Has the instant gratification of digital and phone cameras worn off? Reece reckons a film camera is the ultimate adventure companion and captures memories sweeter than a phone every could.

When I’m hiking and feel the first drops of rain, the first thing I protect is my point-and-shoot film camera. Bought secondhand for $100, and now held together with electrical tape to prevent light leaks, it takes priority over my phone, wallet, and clothes. I do this, not for its value or its fragility, but as a way of protecting the previous month or two’s memories, stored unseen, on the half-shot roll of black and white film inside it.

Warrumbungles National Park, New South Wales, by Reece Johnston, towering rock formation, forested landscape, distant mountains, hiking, film photography

Warrumbungle National Park, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

My first point-and-shoot was a gift from a photographer friend for my 21st birthday, one of those gifts you thought you didn’t need, but pretended you did in the moment. You see, I’d already forked out the cash for a full-frame digital camera, with the biggest megapixel-to-price ratio that I could muster.

Bealey Spur Track, New Zealand. Shot on Ilford XP2 400

Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

Despite my doubts, I chucked the gift in my pack on my expedition to New Zealand the following month – the bulk of my full-frame didn’t fit in my carry-on – and thought I should at least use the gift once before I decided how to get rid of it.

Redgate Beach, Western Australia, by Reece Johnston, rocky coastline, clear ocean, swimmers, black and white film photography, travel, nature

Redgate Beach, Western Australia. Shot on Do! Film 400

Quickly, I became addicted. The fragility of having my photos stored physically. The suspense of not being able to see them until I’d finished the roll. The pressure of making sure each image was worth using one of 36 precious frames. This all made for an intensely selective and thoughtful photography experience.

Cape Hauy Track, Tasmania. Shot on Ilford XP2 400

Previously, not only had my digital setup made a mockery of the painstaking work I’d done to optimise my ultralight backpacking setup, but I found the 128G of storage somewhat too convenient. I could fire off ten photos of the same view, only for them to sit victim to my procrastination habits, unedited in my Lightroom catalogue.

 

Warrumbungles National Park, New South Wales, by Reece Johnston, hiker, rocky landscape, forest, mountains, black and white, film photography

Warrumbungle National Park, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

 

I found the contrary with film. Not only did I need to be more selective, but I learnt to take photos more consciously. Knowing that I didn’t have the freedom to edit out my mistakes, I was taking photos for their lighting and composition rather than just because I was at a lookout. I got to know my camera so well that I could tell if a scene in front of me would fit into the frame before even looking through the viewfinder.

Blue Mountains National Park, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

I also fell in love with the imperfections. Light leaks, bits of dust, and moisture are distinct reminders of the physicality of the medium, that nothing is perfect, and it doesn’t need to be.

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A speck of dust and some moisture joining my family on the Bealey Spur Track, New Zealand. Shot on Ilford XP2 400

Racecourse Beach, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

I’ve since sold my digital camera, and exclusively pack my point-and-shoot on trips. I use my phone to take photos to send to my grandparents, but I save my film photos for myself. I caption them in my journal to create a physical archive of my life, not unlike an old-school photo album. To me, that’s an authentic snapshot of my life, one that Instagram doesn’t do justice.

Warrumbungle National Park, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

So next trip, dig out grandpa’s old film camera. You might just realise the oldies actually did do it better back in their day.

 

Warrumbungles National Park, New South Wales, Reece Johnston, hiking, lookout, mountain range, forested valleys, black and white film

Warrumbungle National Park, NSW. Shot on Do! Film 400

 

 

Feature image is Hickory Bay, New Zealand. Shot on Ilford XP2 400

Keep Capturing Those Memories

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