Interview with JULIE BATULA, PHILIPPINES

Never gamble on expired films.

Before anything else. Mind telling us something about yourself, Julie, and your journey into film photography?

Julie: I started in 2007. I was working in an advertising agency and was looking for an outlet for my creative freedom. I met a few good people from Foto Fabrik Studio (owned by Jay Javier) who then introduced me to film photography.

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

Julie: I use Rolleicord with either Portra or Acros in it. I am challenged by using a TLR as it's a slow camera. Also, I like the curious gazes I get from my subjects because of the camera I am using.

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


Julie: With my experience, the ability to teach you how to think, observe, and be patient.

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

Julie: For practice and learning purposes, I process my own film and print them under the guidance of Leo Nabua of Studio 58. But rolls from overseas shoot, I always entrust them to Jay Javier of Foto Fabrik. So I have to say that rolls I know that I cannot mess up, I get it processed/printed in a lab, haha!

What motivates you to continue making photographs with film?


Julie: It's the process. I'm at my happiest when I'm shooting. It's a solitary work for me.

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

Julie: None, to be honest. But I always admire the works of Nan Goldin and Sally Mann.

Do you see any value or merit shooting with film? 

Julie: Film photography is the root of digital Photography...as painting to Photoshop. And like painting, film has developed into an art form that is practiced and appreciated on its own merits. In a way it has become the "classics" that we, as photographers, can always draw inspiration from, be challenged by it.

What do you think is the future of film photography?


Julie: Shooting with film is a good start for beginners, it gives them the fundamental understanding of how photography works. Emerging as well as professional photographers, even after they transitioned to digital, can always go back to film to go back to basics.

What’s your dream photography project?

Julie: I want to document the lives of the T'Boli people from cradle to the grave, execute it into a book as my contribution to the Philippine culture and as my legacy to my photography.

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?


Julie: Experience is the best teacher and never gamble on expired films.

Much of what we know and understand has been learned through experience. With film photography, much of this is accomplished through doing and interacting with other people or fellow photographers.

Don't miss to stop by Instagram and follow Julie and her outstanding photographs there.

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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Julie Batula. She devoted her time, and worked so hard in making 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 Julie Batula. 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