Today, we’re featuring a beautiful photo essay from film photographer Jesse De La Cruz. Scroll below to view the images and read more from Jesse about capturing this series…
Analog cameras and films used: Kodak Ektar H35N (Find on Amazon) | Kodak Gold 200 (Find on Amazon)
Connect with Jesse: Instagram
Experimental Film Series
By Jesse De La Cruz
For a bit of background, I am a novice when it comes to film photography and even that might be an over exaggeration. I collect disposables — no seriously I have 20 that are catching dust in my closet, waiting to be developed. I don’t think about technique or lighting, I simply click the button. I love capturing the moment, knowing that eventually I will get to indulge in the feeling of nostalgia.
I got gifted to me this simple point and shoot and thought why not. Except this film roll’s journey was anything but simple. As my local film lab said (shout out to Coastal Film Lab in Tampa, Florida) this film roll had light leaks, was double exposed, had overlapping frames, and was rolled backwards. Told you I am a novice. Plus slight water damage from a loosely closed waterproof bag on the Florida river. I had no hope for this roll, but once again why not. If it’s all crappy photos? Well at least I know.
Instead, what came out of it is one of my favorite film pictures I own to date. Glimpses of my San Francisco trip back in March. The rolling hills. The beautiful architecture. In some pictures, you’ll catch pieces of Atlanta’s beautiful greenery and iconic Five Point buildings from when I visited in June — in contrast with San Francisco in that same picture. In some photos are pieces of my home — beautiful Florida springs and the BIG festival that’s held in Gainesville every April.
These set of photos capture exactly what I have felt since March — the blur from late winter to early summer. The constant go and adrenaline yet the peacefulness that comes from living life to the fullest. I think it is important to experience life how you can and to take that leap of faith even when hope is low. I feel like a lot of times people are scared of film because of expectations that come with it. Because you take the photo not knowing the outcome. But I say do it. Do it because you simply can.
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