Interview with TIAGO SOARES, PORTUGAL
A photo is a photo. Don't judge it just because it was shot on film or digital.
Glad to have you here, Tiago! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into film photography.
Tiago: My name is Tiago. Born and raised in Lisbon. The photograph came naturally with my first camera (a simple plastic point-and-shoot). I invested a few Euros from my Christmas gifts and bought an Olympus OM2n.
I quickly realized that I had to become independent and learned to develop my own rolls. It was a fantastic learning curve! I met a lot of people who are fantastic friends these days!
What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?
Tiago: My favourite setup is my Hasselblad, Kodak Trix and Xtol!! And, if pushed, better!!
I love the strong black and grains.
What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?
Tiago: Magic and patience.
Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?
Tiago: I try to print my own whenever I have time. I use a community lab with a group of friends that take care of the place.
What motivates you to continue making photographs with film? Have you learned anything about yourself through film photography?
Tiago: I still learn new things today! I try to evolve in every format.
Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?
Tiago: Eduardo Gageiro, Trent Parke, Martin Parr, Bruce Gilden, and Bruce Davidson.
Do you see any value or merit shooting with film?
Tiago: A photo is a photo. Don't judge it just because it was shot on film or digital.
What do you think your future is like with film photography?
Tiago: The same as before :)
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?
Tiago: Don't waste money on cameras! Avoid overrated cameras! Buy good film, a cheap camera, develop on your own roll! Photograph!
Anything you want to add? Future exhibits, projects you're currently busy with? Anything…
Tiago: I recently started using a large format camera, and I've been learning new things. Its a BIG, BIG difference. You will need time! :)
(Member of 1/4 Escuro Collective, dedicated to explore a community lab and film photography)
These are just some of Tiago's remarkable work. Do find time to stop by his flickr page and Instagram.
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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Tiago Soares. He devoted his 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 Tiago Soares. 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