Interview with JOHNLORD REYES, PHILIPPINES
Shooting with film is the best way to learn what a photograph really is.
Hi, Johnlord! Tell us who you are and how you got yourself shooting with film.
Johnlord: I'm Johnlord, a hobbyist photographer. It started out 4 years ago when a friend of mine sold his spare Pentax SV. I was already shooting digital that time when stumbled a movie called "Pecker" and got curious with Film Photography.
What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?
Johnlord: Canonet g3ql19, Pentax SV and Fed 2a are my arsenals. I usually shoot with ILFORD HP5, and Tri X. Sometimes with Superia or Portra depending on my mood.
What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?
Johnlord: The process that the film has is something different. It slows me down to make me focus more and experience the moment when I push the shutter. You think of each exposure, especially when all you have is your 36 exposure roll—you want to make each exposure count.
Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?
Johnlord: I currently process most of my films at Fotofabrik. Mr. Jay Javier is like a father figure for the film community here in the Philippines. He knows everything you need to know
about photography and its technicalities, so you’re confident with your films being processed at his lab.
What motivates you to continue making photographs with film? Have you learned anything about yourself through film photography?
Johnlord: I’m hoping that my photographs will have some value for future generations; the photos we take everyday is like a time machine that traps time and saves a piece of our own history.
Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?
Johnlord: William Eggleston, Mary Ellen Mark and Joel Meyerowitz.
Do you see any value or merits shooting with film?
Johnlord: Shooting with film is the best way to learn what a photograph really is.
What do you think your future is like with film photography?
Johnlord: I would probably keep on learning and shooting film as long as I can press the shutter.
What’s your dream photography project?
Johnlord: I've always wanted to travel to the Ancient Silk Road and cover the lives and its stories.
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?
Johnlord: Buy decent books and find a teacher or a group that would guide you in your photographic journey. Keep in mind the basics as well.
Hop on to Johlord's Instagram and Facebook pages and check out his outstanding work there.
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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