The Evolution of Film
Many of us have heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. A single photograph has the power to convey stories, emotions, and thoughts in ways that words alone cannot. The evolution of photography has given rise to various means of sharing these stories with the world, from film to digital, and from cell phones to drones. Technology continues to open up new avenues for creativity.
The word "photography" itself is derived from the combination of two Latin words, "photo" and "graphy," which mean light and drawing, respectively. Taking a photograph essentially means drawing with light and allows us to capture and document moments. The first-ever photograph was taken in 1826, and since then, the world has witnessed rapid advancements in photographic technologies. However, as newer methods were introduced, some older ones gradually fell out of favor. Film, for instance, is a photography technique that has become somewhat of a lost art form. Nevertheless, it has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, with film photographers boldly proclaiming that "film is not dead!" This shift can be attributed to the desire to strip away technological advancements and capture raw and imperfect images.
In today's digital age, we can capture photos with a simple swipe of our finger on our mobile devices. But taking a photo was not always so effortless. There was a time when developing a single photograph took hours. However, with the introduction of the Polaroid camera in 1948, the development process was shortened to minutes. Then, in 1975, digital cameras made their debut, further reducing the time required to seconds. The advent of digital photography brought about a new wave of tools and apps designed to enhance photo editing capabilities.
The cover of our 2021 Fall/Winter Issue was inspired by the evolution of photography. We aimed to celebrate the versatility within photography by using three different types of cameras: film, digital, and an iPhone. Each of these cameras pays homage to different eras of photography and helps us identify their key distinctions. To accomplish this, we enlisted three separate photographers to shoot simultaneously. Pacificus invited Alora Finau (@aloralani) to shoot on film, George Ngatuvai (@georgengatuvai) to shoot digitally, and I, Robin Uata (@lobeyni_), used an iPhone 11 Pro. We had the privilege of having Amelia Wolfgramm (@ameliawolfgramm) as our model for this shoot.
The Great Saltair in Magna, Utah provided us with a diverse backdrop for this editorial. We styled Amelia in three different looks, each exuding a vintage vibe. Witnessing three different cameras in action allowed us to gain insights into the pros and cons of each. Seeing the side-by-side comparison of these photos in a printed magazine showcases the remarkable evolution of photography over the years.
Photographer: Alora Finau (@aloralani)
The first photographer we brought on board for this shoot was George Ngatuvai, a digital photographer who has been a tremendous supporter of Pacificus. Digital photography is the most prevalent form used by professional photographers today. For the photoshoot, George utilized a Canon 6D camera along with his favorite lenses, the f/1.4 35mm and the f/2.8 70-200mm. Among the three cameras, working with a digital camera offered the most advantages. It allows for capturing an extensive number of photos that can fit on a memory card. The ability to take hundreds of photos is a significant advantage when aiming to capture the perfect shot. Moreover, digital cameras provide ample storage space for photos and are also capable of capturing images quickly. By making a few adjustments to his camera settings, George was able to capture the essence of movement and various poses within seconds.
The second camera on our set was my trusty iPhone 11 Pro. Using a cell phone as a camera is something we are all familiar with. Cell phone cameras offer many perks that make shooting with these devices extremely convenient. The ability to carry a camera in your pocket and capture moments on the go is a significant advantage. However, not all cell phone cameras are created equal. As new phone models with improved camera specifications are constantly being introduced, it is important to recognize that shooting on a cell phone has its limitations. It requires an understanding of your camera's capabilities and its editing limitations. The iPhone 11 Pro boasts incredible features for video options, but capturing stills is not as straightforward as with a digital camera. In 2020, both Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga filmed music videos using an iPhone. After witnessing the results they achieved, we decided to attempt our own editorial shoot for Pacificus using an iPhone. Who knows? Perhaps in the near future, you may see an entire issue of Pacificus shot on an iPhone.
The final camera type we had on set was a film camera. Alora Finau, a film specialist and one of the few Pacific Islander photographers I know, joined us for this shoot. Having her expertise was crucial. Shooting with film requires more calculation since each shot must be carefully considered due to the limited number of photos that can be taken on a roll. Throughout the shoot, I observed Alora testing the lighting as we moved from one location to another, meticulously adjusting her camera settings each time. Shooting with film necessitates taking one's time and carefully contemplating each capture. Everything must align perfectly. This precision can be considered a disadvantage during a photoshoot due to the patience and attention to detail it demands. In total, Alora used five rolls of Ilford's HP5 Plus film, resulting in a total of 80 images. This pales in comparison to the number of photos that can be captured with a digital camera or a cell phone.
Film photography was once seen as a relic of the past, but photographers like Alora Finau are proving that film is far from dead. In a world where digital photography reigns supreme, more people are realizing the unique charm of capturing a moment on film. Shooting with film evokes nostalgia. Alora is one of the few Pacific Islander film photographers I know, but there are others out there who want to share their perspective on what makes film so special.
Why do some people prefer film over digital?
"I believe most film shooters would agree that we love the process. Shooting film allows me to slow down and truly savor the moment. I don't have the luxury of shooting hundreds of shots. It forces me to be more thoughtful about my compositions, getting the exposure right, and waiting for the perfect moment. Often, the little imperfections that occur are the photos I cherish the most. Every photo I take on film feels more precious to me." - Brandon Holm (@swoletography)
"With the cameras on our phones, we can take an unprecedented number of photos at any given time. It's instantaneous, exactly when we want it. But film? It requires patience, presence, and of course, money. Shooting with a Polaroid camera may only require waiting thirty seconds to a minute for the photo to develop, but shooting with 35mm film has taught me how to choose my moments.
The gritty texture, the vibrant flash, the candid subjects. These are memories that endure, even on an ordinary Wednesday. Time keeps moving, but the photos stay the same, and that's what I love about it!" - Kiyana Fonua (@oznfilm)
Hearing from Brandon and Kiyana sheds light on what made this photoshoot with Alora so exceptional. Each image was special and demanded an immense amount of patience and an eye for detail. There were moments whenour model was in motion, yet Alora stood perfectly still, intuitively waiting for the right moment to capture and immortalize it within a photograph.
As we transitioned from one location to another and had our model change outfits, I noticed that each photographer began to rotate, trying to capture similar poses of our model. There was a point when we decided to wrap a Tongan kafa around her waist. One thing led to another, and Amelia leaned over while we held the kafa to help her maintain balance. As Alora prepared to take the shot, I looked around and realized that the four of us were Tongan creatives pursuing our passions. That moment represented the pinnacle of Pacific excellence to me. When I look at the cover of The Noir Issue, I don't just see a beautiful black and white photo of a model wearing a kafa. I see someone being uplifted by her culture and her peers. This is the type of environment that Pacificus aims to foster, and Alora captured that moment perfectly. The image resonated with me immediately, and upon seeing the developed film, I knew it would be our cover.
As photography continues to evolve, so do we. Express your creativity using the tools available to you. The specific type of camera you use does not diminish the value of your work. Remarkable things have been created using the simplest of tools. You have everything you need to make an impact!