Interview with DEVON WICK, USA

Film photography, for Devon Wick, is one of the best outlets to enhance your life.

Mind telling us about yourself and your story on how you got into film photography?

Devon: I got into photography about 3 years ago while was in treatment for heroin addiction. Growing up I had always been creative so an art instructor led me on to taking photos. I have been shooting for about 3 years.

What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?

Devon: I shoot with a Portra 400 and 800, and KODAK TriX 400 for 35mm. For 120mm I shoot Portra 400. I use a Leica m7 and a Mamiya 645. I shoot TriX mostly and I love the grain and contrast that come out of that film.

What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?


Devon: I believe that grain and pixels look completely different. Not to say one is better than the other but I prefer to shoot film. Also when shooting with film, you don't have the luxury of 'chimping'—which is looking at the picture on the LCD screen after you take the photo. But with film you have to wait for the processing. That makes you more aware of the moment instead of missing it due to 'chimping'.

Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?

Devon: Lately I send my rolls out because I currently don't use a darkroom. And, yes I'm comfortable sending out my rolls to a lab.

What motivates you to continue making photographs with film?


Devon: I believe I need to keep producing photographs because it sharpens my skills as a photographer.

Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?

Devon: Boogie has to be the top and all his photos have influenced me. I like shooting raw street material probably because of my struggles with the streets and addiction. The things I have seen and the hardships, homelessness, and heroin.

Do you see any value or merit shooting with film? 

Devon: I do. Because film is tangible where pixels are on a disk or in a computer.

What do you think your future is like with film photography?

Devon: I believe its going to take me places and hone my skills as a photographer.

What’s your dream photography project?

Devon: My dream is to be a Magnum photographer, or be in that club through street shooting.

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?


Devon: I recommend film highly because it makes you pause and really believe in what you're shooting because each shot costs you. Learn the basics of light and exposure. Learn your film speeds and whether you want to venture into black and white or color. I recommend to venture into both and embrace both worlds.

Film photography encourages creative thinking and, as far as Devon is concerned, its a way to show the world how you portray it.

Follow him on Instagram and check the rest of his photographs posted there. He's currently shooting contents for a book. So, stay tuned!

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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Devon Wick. He devoted his time and worked hard on these photographs. You are not allowed 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 Devon Wick. 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 at mapamelvin@gmail.com 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.

Don't forget to subscribe to this page so you can login and add your comments about Devon's work. Be sure to be nice and constructive.

Cheers!

Mel