36 Exposures: My First Roll of Film

Over the summer I hopped on the film trend and bought my first 35mm film camera. After doing much research online and YouTube I decided to shoot my first roll of film on Ektar 100. The film stock is known for its nature and landscapes. I was drawn to the vibrant and the contrast it provided. It was a bit similar to my work on digital and I wanted to test it out by shooting the film stock around town.

After finishing the roll I was trying to find film labs to develop. A fellow photographer suggested having my film develop in a lab in New York. However, due to the pandemic, I didn’t want to spend my time there traveling. Another option was filling out a form online and mailing them. But considering I wasn’t doing anything special with this roll of film. I didn’t need the greatest of quality. So I passed on this option.

But then I discovered a camera store (Bergen County Camera) I was a frequent customer, that develops film. I took the opportunity to drop the film roll to them. I waited approximately two weeks for them to call me to let me know the film ready for pick up.

It was definitely an experience seeing the photos from the film and how it gives a certain timeless look to it. I was pretty much satisfied with the outcome. I think the only thing about the film I may have to get adjusted to the imperfections from it. I notice there was a line coming through my photos. I don’t know if it was from the scanning process, the film itself, or the lens I had but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.