when to use 1600 ISO, 125 shutter and 2.8 apperture without using the gear.... today I have lost this skill as well because of digital.
I am a concert photographer as well and never shot analogue. I'd say that I'm capable of knowing which settings to use 90% of the time but spray and pray is real. When I know a confetti shot is coming I start banging through the shot. 50? 100? Who cares? That's a single digit GB, basically nothing and I can get the best one during editing. I sometimes really wish to go back in time
Agreed.
I've shot both but started with digital SLR when I got more serious and began leaning about light sensitivity. SD cards weren't as limited as film (count wise), even back in in the early 2000s, but they still made you carful.
Even working backward with tech, I just began memorizing what worked in the lighting situation and gradually learned. Gives you an appreciation of the time and skill it took those that started with film.
Seldom do I need to adjust now unless it's macro... I still manage to misjudge with the outdoor shots and the diffuser's range limits to the subject.
Just buy a 4GB card, turn off as shot preview mode.
As a concert photographer, why were you limited to 36 shots? Would bringing more than one roll of film to a concert break your budget or weigh down your camera bag too much??
@@yeohi My main job was working on stage, the organizer was just kind enough to give me a few minutes where I had the freedom to roam around and take some photos. And with limited time I tried to make the best of it.
That sun through the curtains shot is wonderful. I love that the patience produced it and not any processing; photography not a generated image!
Quick tip for digital shooters.
Get yourself a small SD-card.
Like one, where you only can shoot 50-100 photos.
You will slow down sooo much!
for a gfx user its easy , just tell them to shoot uncompressed raws lmao
Its 128 photos for 32gb cards , 64 for 16gb cards if anyones wondering
You can also grab a partitioning tool and resize the partition on the card to like 512 MB. That'll only hold like 30 JPEGs for me.
Shooting film definitely changed how I shoot digital. You learn light and new techniques and how to slow down so well! Stoked you had the same experience. ALL DIGITAL SHOOTERS SHOULD AT LEAST TRY FILM JUST TO LEARN MORE!
In the early days I thought had a good grasp of photography when I could take some star trail shots or cleverly use a full flash in the correct moment. NOW, in a really weird way, I feel like digital photography was just a way for me to get ready for ACTUAL photography… shooting on film. Digital was absolutely the best way for me to learn because I could make mistakes so quickly. I became intimately familiar with ISO aperture and shutter speed. Now it’s really interesting because my mind kind of makes the picture in the moment and then weeks later I get to see if I was right. There’s something really fun about the technical challenge of it. It’s really awesome.
really agree with this, I wanted to say your technical ability on the eclipse photo was inspiring, it's made me reconsider what can be done with the medium.
Absolutely love this outlook! Thats fun. We need to go take pictures together :)
Shooting on film is in no way "more valid" than shooting digitally.
Hi Destin! Loved your eclipse photo and the whole process you put into it!
@@ledheavy26Especially according to Roger
Not sure if you ever going to read this Peter. But I discover your channel almost when you started it, and I just got so inspired back then that I bought my first camera.
When I forgot why I started, when I have difficult days, I come back to this channel and remember why I started my journey and why photography is so important to me. Thank you
I love the vibe of this channel so much. It's like stepping away from loud traffic to enjoy the sound of flowing water. Love the work that you do
Ah! Love this comment. Thank you so much!
If you want to fall in love with film all over again, I HIGHLY recommend developing and scanning on your own 🥰 it’s truly so rewarding to see your final image from start to finish! Cheers❤
After a rough day at work knowing I get to come back and watch this video when I get off in 30 minutes, turned the whole day around. Had to put this here before even watching.
Ahh, I love that! I hope your day gets better!
@@PeterMcKinnon appreciate it man! I just re watched all of the film videos you’ve uploaded lately yesterday, stoked to see a new video related to it. Keep it up and take care hope you’re doing well!
I started photography in 1986 and it was all film back then. Now I shoot digital but my picture taking is the same process as it was back then. Get it right in camera and minimal processing post. The only thing I miss in the digital world is the 3 second film wind on where you are taking a pause between shots. No digital equivalent and I miss that.
What about looking forward to trying new brands or new types of film? Finding out that Ilford was from England after being so used to American Kodak and Japanese Fuji.
Wondering what Agfa was like but nobody sold it. Reala compared to Fujicolor.
Tmax compared to Neopan. TMax compared to Tri-x.
I have done the reverse from you. I shot film from 1975 to 2004 and then picked up digital. I'm not sure what that did to my craft, but I do enjoy digital.
I encourage you to learn how to develop your own film, you would probably shoot more, and have so much fun in the lab. For me, developing my own negative film, is like a zen moment. You will enjoy it!!
Agreed!! Kinda surprised he didn’t go that route, but maybe in the future!
Shooting film is a lost art. I'm glad I was able to shoot film starting in the 70s. I started with the Nikon EM and ended film with the Nikon N75 in 2004. When digitizing slides became a thing I had a Minolta scanner and then a Nikon. Between scanning and editing, it took close to 30 minutes per image. Mostly the scanning and cleaning dust spots from an image when the scanner missed cleaning them.
The digital age brought lots of unwanted noise to the lava flow outings if I had to be around other people. I remember the first time some guy walked over and set up right next to me and held the shutter button down for what seemed an eternity. I asked him what he planned to do with 1000s of photos from that moment and he replied, oh I'm hoping for 1 good one. Then there are the time-lapse ones that don't use the camera's silent setting. I shoot digital like I shot film. One or two differing exposures and on to the next subject.
I learned photography starting in the early '70s. Digital was rectal exam back then. I had a darkroom in my parent's basement, and I loaded my own bulk film. I have no idea how many rolls of Tri-X I shot. There was no auto-focus or auto-metering. I started with a Yashica rangefinder my father gave me when he upgraded to an SLR. I bought the Olympus OM-1 when it came out and used that for many years. I still have it and it still works perfectly. The big advantage to learning photography by shooting film is learning to compose in the camera. As a result, I still compose in camera and rarely crop anything other than wildlife photos. I still shoot film, and I especially like the Bronica 2S I bought a few years ago. I have to externally meter the light, and the square format really makes me think about the composition. I develop my B&W film at home and scan the negatives into LRC. I send color film to the Darkroom in CA. Shooting film these days is my way of getting back to my roots. It slows me down and makes me really pay attention to what I'm doing. I love it.
Film is genuinely the best step I’ve ever taken in photography, such an important medium and more new photographers should give it a shot you learn so much
I’m sooooo inspired watching this. Please keep pushing the boundaries, please keep telling us about your experiences. This video has me so fired up. I’m in the valley of film and content right now. This is what I needed
I applaud you... you speak the truth of a photographer.. not of a digital artist... seeing the light, shooting it in camera.... shoot film, slow down, see the light, and fall in love with true photography.
just listening to you talk and the music in the video is so calming and at the same time inspiring!
I truly love this adventure you are on with photography. I had 2 different Pentax digitial cameras that bricked themselves after some time, and this past year I've been playing around with film so much more, and it's made me like a kid again! I love the silly and ridiculous. I have a Diana F that I am OBSESSED WITH (it's a toy...seriously). I do plan on getting another digital at some point, but I really adore the organic feeling of film. I don't mind artifacts, I don't mind imperfections, I don't mind the not perfectly framed shot. I laugh at the out of focuses when I'm learning a new camera. I think you should always try and follow the joy. Love your work as always Sweetie Petey 💖
That’s a heartfelt review of the pros and cons, and interesting to see this from the perspective of the digital generation - I’d guess I can say I shot film for 25 years & digital for the last 25 years. A couple of things I’d share. My first SLR (ST605N) survived plenty backpacking trips and still works, needed “dehumidifying” after some trips. Learning incident light metering was a major qualitative improvement for getting really accurate exposures - but in body metering was steadily improving at the time so later bodies were better - last one was a late stage Pentax - autofocus, autowind, auto exposure- pretty impressive- but sadly failed recent. I’d still love to shoot a few roles of Kodachrome 25 on a landscape photography shoot - silky smooth, but I’m still appreciating the digital benefits as the failure rate in film remained so challenging.
I only started out this photography jounery about a year ago, but i spent the entire year before that to just watch your videos. Thats how i really got inspired to take the chance on buying a camera and the editing software i needed to get started. I am only shooting digitally since that is the only thing i got right now, but i do miss the old days when we used to shoot with film, so i might give that a try one day! So, keep doing what you do, you are an inspiration for me when it comes to photography. And i doubt that i am the only one feeling like that, you are an inspiration to a lot of people all over the world!
So the next time you are in Norway, come over for a cup of coffe!
Man! This video has so much emotion! It did impact me so much It just makes me rethink the way am I in photography and filmmaking right now! Thank you for always making the most inspiring videos! 🙏🙏
This is what we call motivation. That means anyone with hard work can achieve it and yes there are lot to learn. Your videos started the fire of photography in me. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
You look everywhere to find on internet that video to explin/show it to you with every single detail to learn about something and there’s no one, you just find some portion of it… but, is this guy Peter, who’s doing everything with passion and offers you for free lessons nowhere else you can find! Thank you Peter!
Your videos and your photography is better than ever now. Challenging yourself is the only way to keep growing. So good! Thank you!
We can see growth through your images, but more than anything, we are glad you can see the growth through your images. As always Peter, well done.
Something I always tell friends that are getting into photography is go out and shoot sharpen your eye. You have to look at things as if time is moving forward for you but yet you are standing still when you are trying to take a picture. If you see the sun to your left now, imagine the sun moving throughout the day to your right and how the picture would end up looking. That's how you get to visualize better pictures and that's how my brain works. Sometimes I shoot less. Sometimes I shoot more. It just depends. I love film and thanks to film early on in life. That's how my eyes now look at the world. Thank you Anthony. Peter for always an inspirational video and always keeping me motivated. I appreciate you
I've had a rough year + lost my father last November. I was going through some of his old boxes and found his old Canon T60. It reminded me of my love for photography and has spured on a few found joy through the challenges and suspense of having to wait for film to be developed and not having instant gratification. This gives me all the more motivation and excitement to see where film takes me!
I grew up on film and I still love it I do love editing but film is a passion
I found this video Peter, to be very inspiring. I love how this whole film-shooting process has led to your slowing down to plan to do it right the first time. Thank you for your inspiration.
Reinventing yourself constantly is the important thing in this line of work, wouldn’t ya say?
Absolutely!
This video really reminded me why I love this format. Doing my best to manage my own expectations when shooting and travelling with film. Travelling with film as you mentioned... gosh. Thank you kindly for this :)
A friend recently inspired me to start shooting film, I've only shot like 7 rolls at this point, but I have loved every minute of it. Taking the time to correctly expose and focus the shot, to not know if it looks good or not. I love it
The other day I bought my first medium format camera, I have already shot the first film and the photographs are amazing, as you said straight from the laboratory, they do not need editing, like every photograph is a work of art.
Anytime I watch your videos ... its inspiration time Peter ! Thanks! ❤❤❤
As a fellow creative, I have enjoyed following this year long experiment, reinvention, slowing down. It feels like people have been sh!tting on your content more and more BUT, for me, I still look forward to every video (regardless of what it’s about). Digital or film, your photography continues to inspire me on my creative journey. Thanks 🙏
Cold sunny afternoon here in Melbourne Australia . Sitting in front of the 🔥 watching Peter Mckinnon video on shooting film .
This video reminded me of your early videos and why l subscribed way back then . Enthusiasm in life is a buzz , great video ❤
Your passion for photography is amazing. The direction and process you took to navigate through anhedonia truly make your love, affection, and loyalty to the art shine through. You didn’t give up on it; instead, you figured out a way and renewed your excitement and love for photography. Keep being an inspiration, sir.
I'm so glad to see this! I've been photographing for 40 years now and started in film. I want you to know that I stand by everything said here. Digital can make you a lazy photographer but because film is so expensive now, you slow down and stop taking photos and start making photos. One more lesson. Black & white film photography. It will teach you about light over color and how light falls onto a subject. You learn that certain colors react in certain situations. You learn how important contrast ratios really are. I love color photography but I feel the art lies within black & white. By the way, I still shoot digital as well and carry it with me everywhere but my heart is with film.
“I like my work more now than I ever have” - I have heard so many photographers say that after switching to film, and it often seems somewhat related to the shift in subject matter it brings. Great video, very thoughtful.
Near to all Pete’s vids inspire me to get back into photography, the past few years I’ve struggled to want to shoot again and pick up my Fuji, but this video, knowing it’s not just me that gets burnt out at times from photography and the bucket shot have really spurred me on to edit and shoot once again, thank you for always making amazing videos and art, you truly are inspiring man, keep flying the flag.
watching this, has been truly inspirational and I mean truly. Everything about this video and your others about shooting film photography and finding your passion and want to take pictures makes me want nothing more than to pick up my camera and start taking pictures of everything I see.
Woah! What an amazing story; a million bucks won't make me call this "just a video". Truly the definition of 'heartfelt'. You're amazing!
For me it's not only film, but going back to analog in general sometimes. That's where my love for mechanical watches comes from. There's just so much more emotion in any of that.
Love this! I started shooting film a little over a year ago. I’m fortunate enough to shoot for work but in that can get creatively drained at times. Film helped me get excited to shoot and be more engaged in my personal creativity. I find myself only really wanting to shoot film when it comes to shooting for myself. The slower process and anticipation of getting scans back makes it fun. The limitations that come with film have def helped strengthen my skills and move out of habits that I’ve built with the crutches of a digital camera.
Thanks for continuing to inspire and show that growth and learning is always a part of the process!
A very good summary of the pros and cons of shooting film. The bottom line that keeps me shooting film is that it’s much more fun.
The ending was so inspiring. Thank you Peter!
Right On Peter!! You are spot on with all your points. The fact that you wake up and feel inspired to take your camera out means a lot, and says that you are also having fun with it. For me Film has inspired me like nothing else, yes I also owne digital cameras but the feeling I get when I take out my Film cameras out is on a diffrent level. I have truely enjoyed watching your journey into film and I agree that I saw your creativity and art of photography grow over the last year of shooting film. Thanks for giving film a chance and sharing your adventure with us!!!
I think what you said in the beginning is key and that is to just dive in. No matter what you want to do in life, if it is photography or something else, just keep showing up each day. In today’s hi tech, instant everything, connected all the time world we do not take time to grow and fail. Failing is part of the process and just small wins turn into big gains over time. This video is so spot on!
the airport advice is major. traveling through germany killed an entire italy trip worth of photos for me back in 2019 :( still recovering
The effort in this video (story, vid quality, sound, music, edit, etc) does not go unnoticed. This was an inspiration on multiple levels. Thanks for creating it!
Sir, you are a legend, you come up with all of the right words and that last minute or so, just incredible.
Man I've almost grown up on your videos, it's always a pleasure to come back here and see a video and get inspired to make something ❤
What I always like about Pete's videos is the message. It's always on point. Like this one.
Very inspirational and motivating!
I keep coming back and it's always so worth it! Love it 🫶
Such a great video. Working for the photos and the failures along the way... always worth it in the end.
I am so happy that you took a break from "normal" life and tried something different. It is always a good way to discover something new in your life. Not necessarily good or bad, but DIFFERENT. It is important that you do something different from your daily routine and see that all things can be done in various ways. Not everything must be exactly as it "should" be. Thank you for all the years of inspiration.
WOW! Did I just watched a photography journey documentary?. That was really good and kind inspirational. Great work Peter. 👏
I enjoyed watching your film journey, and hope you continue to shoot film-at least occasionally-and share your experience. Your videos are hugely inspirational and this one was no exception. Love your work and your message!
All your comments remind me of the film days and help me appreciate what I learned starting with film in the mid 80's and how i never want to go back.
Absolutely loved this video! Love that you’re enjoying what you do again!
I remember watching the first video, and I also had just started using film! Only regret has been not shooting more!! Always inspired by u Pete, here’s to both of our first years with film 🙌
This is your content that I enjoy the most.
Thank you!! Incredibly meaningful and inspirational beyond film v digital.
I started mobile photography in 2020 during COVID, I was really enjoying the process of going out in evenings and look for random stories. But after the REEL era, I shifted to Videos. Not that I regret it, but I do miss clicking photographs, sitting down with a cup of tea, listening to music and editing them. Gradually I just stopped talking pictures because I was more focused on Videos, and also I felt my gears were not upto the level to click photos i wanted to. But, I recently bought my New Camera, I think I'll take my time for Photography again. ;)
Thank you for this gentle reminder Pete. You have always been an inspiration for me. ❤
Film will never die. It’s a the only format I feel like I own my pictures. From shooting to developing at home and scanning, it’s a different experience
WOW, Peter!! I have been watching you for years and I think this is one of your most inspirational videos ever! Definitely makes me want to do better in my photography!! Thanks!
Last year I sold most of my photo gear and bought a little rangefinder Fuji. I found that I loved slowing down, breathing through every shot. Living in the moment. I found that I really appreciated the journey more.
Love that you are wearing Birdwell Beach Britches brand...been wearing that brand for years...GREAT BOARD SHORTS
This sparks the passion I have for photography every time a see your work. Vids like this make my day. Thank you Peter, Thank you…
You are such an inspiration, Peter. Thank you for sharing with us.
Hey Peter, beautiful summary bro. I’m not a pro like you, just a guy that loves to take pics. Been shooting a LOT more film lately and everything you said resonates. Keep at it, and keep inspiring. Don’t let the haters get at you.
This video feed my soul and first time after years I really felt something fresh. Thank you.
I found a more artistic feel with film shooting. There are a few other comments here about being able to get the same feeling from a digital camera and I agree but to do this, test yourself by locking into a single ISO and limiting to shutter speed and aperture changes only. Also I love that Petes film experiment involves a Leica M6, Mamiya 7ii, Contax T3, Pentax 67 and Mamiya RZ. The first 3 are the most premium of what they are designed to do.
I loved getting to be a film photographer before digital came about. But boy am I glad to have worked through that back when there weren't alternatives :)
In Italy - they saw my Zfc and they asked me to avoid the luggage scanner - nice guys. I’ve told them it’s a digital and that I apreciate their care for film.
I started with film photography cause thats all there was 40 years ago... and i get where you are coming from Pete.. this makes you a better with digital shooter and why i love both..
In many areas, there is a trend away from the cold convenience of digital to the care and craft of analogue, making a deeper connection to the world we inhabit.
We were told vinyl records were dead, they made a come back. Now audio cassets are finding new life and so too, film photography.
I've started my photography journey with a 20 $ analog Nikon from my parents. I never had the same feelings than those days. shooting digital now but waiting slowly to come back. Loved to see Peter input about all of this.
The great ones always find a way to challenge themselves to be even better! Great video Pete! Love the sound of that analog shutter. 😉
The best thing I ever did is quitting photography as a profession. I enjoy it much more as a fun hobby. Whether its grabbing a film or digital camera and running, I can really enjoy my surroundings while creating images.
That conclusion hit me, you're the best man, huge fan from Venezuela. Keep these videos coming!
Just watching this man gives me so much inspiration and motivation
I've been following you pretty much since the beginning, this year the content that you put out - at times I found difficult to connect to. but after this vid I think I understand more about the process you've gone through in the art. I might need to go back and see your vids through this new perspective.
You are truly an inspiration. Watching your videos always motivates me to try photography. Although I've had other responsibilities that have kept me from starting, I know that one day I'll pick up a camera. When that day comes, I'll be smiling.
Wow this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I've been struggling the past year trying to find my musa back. Amazing video bro!!
Thank you Pete. I have been a fan of your channel for a while, and I have always wanted to get into photography. A year ago I bought my first camera, a Zenit-E 35mm and had so much fun learning how to shoot, just last week I got my first digital camera (EOS R) and just this afternoon picked up the PM x Nomatic 25L bag. I have enjoyed shooting so much and you have been such an inspiration, thank you.
Loving the energy in this video! Great to hear about your experiences. Can’t say I’m a big film fan but definitely looking forward to more of this 👍
It took me forever, to move to digital. I do miss film. I can't wait to see the changes your digital work takes on and the video you produce about it.
I am always tremendously inspired after listening to you. Thank you for another beautiful video.
I had a great time watching this video. I feel it’s time I shifted my work to analogue for all your reasons. Thanks man :)
Your work inspires me bro thank you, I’m impressed that you stuck it out for the year congratulations keep it up bro you a blessing to this industry
Although i don't agree with some of your criticisms of film photography, I absolutely loved this video! You're such a talented storyteller, i always leave your videos feeling inspired 🙌🏽
You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I've always enjoyed photography, but I'm newer to the business side and it's been a transition that I've always dreamed about, but difficult in ways I wasn't expecting. Thanks for always being there to inspire, Peter. You help more people than you know.
Wow! I came back to this channel after a very long time. I started watching this when Peter was “young” and “green” aka “honest” on youtube. As honest as any creator can be. Then I lost you and you have been swimming along with the “very” commercially successful youtubers and their soul less contents. The Pete, I respected was gone!!!
Thank you so much Peter. I guess you are back to doing what your heart desires and it brought me back to your frontyard again.
I wish to stay here as long as you are doing what your heart desires.
Thanks again.
Love ur work always