The basics of photography is understanding light. Better photos means better use of light. In this regards, both digital and film camera should make the best out of light in the frame. But with a film camera, combination of better use of light plus good film such as Kodak Portra makes a magic effect.
Traditionally film camera users tried to avoid this situation where you stand toward bright light. You can easily produce very dark scene. But if you adjust exposure a little bit brighter than you normally take, you get this awesome scene. Thanks to film fine grain, you can feel the texture of light.
Right before sunset, we call it “golden time” as light changes from bright yellow to dark orange color. I love this moment, because not only I can get perfect light but also I get flare effect from the bright light.
Sometimes, 45 degree angle toward light makes interesting scene as well, half bright light with other half in shadow. I like to use natural light in this way for a portrait shot. Not only I like light but also I like shadow. One might be able to remove shadow with a external flash light but that makes the scene more like commercial look as opposed to natural appearance.
Sometimes, artificial light can create a similar environment. Unlike digital camera, it seems like I get a stable photo under low shutter speed(low light) condition such as 1/15 sec.
If you want to capture magical moments, try Portra 160 or Porta 400 depending on your target location. You’ll be amazed!
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