Interview with EUNICE SANCHEZ, PHILIPPINES
I expect better and healthier exchange of knowledge instead of seeing photographers condemning each other’s differences on principles and preferences online.
Hello, Eunice. Mind telling us a bit about yourself and your journey into film photography?
Eunice: It started years ago in Malate Literary Folio in the Philippines. Malate is the arts and literary publication of De La Salle University. I joined the publication during my freshman year and met friends who were just as eager as I was in learning photography. We learned from reading books, giving constructive criticism to each other especially during deliberation of works, visiting gallery exhibits and gigs, and inviting established artists and writers as speakers for our workshops. As for film, I learned it in one of Malate’s workshops and that’s when the obsession started. My entire life in college revolved around Malate and it lead me to my decision on taking photography seriously. It took a very long time before I got to invest on materials for processing. Fast forward to 2017, I’m still obsessed with film and it feels like there’s still so much to learn.
What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?
Eunice: I have a Minolta XD, an Olympus XA2, and a Ricoh Diacord. Despite of the bulkiness, the Ricoh Diacord has been my favorite. I like the attention it gets when people see it. It stirs good conversations. For film I use Neopan Acros100 or Ilford HP5. I haven’t experimented with a lot of films but I like using black and white because I can easily process it in my bathroom.
What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?
Eunice: Delayed gratification. I know it will always be a matter of preference and I will never disregard the advantages I get when shooting in digital but I also love the idea of shooting slowly. It thrills me how I have to be careful on each frame, how it takes me hours or days before I get to see my film processed and scanned, and how I have to be careful as well when putting the negatives in their respective sleeves. I love how I have to work hard and wait for a long time before I get what I want. It always feels rewarding regardless the final output comes out right or wrong.
Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?
Eunice: I’m fine with having my photos printed in labs. On the other hand, I have tried printing using gum Arabic and acrylic emulsion on wood. It has a different kind of satisfaction when you’re doing it on your own. And when you create a mistake at least all you’ve got to blame is yourself.
What motivates you to continue making photographs with film?
Eunice: I always learn something new from my subjects. I know there will always be connections and conversations. That keeps me motivated in making photographs regardless it’s digital or film.
Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?
Eunice: I’ve looked up to Robert Capa and Diane Arbus ever since I discovered them in books. I admire their stories, the courage that took them farther, and the commitment that they have given to their craft.
Do you see any value or merit shooting with film?
Eunice: Yes, it has. The process itself keeps me disciplined, responsible, and curious. I keep encountering the most interesting people because of film as well. I will always be grateful for that.
What do you think is the future of film photography?
Eunice: As far as I know the community is getting bigger already. The higher the demand for film then perhaps more producers will come back. I expect better and healthier exchange of knowledge as well instead of just seeing photographers condemning each other’s differences on principles and preferences online.
What’s your dream photography project?
Eunice: I started taking portraits of people and their tattoos a year ago. I’m not quite sure yet with how I want it to turn out but I still dream of continuing it just so I could listen to people’s stories. I like it when people talk about their first tattoos. But I want to treat all my future projects as my dream projects. Otherwise it’ll turn out rubbish.
Would you like to offer a few words of wisdom to those who want to try film photography for the first time? What must they learn before venturing into this format?
Eunice: Read the manual. I’m not kidding.
This goes for both digital and film. Trial and error on the buttons can work for some but if you really want to master your medium then you have to invest your time on reading.
Also never stop looking and reading other people’s works; whether it’s a photograph or any other form of art. Learn the artist’s history. Listen to different criticisms or how their audience talk about them and their work. And then go back to yourself and see how you comprehend everything that you have absorbed.
Thank you for sharing these valuable insights, Eunice.
You can check more impressive work from Eunice on Instagram and on her website.
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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Eunice Sanchez. She devoted her time, and worked so hard in making these photographs. You are not allowed to copy, publicly display, download, reproduce, reprint, modify, distribute, 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 Eunice Sanchez. Don't do anything malicious. 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.
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Cheers!
Mel