Why I Still Shoot Film — Shawn
I’ve been buried in new shoots lately and totally forgot to prep this week’s ’Til Tuesday post. It’s funny how that happens—the more digital work I do, the more I’m reminded why film still matters to me.
This short session with Shawn brought that feeling back. We met near the riverwalk; I shot with my Hasselblad 500 CMand the Distagon 50 mm f/4, loaded with Ilford HP5 Plus. Film forces patience: no burst mode, no instant preview—just trust in light and timing.
Each frame asks you to slow down and be present. The grain, the tone, and the imperfections all carry a kind of truth that digital rarely gives. These few frames of Shawn—soft light, quiet mood—remind me that slowing down can sometimes take you further.
Tech Notes ⚙️
- Camera: Hasselblad 500 CM
- Lens: Distagon 50 mm f/4
- Film: Ilford HP5 Plus 400
- Processing: Developed & scanned locally
- Lighting: Natural afternoon light, open shade
- Location: Riverwalk area, Guam
- Style: Black-and-white portrait, film photography
- Camera: Hasselblad 500 CM
- Lens: Distagon 50 mm f/4
- Film: Ilford HP5 Plus 400
- Processing: Developed & scanned locally
- Lighting: Natural afternoon light, open shade
- Location: Riverwalk area, Guam
- Style: Black-and-white portrait, film photography
Shot on Hasselblad 500 CM with the Distagon 50 mm f/4 — a small set of deliberate frames made in calm light.
