Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, I’m Louisa, the newest member of staff at WYC. I’m 18 and I enjoy crocs, cats and Caffe Nero. I’m finishing up my A-levels, aiming to study philosophy at Uni in September.
Olympus OM10 w/ 50mm f/1.8 - Ilford FP4
How did you first get into photography?
It started with my GCSEs. I took photography as a starting point, and I was instantly hooked. I had previously been into art, but I switched to photography because it was something different and new. What I particularly enjoyed was the artist research aspect of photography in GCSE, as it added context and deeper meaning to the images. At that point, I was only shooting digitally, but I spoke to my teacher for advice on what to do next.
Unknown camera - Unknown film stock.
What drew you to film specifically?
My teacher suggested that I try film photography, and I've been drawn to it ever since. I like to think about my photos more when I take them, and the process of using film forces me to slow down and consider each shot. I really enjoy being in the darkroom too, I started off developing my own film and now I've moved on to making contact sheets. I love that vintage feel and annotating them with red lipliner, the old-school way.
Olympus OM10 w/ 50mm f/1.8 - Kentmere 400.
Tell us a bit about your style of photography, processes etc.
My style of photography tends to focus on street and candid shots or finding patterns and contrasts. I've tried the studio for a portrait project, but I found it to be too much work. I didn't enjoy the lights and set-up, and it felt too planned and forced. Street photography, on the other hand, is unpredictable and allows for more freedom. I love just going on a walk and taking photos, especially in new places.
Seagull 4A - Bergger Panchro 400.
TELL US ABOUT THE GEAR YOU HAVE AND YOUR FAVOURITE CAMERAS.
I use an Olympus OM10 which was recommended by my photography teacher. I have found it easier to use than the TLR since it's aperture priority. My recent addition to my gear collection is the Seagull 4A TLR, which is my favourite because of the WLF. I always forget to meter, but it makes for interesting photos.
Seagull 4A TLR
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM STOCK?
When it comes to film stocks, I haven't tried a lot, but I've been trying out new ones recently. I used to prefer colour, but now I like black and white mostly. I recently tried Bergger Panchro in London and loved it because it's not as contrasty and midtone-heavy, which allows more leeway when editing my images. I also really enjoyed using Ilford FP4 due to its high contrast.
Olympus OM10 w/ 50mm f/1.8 - Kodak Gold 200.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT WYC?
Film testing gets me to try new cameras, which is really exciting. For example, I recently tested a Bronica ETRS and a Mamiya 6. It can get too samey using the same cameras over and over, so it's great to build up experience with different formats of photography and technical knowledge about cameras. Film testing the Bronica led me to enjoy using a waist-level finder, which convinced me to buy the Seagull - a camera I love.
Olympus OM10 w/ 50mm f/1.8 - Kentmere 400.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU’VE LEARNT FROM WORKING AT WYC THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
When I started, I knew nothing about cameras, but I've picked up so many skills and tricks along the way. I've even learned how to take a lens apart! Though I have to admit, I've lost a few screws under the bench before, which made the repair process a lot more difficult. But, what I've learned is that repairs are really not as difficult as they seem. It's straightforward taking things apart, just take your time and do them step by step.
Olympus OM10 w/ 50mm f/1.8 - Kodak Gold 200.