I’ve been taking photos with film for a few years now but I was always heavily reliant on my digital camera when I needed a fast turnaround on my photos. In 2018, though, I began researching darkrooms in the area I live in (Dallas, Texas), and came across Lone Star Darkroom. That place became my hub for developing my latest rolls, and I became a bit addicted to the process (and how quickly I’d get to see my photos, often the same day I shot the roll.)
When the pandemic hit, shooting film became an even more necessary outlet for me. I knew I’d need to figure out an at-home setup for developing if I wanted to see my photos as quickly as I’d gotten used to.
I was primarily a color film shooter at that point, so that’s what I started with.
My favorite color films to shoot with are Kodak Portra 800, available in 35mm and 120mm, and Kodak Portra 400, also available in 35mm and 120mm. Another thing I love to do for more casual, daily life shooting is grab a disposable camera and go. It’s amazing how much you can get out of a little box of plastic if you shoot in good daylight or use the flash.