001 - Origins

So, this is my first long form text publication on the things I care about.

Today I'm talking about my passion for analogue photographic process. So, let's start at the beginning.

I'd never really had much interest in film photography before actually trying it. I used to be a keen member at a local hackspace that had darkroom facilities and it never occurred to me at the time that film photography would be something I'd have an interest in.

I started with film photography after inheriting my late Grandad's Pentax ME Super SLR. This for me was the gateway into film photography. I picked the camera up and decided to try and use it.

You can still get film, right?

Little did I know, film was still a prominent and ever-growing thing.

I drove to Mathers of Lancashire in Bolton and picked up a few rolls of Ilford HP5 after seeing it recommended as a good standard film.

The first roll of film I ever shot was nothing special, but I wouldn't expect it to be. It mainly consisted of test shots at home, but also included my first dedicated trip out to take photos.

Visiting the abandoned college building in Wigan was a lot of fun and it allowed me to trial the camera in a situation that was a little more challenging. Again, nothing special, but it's a nice place to start in my opinion.

Not only did this first roll of film act as a gateway to film photography, it was also a gateway into my passion for film processing and darkroom processes. I spoke to Adam, at the time sole owner of Bonsai Mad Ltd, and asked if he would show me how to develop film. He was happy to show me the ropes.

And I was hooked.

Since then I have shot countless rolls and processed more.

I've also had the chance to try different film stocks and different cameras, and form my love for the equipment and stocks I use.

I don't claim to be a professional by any means. I'm an amateur hobbyist who loves learning, teaching, and spreading knowledge. That's one of the main reasons I joined Adam at Bonsai Mad: to provide a service with the skills I have developed and introduce more people to the world of film photography.

I hope you stick around with me and watch me grow as a photographer and darkroom technician.