Learn to Shoot Film for Family Photography at Film Camp

If learning to shoot film for family photography is on your list of goals for 2019, then read on.  Film has been making a huge comeback for the past several years, and the movement isn’t slowing down just yet.  Many photographers are re-discovering film for several different reasons.  I think people are over-shooting, over-editing, and getting burnt out with their current digital workflow.  I believe a lot of photographers, especially in the fall, are tired of sitting on their computers until the wee hours of the night.  For some who love the look of film but have been fearful of trying it out or making the leap, are tired of spending time and money on film presets to get the same look without really getting the same look.  At some point people are deciding to take the leap and experiment with it and they either love it or hate it.  Does this sound familiar to you?  Is this you?  Raise you’re hand if you’ve dabbled in the film realm and have been overwhelmed with where to start.  Maybe you’ve had some success but don’t really know how to further your re-introduction to film and all the things you can do with it.  Are you a family photographer and love the look of film, but are freaked out about using film with kids running around (and no digital screen to tell you your nailing your session)?

If any of this resonates with you then I am happy to tell you about something that is near and dear to my heart.  Last year myself and three of my dear film photographer friends saw the need for an in-person hands-on retreat geared towards teaching you about all things film and family photography.  It’s one thing to learn by reading a “How To” guide or workshop online, but quite another to learn and troubleshoot in person with live models and families.  So we created Film Camp.  Film Camp is unique in that it is hosted and run by four family film photographers with very unique styles.  We host destination retreats in small group settings to ensure you maximize your time with each and every instructor and soak in every ounce of knowledge possible.  This all takes place in an intimate setting while meeting like-minded photographer friends.  We believe our different shooting styles highlight how amazing and diverse film can be with family photography, and how the sky is the limit with where you’d like to take your own photography.

In 2018, we hosted our first Film Camp retreat in Palm Springs at an amazing boutique hotel.  We offered four different hands-on demos and model sessions throughout the three-day retreat.  The sessions included a fine art sunrise family session at Joshua Tree National Park with Savan Photography, my in-home family lifestyle photo session using flash, a mid-day colorful family session in the pool using Ektar with Jennifer Lawrence, and a Film Soup demo and session with Julie Guertin.  Can it get more diverse than that?  Besides all the shooting, we hosted a catered and styled Welcome dinner sponsored by Richard Photo Lab. Richard’s was also there in person to answer any and all questions related to film photography and the lab.  We also conducted portfolio reviews, enjoyed having lunch at the Parker Palm Springs, and did many photo walks.

Here’s some of the feedback we got from attendees:

If Film Camp sounds right up your alley, be sure to follow us in IG for the latest news and retreat announcements and sign-up for our newsletter!  We currently had successful runs of our 2nd and 3rd retreats on the OR coast and Charleston, SC in late August, 2019, but have just ONE spot left for Malibu, CA in May 2020!  If you are in, snag a seat here.  Feel free to contact me with questions.  Hope to see you there!