Guide: Getting Started with Film Photography with Simrah Farrukh, Gabriella Hughes & Felice Trinidad

Q&APhoto

Aug 12

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FILM PHOTOGRAPHY HAS TRULY SUCH A SPECIAL HOLD ON ALL OF US - there is something about the nature of film that draws in fans and photographers alike. The medium almost forces its user to be intentional with each shot, while embracing the mentality of trial and error. Few things beat the feeling of eagerly (sometimes anxiously) waiting to get your film back, and the moment you impress yourself with your work.

While shooting with film can seem like a daunting medium, the film photography community continues to be one filled with creatives excited to connect and happy to share helpful tips and tricks. Read below to hear tips from some of our friends and favorite photographers Simrah Farrukh, Gabriella Hughes and Felice Trinidad.

LUNA: What was the process like of finding your own style?

FARRUKH: It was a long process and it was all about experimenting with what felt right and what didn’t feel right. I would try not to think too much about it and let it come naturally. Eventually, I looked back at a body of work and noticed technical & conceptual patterns. I think it’s ever-evolving and photographers are constantly shifting styles.

TRINIDAD: Finding my own style took a lot of trial and error, imitating my favourite artists and finding more sources of inspiration. I think it’s important to experiment and not be afraid to make mistakes as you do.

*"Hello Kitty" By Felice Trinidad | Model: @sabbysousa*

LUNA: For photographers just starting out but not sure how to craft their own “aesthetic”, what advice would you pass along?

HUGHES: Every time you come across any sort of media that draws you in, save it, screenshot it, and think of exactly what it is that makes you so drawn to it. Whether it be the use of lighting, selection of colors, or even location for shoot, you can pull all of these down to create a master list of things you like and then select a few things from there to create an idea of your own.

TRINIDAD: I say to copy, copy, copy. Imitate all your favourite artists because in doing so, you will experiment with new things, add new skills to your set, and you’ll naturally interpret things in your own way, eventually crafting your own style.

LUNA: How do you find inspiration and ideas for shoots?

HUGHES: Recently I have gravitated towards pulling inspiration from watching movies. I always find myself screenshotting and jotting down themes and colors that I found visually pleasing throughout the films. I also have a whole wall in my bedroom covered with photos I have pulled from the internet and photo books that keep me inspired.

TRINIDAD: I take a lot of inspiration from movie scenes, especially the ones that are so striking that if you hit “pause” on your remote, you’d see it’d make an amazing photo. Another thing I do is sense how a particular song or book made me feel, and try to interpret that emotion in a visual sense.

LUNA: What tips do you have for getting the best portrait?

FARRUKH: My number one tip is to make the model feel comfortable. I do this by talking with them for a bit while I “set up” and it makes them loosen up and get to know you a bit more personally.

HUGHES: I try to have good conversation prior and throughout the shoot in hopes of making the subject and myself as comfortable as possible. I think taking that extra time to chat and discuss what you both are trying to achieve with the shoot will help lower any stress levels and ease the whole process.

TRINIDAD: Since portrait photography exclusively deals with human subjects, I find it very helpful to know how to read people — the little nuances in the way they talk, their facial expressions, what makes their eyes light up in excitement, how they move in between shots and the little in-between moments between fixed poses.

LUNA: How do you get your model comfortable?

TRINIDAD: My favourite way to set up a shoot is to have it be tailored to my model/subject in a way that is authentic to them. I ultimately try to capture their most genuine selves; I constantly ask what their opinion is on this idea, this location, etc. and let them come with their own wardrobe/makeup when possible because doing so allows them to present their most authentic selves. I break the ice with conversation and treat it less as a formal photoshoot and more as if we’re two friends hanging out and taking photos, even if we’re meeting for the first time. I think something that goes a LONG way is asking what side they’re most comfortable being photographed in — as someone whose good side is their left, it makes me feel comfortable to know that the photographer is considerate about that!

LUNA: What’s something you started doing later on during shoots that you wish you had done from the beginning?

HUGHES: If you have access to a second camera, always bring a backup camera to every shoot especially if you are shooting on film. There have been too many times where I will be in the middle of setting up a shot and the camera malfunctions. Whether it be an extra point and shoot or even a tiny digital one, having that additional camera will save you in those unexpected situations.

LUNA: In terms of the business end of photography, what’s something you wish someone had told you to help you stay organized?

TRINIDAD: Having an organized filing system to manage your invoices, release forms, and photo files, as well as staying on top of your e-mails are all important things that go a long way in showing how professional you are since it’s very easy for those things to get messy. Even in the way you present photo files to clients is something I personally value. I have been told that I have the most organized Dropbox file-naming by clients, haha!

LUNA: What steps did you take to find more clients and build up your portfolio?

HUGHES: Applying for press passes to music festivals and shooting for magazines and online publications is the best way I have found to network. Not only are there a bunch of artists to shoot and make connections with, but you will come across so many other photographers there that can share their advice and tips with you as well.

LUNA: What’s something you think people underestimate when it comes to pursuing photography as a career?

TRINIDAD: I think people underestimate the time and emotional toll it takes establishing yourself in this industry. Unlike a formal job where you do the schooling, get a degree, and get hired in x amount of years, the nature of the photography industry is more sporadic. It is not a linear path and there are many ways that someone works their way up. A pessimist could see it as unfair, the way that success here is not always based on merit and skill, especially when politics and favoritism are involved. An optimist, however, could see the beauty in the way that you don’t need to have the most expensive gear and have 10 years of experience to thrive; one could just pick up a camera and with enough passion and enthusiasm for the craft, enter the photography scene. Even though there are milestones that we photographers go through, there is no one formula that equates to success in this industry — in fact, there are infinite.

*"Blue Hour" By Felice Trinidad | Model: @ginandjustice*

LUNA: Best piece of photo advice you’ve ever received?

FARRUKH: To shoot the work you want to shoot. Sometimes you can get caught up in seeing other people’s accomplishments and think to yourself “so that’s the kind of photo I have to take”. But really what’s going to make you get the gigs is your originality.

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