I’ve noticed camera communities excitedly share news about new cameras, lenses and lighting equipment but sometimes it seems these cameras don’t even get used.
Why?
Gear is cheaper than ever and every type of photography is now accessible. A lowest-model $300 Nikon or Canon trounces the pro gear from 15 years ago and lighting gear isn’t far behind. A amateur can make work that matches the technical quality thats at the fingertips of professionals.
I wanted to get away from the endless grind to better equipment and better photos and try something completely different. I got into film as a way to creatively limit myself and I found solace in a disposable camera.
With a disposable, you get two decisions. You decide when and where to trigger the shutter. You also decide if you want a flash on or off.
I could concentrate on getting solely the best subject and the best composition as I see fit. When it was too dark, I used the flash. I also modified a disposable camera to connect to studio lighting.
I purchased a handful of old disposable cameras and refilled them. I ensured the best results for any lighting condition by keeping several disposable cameras on me with different types of film rolled in each. My favorite premium films are Ilford Delta 3200 and Fujifilm NPS 160
Overall I found I spent a lot of time in the moment. I never missed a shot monkeying with dials or deciding what ISO to use. Either I snapped the picture or I didn’t.
After a year of keeping a disposable camera on me daily and documenting my life, I’m ready to appreciate a modern camera again. I know when to use all the fancy features of a full frame DSLR but I also know when not to.
My next project is to capture a SpaceX rocket launch on instant film.
You can find more of my pictures at my instagram @skylerada
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Julian on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Alan Withington on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Robert on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
I have a bunch of disposables but when I go out I always reach for a compact or SLR. Part of me wants to fiddle! I do have plans for my expired disposables though. I think they make perfect candidates for experimentation like drilling holes in the body gluing coloured plastic over the lenses.
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Robert on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
I have a bunch of disposables but when I go out I always reach for a compact or SLR. Part of me wants to fiddle! I do have plans for my expired disposables though. I think they make perfect candidates for experimentation like drilling holes in the body gluing coloured plastic over the lenses. Thoughts?
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
paul snaith on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Paulo Moreira on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Bent_Brent on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Christos Theofilogiannakos on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Comment posted: 10/05/2018
Karl Valentin on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 11/05/2018
Everybody is free to do so if he think it makes him special right ?
Daniel Fjäll on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 11/05/2018
This is exactly how I feel about getting back into digital after 3 years of shooting film exclusively. Love the disposable camera approach.
Tobias Eriksson on 5 Frames With Refilled Disposable Cameras – By Skyler Adams
Comment posted: 16/05/2018