Through the Lens: Our Team's Film Stories - Meet Arran

After the success of our spotlight on the team post, we're introducing a brand new series called 'Through The Lens'.

An interview series with our talented team members to get the low down on everything to do with how they first got into film photography, their favourite rolls of film, along with their top tips for people just starting out.

We're kicking the first of the series off with Arran, one of our talented lab technicians at FilmProcessing.

Arran originally started at FilmProcessing as a Christmas temp, and well, he loved it so much that he's been back with us for 3 years now and is now one of our lab technicians!

Let's hear it from Arran...

Q: What initially drew you into the world of film photography, and how did that passion evolve over time?

A: It would be watching classic skateboarding films growing up filmed on the VX1000, the look and style of it really struck me. It seemed rough around the edges and unapologetic and I think this had a major impact in my own photography and years later lead me to shoot film almost exclusively.

Q: Which camera model is your go-to for shooting film, and what makes it special to you?

A: I don’t particularly have a go to, my gear is a bit of a jumbled mess of different lens and camera combinations, I usually grab whatever is going to work for any particular day. I don’t like gear snobs.

Military firing range by Arran

Q: Do you have a favourite film stock (or type of film) you consistently reach for? What sets it apart?

A: In terms of colour films I like Cinestill 800T, pro image and I used to love Superia and I hope it comes back! I probably shoot on Kodak Gold more than any other film simply because it is affordable. I also love black and white film particularly Fujifilm’s neo pan, Kodak Tri-X and anything Ilford.

Q: What's one of your most memorable or meaningful moments behind the camera?

A: It's got to be doing some event photography at a few venues in Bristol and London following a noise rock music label, the events were unlicensed and it was all pretty lawless. Absolutely amazing shows, great times and some of the best pictures I’ve ever produced.

Q: What have been some of the biggest learning curves or challenges in working with analogue photography?

A: The main challenge is there is no re-do’s, if you’ve got your exposure wrong and the moment has passed. Its impossible to double check in the field if you’ve gotten your images right.

Fence flood plains by Arran

Q: What are your thoughts on the resurgence of film photography, and why do you think it's making a comeback?

A: I think analogue mediums are making a comeback in lots of areas think cassette tapes and vinyl. The fast fashion style of photography that mobile phones allow is a bit sterile and I think people like a change of pace.

Q: Are there any particular techniques or shooting styles (e.g. double exposures, push/pull processing) that you enjoy experimenting with?)

A: I have tried making my own redscale film out of a roll of kodak gold which was quite successful. I also have souped and double exposed films before and I liked the final scans a lot.

Double exposed and souped by Arran

Double exposed and souped by Arran

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting their journey with film photography, especially in choosing gear and film types?

A: Just start! It is so easy to become overwhelmed with the shear amount of information out there and so much of it isn’t even very helpful. Just pick up a cheap second hand camera, learn about the exposure triangle and sunny 16 and you’re most of the way there.

Car park shot on CineStill 800 by Arran

We hope you enjoyed this insight into Arran's film photography story and images. Catch Arran over on Instagram to see more of his work.

Stay tuned for the next interview in this series coming very soon.