Interview with DASH KOLOS, USA
For those who wants to try out film photography I'd say find trust and a story to tell.
Cheers for joining us here, Dash. Super excited to have you here. Mind telling us about yourself and why you're into film photography?
Dash: I am an Actor, writer, filmmaker and a photographer. To sum this up in one word - storyteller. People inspire me greatly, and I use my art to show what I see. The endless beauty. I might have gotten into film photography at the age of perhaps 3 or 4. My Dad took photos, developed them and let me use his camera every now and again. I think I fell in love with it then. It was magic. The sound of the shutter still gives me chills. There was a long break, but I always knew - Film photography and I were meant to be.
What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?
Dash: I have been experimenting with many different Films. I'd probably say Kodak Portra 400 is my go-to and it translates my vision the closest. However I am a huge fan of vivid colors of Fuji Provia 100F or any other reversal Film for that matter. Also, recently I discovered SilberSalz35 True Cinefilm and that is LOVE. I get that amazing cinematographic feel. I'd say, that is the most special Film I've ever shot with. For black and white photography my choice is Ilford Delta 400 hands down.
I've been shooting a lot with my baby Canon AE-1, it literally became an extension of my soul. I don't even leave my home without it. Love what I can do with my Mamiya M645. Especially the double/triple exposure option. And as soon as I am done writing this, I am heading to pick up my 2 new (very old actually) Pentax's. You can't even imagine how excited I am. That was definitely a dream camera. So, stay tuned.
What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?
Dash: I really think, if you know how to use your digital camera, there is nothing it can't do. But Film has soul. It carries magic. There is this unpredictability that excites imagination. Also trust. You really have to trust yourself and your vision with Film. Anything is possible.
Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?
Dash: That definitely depends.
What motivates you to continue making photographs with film? Have you learned anything about yourself through film photography?
Dash: Film photography makes me extremely happy. I think that is a good enough motivation. It teaches me to be patient with myself, with my art. And definitely trusting myself more.
Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?
Dash: Oh absolutely! Gordon Parks is my idol. Not just as a photographer, but as an artist and a beautiful human being. I think his work definitely influenced mine. His story is incredible. There are many photographers that I look up to, really. Roy DeCarava, Evelyn Hofer, Santu Mofokeng, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Dorothea Lange just to name a few. The stories you can just feel through their photographs are amazing, raw, necessary. I guess these artists are the reasons, in a way, I continue with Film photography.
Do you see any value or merits shooting with film?
Dash: I do see both, value and merit in Film photography. It's timeless. It's precious. I remember every single photo I took (and there are rolls on rolls on rolls). Every single photo means so much to me. Every single photo is a story. Every single photos is undeniably unique. Every single photo is a time capsule. I never edit my film photos. I feel like with film photography whatever happens within those moments when shutter is open - is meant to be. That's Magic.
What do you think your future is like with film photography?
Dash: My future with Film photography is exciting! There are so many stories to tell!
Any dream film photography project in mind?
Dash: My dream Film photography project would be shooting for Life Magazine and those are big shoes to fill. Very.
Would you like to offer some good words to those who want to try film photography for the first time? What must they learn before venturing into this format?
Dash: For those who wants to try out Film photography I'd say find trust and a story to tell.
Dash, a lot of photographers around the world are finding ways to keep themselves busy during this pandemic, and coming up with activities to make self-isolation a bit more interesting. What are your ways to keep busy while you have to stay at home?
Dash: Well, it's been an interesting time. I'm spending this pandemic in Brooklyn. And I must say, I feel very good about my productivity and my art. I wrote 3 screen plays (2 of them are full length), I shot a documentary project (it's in the editor's room right now). Taped quite a few auditions. And, of course, I've photographed and documented my favorite city during everything that's been happening in the past few months. Also lots of self portraits and photographs of chairs, plants and everything else I found laying around.
Anything you want to add? Future exhibits, projects you're currently busy with? Anything…
Dash: Stay tuned. A lot of exiting things are in the works.
Thank you, Dash, for sharing your brilliant work and your insightful thoughts. We can't wait to see more of your work! Without your contribution, this project would just have been another dream. Stay safe out there.
You can catch Dash's extraordinary work on Instagram and on her website. If you want to know more about her, check this out.
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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Dash Kolos. She devoted her time, and worked hard making these photographs. You know very well it's wrong to copy, download, reproduce, reprint, modify, distribute, publicly display, license, transfer or sell content retrieved from this page in any way, for any public or commercial use or to any commercial source, including other websites, without prior written permission of Dash Kolos. Be good. You don’t want to go to jail, do you?
Well now, if you are a passionate film photographer and would like to be interviewed? I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email with the subject, "Interview me", and share your story, thoughts, and work related to film photography. I’ll get back to you as soon as I receive your request for an interview.
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Cheers!
Mel