Hey everyone,
A bit of a delayed customer Showcase as I was in Amsterdam last weekend. Between my girlfriend and I we managed to shoot 1 of each film stock each, so looking forward to the results.
This is a requested feature from my girlfriend Alice as she loves Greg's work. So I finally got round to asking him. If you want to be featured, please do reach out, especially if you have shot the 200T, 500T, XX & ektachrome as they haven't been featured yet.
So, onto Greg's customer Showcase:
Firstly, who are you and how long have you been shooting film?
My name is Greg, I'm 28. I was born and bred in Yorkshire. Most of the time I'm teaching History but when I'm not I'll be out walking with my partner, taking pictures, or sitting down for a good Netflix session. I've been shooting film for exactly a year. I picked up an Olympus OM-2N and some Kodak film to take to Italy with me last year and just kept going!
What camera/s do you use?
Most of the time you'll find me with my Olympus OM-2N or Nikon F80. I almost always have my trusty £25 charity shop point and shoot in the car for those unexpected moments too. Every now and then I take out my Nikon F4 but that's normally for more focussed shoot-style work because good god is that a heavy machine.
What is your photography style or what is it you like taking photos of?
I don't know if my photography fits in a specific style. I like to photograph because it makes me see better. I pay more attention to the world around me when I'm photographing; I notice the colours and the light more. So that's why I do it. I like burning the moment onto the film. You steal a bit of light and indelibly mark the film, getting to keep that moment forever.
What made you want to shoot thisishowirollfilm 250D?
I was drawn to 250D because I can't help but pursue novelty! I hadn't shot it before, it was my first ECN-2 processed film, and I thought it would be interesting! Very pleased with how it renders colours though, especially through Nikon glass. Chef's kiss.
What tips would you give to people shooting 250D for the first time?
I think the most important thing is to send it to a good lab for developing! This is true for every film but with ECN-2 being a different process having the expertise behind it seems pretty important to me. I always use Take It Easy Lab in Leeds and they haven't disappointed once.
What is your next photography goal or experiment?
I'd love to put a little book together to dabble in that curation process and then engage with the images in print. I look at most of my photos on a screen but they always feel different printed so I'd like to vibe around with that a bit!
Tell me about the images you have included, how were they shot, where, what made you want to shoot them?
These first two shots are from a morning trip out to a village in the North York Moors called Hutton-le-Hole. I took my Olympus OM-2N to test out the new film. I shot it at 200 just to make sure it had enough light. The village is incredibly picturesque though often quite busy--not early doors though!
Next we turn to a trip to Helmsley castle. This shot was taken inside the mansion the later Tudor owners built inside the castle walls. I exposed for the highlights and then I waited for ages for the light to hit right on the wall. Worth the wait though. I like the way the light is replicated in the room through the door, and how the heavy shadows give balance on either side.
Finally here are two from a recent trip to Dorset. I smashed through loads of rolls on this one, and on the last day loaded 250D into my Nikon F80 - shot at 250. We walked the coast path to Durdle Door from Lulworth Cove. Of course I photographed Durdle Door because how can you not (see them over on Instagram), but also these two moments. I thought I'd missed the framing of the sail boat but thankfully I hadn't. The cliffs are perfect and the four colours in the shot are picked up wonderfully by the 250D.
Where can people see more of your work?
Follow me over on Instagram @grainandgreg - I post on there when I fancy and offer myself up to the algorithm gods because I'm not about that post-every-day-life.
What's one thing you wish you knew when you first started that you wish you could tell your past self?
You decide what's worth photographing and give it that worth by doing it. Instagram will kill your dreams if you're going for like counts. Photography is interpretation and not everyone will like yours so photograph what you like.
Which thisishowiroll film stock are you next thinking of shooting?
I reckon next up it's got to be some Eastman Double X so I can continue my love-hate-confused relationship with B&W photography.