Why choose film in a digital era? @alanmarcosportraits' why is simple but profound:
“I started using film when my first daughter was born around 4 years ago. I wanted to make images that would outlive me. I always imagine my kids or grandkids discovering my stash of negatives long after I’m gone and seeing/remembering all the memories we shared.
“I began incorporating film photography into family sessions at the end of 2020. Although I primarily used film for personal work (including The WAYkoh Project), I was a little apprehensive about using it for family sessions.
“These film photos finally convinced me to follow my gut and use whatever medium that suits my process and whatever tools I enjoy using to create images—and that is FILM!
“A note about digital: I photographed this session half on a digital camera and half on film. After looking at the results, I prefer the ones made on film.
“When I use film, I am more deliberate and more locked in to the present moment. With digital, there is a tendency to overshoot and rely on numerous images to capture a particular scene. The digital images are clean and crisp, but lacking that something special. The satisfaction I get when I capture a special moment on film is unmatched. Film is imperfect—but the colors and character of the image is beautiful.
“To sum it up—this is not about FILM vs. digital in the sense of ‘which is better.’ To me PERSONALLY, I am happier making images on film. And that’s what matters.” — Chester Alan Rivera
All photos by Chester Alan Rivera (Alan Marcos Photography) on Kodak Portra400 with a Pentax645N in Fredericksburg, TX. Scanned on the Noritsu S-1800.
