Film Time Capsule: A Photographer's Guide to Using Expired 35mm Film
I always think it’s fun finding solutions to the problems created throughout the process. At its core, that is what creativity is: solving problems. The most basic problem: I want to express myself but haven’t found out how. The self expression problem is restricted by the tools your have around you and your own imagination. In The Creative Act, Rick Ruben mentions that “whether imposed by design or necessity, it’s helpful to see limitations as opportunities.” That is the exact mindset I’ve used to approach film photography.
Sure, it can be confusing and require lots of patience, but the results produce a something that cannot be replicated any other way. Film adds a texture to the art.
This was a roll of Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400. The fun part is it was definitely past its expiration date and I had no way of dating it. So estimating exposure and knowing whether I got anything good would be a complete mystery until I got the scans from the lab.
Luckily I was able to estimate the age around 15 years old based on other expired rolls I found with it. I over exposed the film by about 1.5 stops.
Frame 3: F16 - 1/60
I went to the dock on the first morning of trip hoping to take some pictures of the lake. I was met with a completely different landscape than I had in mind, but equally impressive and arguably more unique.
Frame 4: F16 - 1/125
I increased the shutterspeed to capture these birds that were flying around.
Frame 6: F16 - 1/60
Frame 10-13: F2 - 1/30
Frame 16: F16 - 1/250
This is the view I was expecting to see when I showed up in the morning. Luckily, the conditions were more cooperative later in the day.
Frame 22: F16 - 1/250
The creative act has continued to be an inspiration. This passage on temporary rules felt particularly relevant to this week of shooting film and imposing temporary limitations upon myself to see what creative outcome it has.
Thank You
I write this blog to track my creative work and hope to teach + inspire others in the process. Thank you for reading and have a nice day!
-Matt
