Exploring Medium Format Film | Mamiya 645-AFD

A year ago today, I was dreaming of what it would feel like to finally be finished with college… Having more time to dedicate to my craft – more energy to take risks, try new things, and explore. One of the things that I’d admired from afar for years, without the courage or time to delve further into, was the world of film photography.

I would stare in wonder at the film work of my favorite photographers, imagining what it would be like to finally try my hand at shooting film. And when the opportunity to buy a used medium format camera arose, I finally took it. And holding the heavy instrument in my hands, I walked around Penn’s campus a few days before graduation – running a few rolls of test film through my Mamiya 645-AFD.

The buttons felt foreign to my hands as I slowly made my way around the green. With each step, I found myself beginning to relax – slowly transitioning my concentration from the camera to the surrounding world. I stopped worrying about the mechanical aspects of the camera and began soaking in the tranquility of the campus at dawn.

And I can honestly say… It was an amazing experience.

And now that I’ve caught the film bug… Don’t be surprised if you see a few of my personal projects photographed on something other than my beloved Nikon D4 or D700.

If there is something in your life that you’ve been dying to try and you have let your excuses get in the way – My biggest advice is to take a risk. Make the leap. And give yourself the opportunity to follow your heart.