The Freedom of Limitations

REGISTER: Maine Media Workshops

Working Analog with a Digital Camera

The purpose of this class is to encourage thoughtful deliberation and intention in your work. We will accomplish this by practicing an analog process with our digital cameras. 

An analog (film) camera requires a deliberate and conscious effort to compose, focus, and capture an image. Applying these manual “processes” when using your digital camera can create a big difference not just because you are using the tools differently, but because you have slowed down the process. The result is a digital capture image with a “made with film” look. 

Daily lectures and individual shooting assignments will inform our practice of working manually within the limitations of a film camera. There will be a daily review of the images from your assignments. The lectures will cover the “how to” of topics, for example, the technical aspects of exposure triangles, image definition, and image focus. Understanding how the lens draws light onto film or a sensor, the character of a lens, the relationship of the bokeh of a lens, aperture, and focus improves our understanding of the tools. First, know the rules, then you can break them to make the images you want.

We will use the MMW classroom computers and Lightroom Classic and Photoshop software. You will not be using individual laptops and software for this workshop. You will shoot only JPEGS and be limited to 72 JPEGS per assignment.

Before you arrive, you will be sent an assignment to shoot and bring with you to class. You will be limited to the equivalent of two rolls of film (72 JPEG images). We will begin the class by reviewing your assignment.

What you need for the class

• A digital camera that can be put in FULL manual mode. 
• 1 – lens, a manual-focus prime lens preferred 
• 1 – SD card
• Battery
• Tripod

Final thoughts… Limitations that can be freeing: 

• Using only one type of film simulation at a time. (color, black and white, negative, chrome). Digital cameras vary in what they offer as far as JPEG simulations, but we will adhere to choosing one for each assignment.
• Mastering the Exposure Triangle.
• Manual focus is required.
• The number of exposures is limited by film type and size. (12, 24, or 36) 
• There is no instant feedback. We will shut off (or cover) the playback on the screen.
• Old lenses have a unique look.
• Grain is built into the film simulation.

This class is about making your process yours, resulting in capturing your images with intention. It’s about how the tools work and can be used more creatively. It’s about being curious and playful. When it’s over, I hope you will have discovered freedom within the limitations of a film process approach and enjoy new ways of working in the digital world.

Join me on the adventure!

Tillman Crane