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16 February 2011

at last: FILM IS NOT DEAD!!

So, after about a year and a half I am finally sharing with you just what that whole workshop thing, Film Is Not Dead with Jonathan Canlas, in San Francisco did for me. Because it was life changing, make no doubt about it.

I am an anxious individual. I get nervous when I make phone calls, leave the house, have any contact with people whatsoever, etc. etc. So to say I was nervous to travel all the way across the country to learn about film from some photographer I had never met or talked to is an understatement. I was a wreck. (not that anyone would have known the extent of said wreck-ness. I like to think I'm good at hiding just how much of a freak out mode I am in) The night before the workshop actually started there was a little get-to-know-you gathering, and walking up to the (locked) door I thought I would faint. And then, because we couldn't get in, I stood there with a couple other strangers when this person comes around the corner. With a HUGE smile on his face and TONS of energy and introduces himself as Jon and immediately gives me a bear hug. And put ME totally at ease. That isn't to say I wasn't still nervous, BUT I was able to relax enough to actually talk to people and have a good time.

The next few days then proceeded to be CHOCK full of information, (SO much that we were all scrambling to write it all down fast enough) lots of laughs, TONS of shooting film, more laughing and having a good time, and oodles of bonding with other photographers who love film.

This is the testimonial I wrote right after.

It was a magical, magical experience. I fell in love with photography all over again.

Here are some of my favorite images I shot there: (me! with film!!)

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And a group picture (our little FIND family):
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I will never be able to repay Jon for what he gave me those three days. He didn't lecture at me, or try to get me to buy the "secret I need to be successful." He just shared the information he's learned over his years as a photographer, made sure I ate well, almost pee my pants from laughing, shoot tons of film, nourished my creative side, and made me feel like I was part of his family. And as a result I grew as person, I became more confident in my abilities and just myself. After all, I did travel all the way across the country to hang with a bunch of people I don't know, something I never thought I could do and survive. He's an incredible guy. I'm so lucky to call him my mentor and friend.
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NOW, here's some good new for YOU! (I'm sorry, I'm really excited about this, and for Jon. He's been working on this for awhile and it's finally available TODAY!!)

THE BEST PART? It didn't feel like we were at a "workshop." It felt like we were all just hanging out. And that is because Jon HOLDS NOTHING BACK. He's incredible. To him, there are no such thing as secrets. You have a question, he answers. In his mind, information is meant to be shared. And he's right.

Since I went to FIND version 3.0 in San Francisco, I have told every person that's asked to GO to a FIND workshop!!!! Save up your pennies and park your tushie in a chair because you will. be. blown. away. But the fact of the matter is, not everyone can go.

But NEVER FEAR! Because THIS is now available:

FILM IS NOT DEAD: A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film by Jonathan Canlas


Unfortunately, Jon can't give as many workshops as people would like, so this is the next best thing! Remember how I mentioned earlier that we were all taking notes as fast as we could at the workshop? Well, this book has ALL that information we were scared to forget. This guide has so much information it makes my brain hurt (no lie). And on top of that, it is GORGEOUS! Everything he talks about is illustrated with photographs he's taken. He knows what he's talking about and it SHOWS. Even better, he wants to make sure everyone knows what he knows. The information he gives freely makes the photography world a better place.

When I first started to seriously delve in the photo world, I searched for a book that I could learn all the basics from and ended up with a few that have, frankly, just sat on my shelf for the past year and a half. What I didn't know when I bought them, is that I needed THIS book. It is SO much more comprehensive, and is written in plain english.

And, you'll just sigh when you flip through the pages. The photos are THAT gorgeous.

In his words:
"You'll learn to shoot film starting...today if you've got a film camera, and in a few days if you need to scour eBay for some gear.
We'll tackle the types of cameras on the market today, the film stocks I most commonly use, and the most frequently asked questions those new to film (or returning to film) ask. Then we'll move on to rules of shooting film, tips for making the most of your film shooting, developing, post-processing, and storage of negatives.
Along the way, you'll find yourself spending WAY less time post-processing and way more time enjoying your cameras and your freaking LIFE.
The FIND guide is 96 pages of e-book goodness that will make jumping into film with both feet incredibly easy and plenty more satisfying than that trial and error method you've been using. It's also been beautifully designed, so you can enjoy the eye candy even when you've absorbed the methods inside."

But honestly, you don't even have to shoot film to love it. The same principles apply to digital too. AND, knowing this stuff makes you a better photographer. Period. Digital OR film. So if you're trying to learn how to shoot great photos and need a good reference, this is it.

I'm sorry to ramble so much, I'm just really excited (along with my FIND family) this book exists!

After all this, if you want one just click the button that says "Learn to Shoot Film" in my sidebar (underneath my business logo). It's $149, but is on sale for $89 until February 22nd! It may seem like a lot, but again, in his words:

" You know I HATE people that sell CRAP. This is NOT crap... It's cheaper than a class at your local community college, after all..."

It's a Film Photography textbook, and you will love it forever.

And I'm done. Thanks for sticking with me. I have to geek out over film stuff someplace...

And one more shot to leave you with. Love.

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(I have no interest in making money from my blog- never have, never will- but I do have to disclose that if you buy a book using the button on my sidebar I do make a little commission. I honestly don't care if you buy it through me or elsewhere, I'm just doing it so I can have the cool button on my sidebar for easy access. It's an awesome book written by an awesome guy I love (platonically) and I want to make sure everyone knows about it. But if you do buy one through my button I love you forever!)

2 comments:

  1. I love your photos! You are awesome and it sounds like you were able to learn a lot. What a great expereince.

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  2. I'm jealous of this. I'm especially jealous I'll be right around the bend (kinda) and yet I won't meet him. He sounds awesome though. I LOVE film. There is just something wonderful about it that digital just does not bring. Perhaps it's the labor that goes into it, but it's just special. I'm glad he keeps it alive, and that you went to this.

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