Interview with TIFFANY ROUBERT, FRANCE
I got into film photography because I wanted to slow down, to think more intentionally about my photography, and to enjoy the process even more.
Welcome, Tiffany. Very pleased to have you here to share your thoughts on film photography. First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into film photography.
Tiffany: Hi, I’m a 31 years old photographer from South of France living in London. I got into film photography because, as cliché as it might sound, I wanted to slow down, to think more intentionally about my photography, and to enjoy the process even more. That’s what film photography brought me.
What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?
Tiffany: I started shooting Portra 400 (no big surprise). Very nice film stock to start with, easy to get the colors right. But I recently got into Lomo 400 and I loveeee the colors/mood it gives to my photos. I use it with my Canon ae-1, really nice and easy to use. Another thing that I love about film camera: their simplicity.
What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?
Tiffany: A certain mood. Even though today it’s quite easy to imitate a film photograph using Lightroom and other software, for me it’s more about the process.
Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?
Tiffany: I wish I printed them myself, maybe one day when I get more space at home. I’m totally comfortable having them printed in a lab. I’m lucky to live in London where we got a lot of great photo lab.
What motivates you to continue making photographs with film? Have you learned anything about yourself through film photography?
Tiffany: What motivates me is simply the pleasure this is giving me. I love loading film in my camera and going out to take pictures. People also answer very well to it. Most of the time people I shot portraits of love that I use film. They feel more relaxed as the process is slower.
And I obviously learnt a lot about PATIENCE. Having to wait days before getting the result of your shoot is not something I was used to. And composition. When you shoot film you can’t really afford getting too many shots wrong.
Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?
Tiffany: Too many to list them, but if I should say one that would be Mary Ellen Mark. I love watching/reading her itw and going though her work. She was such an inspiring and talented human. The way she approached her subject definitely influenced me.
Do you see any value or merits shooting with film?
Tiffany: Not at all, there is value or merits shooting absolutely anything.
What do you think your future is like with film photography?
Tiffany: Hopefully exciting! On my way to shoot medium format for the first time.
Do you have any dream film photography project?
Tiffany: Recently got into shooting more artists/singers and would love to follow an artist/band on tour!
Would you like to share some advice to those who want to try out film photography for the first time? What must they learn before venturing into this format?
Tiffany: Pick a subject you like, something that truly inspires and interests you! Spent less money on equipment and more on experience. If you have £500 to spent, use £100 for a body camera, a 50 or 35mm lens, couple of film and spend the rest on a train ticket and go on adventure take pictures! (That said don’t necessarily think that you always have to go far away to take good photos. My favorite pictures are pictures of my wife taken at home!)
Photographers around the world are finding ways to keep themselves busy during this lockdown, and coming up with activities to make self-isolation a bit more interesting. What are your ways to keep busy while you have to stay at home?
Tiffany: I was traveling in Brazil when Covid got really serious and had to turn my 1 month traveling around the country into a 3 and a half months staying in a house. Using all this time to feed my mind with photo documentaries or film photography YouTube channel (Hi Matt Day!) really helped. Going for a daily walk with a camera in my hand also became a nice sort of peaceful ritual.
Anything you want to add? Future exhibits, projects you're currently busy with? Anything…
Tiffany: I’ll be back to London at the end of the month and can’t wait to be able to create again in my favorite city. I missed it so much that I want to shoot more photo project London-related. Stay tuned!
Do catch Tiffany on Instagram and check out her website as well. Thank you very much, Tiffany, for sharing your thoughts and insights with us.
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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 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