I’ve thought a lot about why I like to do street photography. Ultimately at the root, it’s because it’s challenging. Until it’s not. At this point in my photo journey, I can come back with a few good photos anytime I shoot. I live in a very fruitful area and maybe my standards are too low. But not the point. It doesn’t feel challenging enough. I thought a few months ago, it’s time to get good at shooting color. So I traded my Q2M for an M10P. Then I dedicated myself to shooting color and in a short amount of time, became way better at processing my color photos. I’m definitely not a colorist..whatever that means but I’m happy enough with the processing. Now that I’ve completed the color challenge and I’m getting good photos anytime I go out, time for the next one.
So I bought a bunch of film and all the stuff to develop at home. I’ve always preferred film, but not the price or the weird results I’d often get going to labs. Especially with black and white photos. Turns out I can shoot a roll of HP5+ and process and scan at home for around $9 a roll. Even if I shoot 20 rolls a month, which I probably won’t. It’s the cost of a few meals in LA. So film it is. Time to figure out which chemicals I like the most and get started on the next chapter.
Chris Athanasiadis 