'Lachie' - by Sahil Singh "I noticed Lachlan right against some lovely green leaves with Sunlight falling on one part of his face...I had to photograph him there..."
Bronica ETRsi with a Bronica 105 MM F/3.5 MM Lens; FujiFilm Pro400H
So tell us more about yourself, and about the image
I am Sahil, I’m a freelance photographer/analog enthusiast based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I photographed this portrait of a close friend of mine ‘ Lachlan ‘ in my backyard. I have always been a big fan of Fuji greens. We were chatting and joking about stuff, I noticed Lachlan right against some lovely green leaves with Sunlight falling on one part of his face. I saw the frame and I had to photograph him there.
What draws you to analogue photography?
I have been taking photos since I was 12 years old but I only got introduced to Analog Photography about 2 and a half years ago by my coworker. What draws me to Analog Photography is the whole process of creating an image from scratch. It’s the motivation in the challenge that I really enjoy about Analog. Who/what inspires or has influenced your thinking or photographing?
The idea of being able to tell a story through visual arts is what actually inspires me to photograph. There have been a lot of artists that I have been inspired by throughout my ongoing journey as a Photographer. Sam Hurd definitely one of my biggest inspirations. I have always been inspired by Sam Hurd’s compositions and use of negative spaces with his photographs. Do you have a favourite film stock you like to use often & would recommend?
Big fan of the discontinued almighty FujiFilm Pro400H. The colours are very neutral with Fuji, and it works great with people with darker skin tones. My favourite all-rounder film stock after the Fuji would be Kodak Portra 160
Do you have a subject matter or style you always find yourself drawn to? why?
I am drawn to documenting things with my photographs. My approach to photography is simply documenting my subject in a way that it tells a story. If you were to use one camera for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?
Hasselblad 503 CX with 80 MM F/2.8 undoubtedly! I love the idea of 6*6 because there’s no portrait or landscape. It’s a great quality body with a lens that is pretty versatile
What do you think is the biggest misconception about Analogue photography today and why?
“Shooting film is a pain in the butt “ is not entirely untrue but only when you compare it to digital format. I think the “ pain in the butt “ part of analog helps you learn, evolve, and grow as a photographer. I have found myself MUCH MORE focused with my compositions/frames and MUCH LESS focused on my camera’s features shooting on Analogue.
Do you have a tip or a 'life-hack' advice you'd pass on to anyone from your experience so far with analogue?
Photograph it as you feel it, Take your time and It will all fall in line.
To see or hear more from Sahil: