Features | Subculture
Alexi and his fellow film enthusiasts, Deen Schroeder, Brad Donald and Lee de Haas, run a film photography group on WhatsApp where they coordinate meet-ups and share tricks and tips. “The group has loads of experienced photographers and it’s fun to banter with them, too.” If WhatsApp isn’t your thing, there’s a locally run Facebook page called Analogue Republic and an international group called Negative Feedback. Both groups are dedicated to growing the film community and sharing work. You’ll find Alexi and his troupe out and about shooting in the Johannesburg CBD.
TIPS FOR FIRSTTIMERS • Choose the right gear. Gear doesn’t make the image, but you need to use a camera that suits your shooting style. • Choose the right film. When you’re starting off, it’s important to work with good quality film. Cheaper film won’t reflect the magic of film. Use Kodak Portra 400 for colour and Kodak Tri-x 400 for black and white. • Make friends with your lab. Tell them what you want and get a feel of how you want your images to be developed. • Take control of the film. Learn what pushing and pulling is. Experiment with what happens when you overexpose and underexpose your film. • Be patient. Shooting film takes time and it also takes time to get the results you want to achieve.
50 | www.joburgstyle.co.za