I love film.  Always have and always will.  I grew up with a darkroom in my garage and some of my earliest memories are from playing in the circle light trap door with my brother at my dad’s photo classroom. The smell of fixer and stop bring back fond memories.

I also love digital cameras. They have added a new dimension to photography — one more tool for the toolbox.   I think each has a very distinctive place and use. When you have good light and want a more organic look,  film is the way to go.   When light is low, even if it is nice or you have mixed light sources inside, digital can be better. I also love digital for capturing those quick moments.

Which is best?  Ask a group of photographers that question and you’re likely to start a heated debate.  Here’s my take.  Asking which is best is like asking what’s the best pair of shoes to wear.  It really all depends on what situation you’re going to face that day.  I’d hate to wear tennis shoes with a formal dress to the Oscars but I’d also never wear 3 inch heels on a hiking trip.

Lately I have been playing with my old Hasselblad 500C Medium Format film camera. It started as a fun diversion from my everyday digital work and has evolved into what I shoot with outside of work all the time now. Thanks to Richard Photo Lab I can get great post-shoot services and products which make shooting film even more enjoyable.

A few film images I’d like to share with you…

These sets are from my personal work I have been doing exploring Brazos Bend State Park. My mini photo safari in Texas. Also I am dying to do some portraits here so if you’re up for it let me know.  The gorgeous tree was recently featured on Dog ‘n Bird Artful Wedding.

Quick portraits from the Houston Art Car Parade.  So many fun characters and the cars are simply amazing.  And now,  onto the Houston Rodeo.

You know I can’t resist including a couple rodeo food shots!

I’ll end with the most bizarre set. these were from the Round Top, Texas antiques festival. Crazy place! On the left, old knives and on the right,  molds for making baby doll heads.  Slightly creepy, but I love it.

Later this week I’ll show you how the Hasselblad translates to weddings.