The art medium that I use is film photography, specifically 35mm color film. I like to use color film during the more “colorful” seasons, and I occasionally use black and white film during the colder and more “colorless” seasons. 

Film and digital photography have always been a significant part of my life growing up. My mother was constantly capturing key moments of my life and the lives of people who she loves. Because of her, I have always been interested in photography. 

However, Jack McCaul ’22 is an individual who truly showed me the beauty of film photography. With his help, I now capture the photography that I have been dreaming of since I first understood the love my mother had for capturing the present moment.

Film photography specifically drives me to be in the moment. I think digital photography can easily distract and take an individual out of the present moment. When it comes to digital photography, you are allowed to constantly check yourself for mistakes which takes away from the moment’s authenticity. However, film photography requires you to be truly in the moment. 

 My photos are captured in life’s most authentic form. Photographs are beautiful reminders of what is happening in the present. Whether it captures a place that makes me happy, people that have significance in my life, or a point in time that was special to me. Capturing these beautiful instances in their most authentic form truly reminds me of how delicate life is. 

As I continue to grow as a photographer, I’m learning that film photography is not only a form of artistic expression, but that it teaches a lesson – to be grateful for what you have in the present moment. 

I will continue to capture the moments that I hope to remember for the rest of my life –  the photos that I hope to share with my children and grandchildren one day.