Portrait Photography in Leicestershire: A Journey from Digital to Film
Since starting my photography career in 2009 with a Nikon D60, I’ve mostly worked with digital cameras. Yet, the timeless appeal of 35mm film photography has always intrigued me. Although I own several film cameras—Nikon Fm2, Pentax K1000, and Yashica Electro 35—I had never used them for portrait sessions. Recently, I had the chance to explore film photography during a portrait session, thanks to my friend Liam, who lent me his beloved Canon AE-1, a favorite among enthusiasts. Liam, who is also a wedding photographer, planned to process the film from this shoot.
For this session, we chose Kodak Portra 400 film, known for its fine grain and vibrant colors. Unfortunately, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment when the developed scans revealed that most images were unusable. It appeared that a lens issue and chemical processing errors compromised the film.
Fortunately, not all was lost. Along with the film attempts, I captured several portraits using my Leica M, a digital rangefinder. These digital images thankfully preserved our session, allowing me to share results with friends who volunteered for the shoot. Below are some highlights captured with a Leica M240 and a 50mm Summilux lens
The shoot took place in the serene Castle Gardens in Leicestershire, with Liam Bowler assisting me . It was a learning experience that reminded us of both the unpredictability and the unique charm of film photography.
For more insights into my portrait work or to explore my portfolio, please visit my Portrait Photography page. I offer a range of portrait packages tailored to various needs, each designed to capture timeless memories.
Stay tuned for more updates from my upcoming ventures into the world of film photography!
