The story behind the photo | A photography newsletter
I gave my son a disposable film camera
Edition 10 - 2 February 2024
Short of ideas for Christmas stocking, I gave my son a disposable film camera with in-built flash - along with my simple instructions: don’t get too close or the subject will be blurred; film is expensive so snap with intention, use the flash indoors; have fun!
The photos came back last week. It was so interesting for me to learn about his thought process and ‘the world through his eyes’; and also interesting for him to learn about film, particularly in the digital era our children are born into. The photographs he took are puppy-heavy, with a few accidental snaps of ceiling and walls.
I loved the one above in particular, which he took while playing tug of war with the dog. What makes this photo so special to me is the intention. My son explained that he was trying to replicate the photo below, which I took a while ago during flash practice (and for which I risked having my hand chopped off!). I was so chuffed that he tried to re-create a photo of mine. And - in fact - I like his version more than mine.
My photograph
I hope my son is at the start of his own photographic journey. I’m encouraging him to use film: by being selective about what he chooses to capture, he will bring more intention to his photographs. A few weeks ago, I bought him the Kodak Ektar H35N camera - it’s a half-frame point-and-shoot camera (which means that you can take double the photographs with one roll of film). Watch this space for more film journeys in the family!
I am a documentary family photographer based in Dulwich, primarily serving East Dulwich, Herne Hill, and Peckham, and I am available to travel across London and beyond. Get in touch if you are interest in booking a session with me.