Discourse Community
Film Community Experience
Today pictures are mostly taken on a smartphone or digitally. When I discovered my love and appreciation for film photography it made me wonder if there were any others out there that share the same interests as me. That was when I discovered that there are many different local groups and communities that share the practice of film photography with others no matter the level of practice they are in. For example, some local communities that share the same practice are Not Your Grandma's Camera Club; I'm Still Developing; or Darkroomers. These discourse community dedicates itself to expressing inclusivity and values through its practices, communication, and values. Their shared practices strengthens community bonds and inspire the members to grow artistically and emotionally.
Members of the Community
All these camera clubs are very diverse when it comes to their members. The types of people that I have seen and met that apart of this community are professional photographers; artists; collectors enthusiasts; and even people who do it more casually or for fun like me. All of them have different backgrounds such as ethnicity, sexuality, and culture. I have met these different type of individuals when I go and drop off my film at a developing shop.
Photography Events
Events are sometimes hosted by film photography discourse community creators where these photographers get together and show off the photo they have shot, almost like an art show. In these hosted events there’s a diverse group, from different cultures and race, presenting the photography as a representation of their background or even their home.
Communication in style and Mediums
I think the reason why people love film photography so much is because it gives off a more old school look to the photos making it more nostalgic. Sometimes the picture being taken tells a story and with this type of aesthetic it brings a deeper meaning and even a personal connection to the photo itself. The color contrast of the photo can also give a deeper representation of the culture's color. For example, from the photographs I have seen in the past representing Mexican culture like to use a more gold contrast in order to give more warmth to the picture and also use vibrant colors like pink and green representing festivities and Mexican Folk art.
The Values
Many enthusiasts value film so much that they see it as a type of art that needs to be kept alive now that we live in a world where digital is the main type of photography we are used to. Film is not as common anymore , which makes photoshoots with these type of photoshoots somewhat more unique. I’ve discovered a hashtag going around used by photographers saying #filmisnotdead. This hashtag brings others to discover this type of photography show the younger and the older generation the appreciation it has hopefully bringing others of the same interests or make them want to book a photo shoot. The hashtag creates a sense of community because people can share their work and maybe learn from each other. Overall, it keeps film photography still alive by bringing people together and showing that it still matters today.
The way that I have witnessed the way photographers communicate with each other would be through social media and photography events hosted in San Diego. Theres an artistic communication through the actual photograph. Many photos have a story behind it, and these stories are usually shown at these photography events or even an art show with a a description next to what it is. The style varies are the artists. I’ve seen many use their culture and even more pop culture in order to present their art.
One of my favorite film art presentations that I have seen was from San Diegan Chicana photographer on instagram @Checka619. In the caption she says that behind the creation of her set up was the present the representation of her being Mexican and living behind the border. She has other things like a rosary to represent faith and cement blocks to represent the foundation we build from. What makes her work meaningful is how she uses film photography to communicate her ideas. The film adds texture and warmth which fits perfectly with her theme of heritage and memory.
Goals and Sources
A common goal that the photographers and people who are just learning about photography want to reach is to capture the audience attention and allow people to appreciate the unique qualities on film photography. Photographers do this by posting photos on instagram or even YouTube videos that introduce the idea of photography to other individuals. Social media has allowed people to develop these new hobbies and even develop new skills from watching a video because they probably don’t have access to a film class or instructor. In these videos they teach people how to properly set up your camera and what tips and tricks they have to having success in taking a photo correctly.
Besides YouTube, there are also in person sources like a photography class that is offered in school or even going to a film shop and asking for a mentor or even some quick advice on the cameras. I've shot with film for about almost three years now and I have met some of the most encouraging and helpful individuals when it comes to developing these new skills. I’m am grateful for all the knowledge I have developed because of these mentors. If it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn't have kept pursuing this new passion. These communities are important because photographers can exchange techniques, critique, and inspiration for others.
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