Interview with Gina Leigh

After a few emails back and forth with former digital photographer, now FILM SHOOTER, Gina Leigh, I realized, it was important to share her story! After asking Gina to write up why she made the transition back to film, she said (in her own words)....

Thanks again so much for asking me to be a part of Keep Film Alive. Such an honor! So, let's see...my transition back to film? I'm not sure where to start....

I suppose that this transition really started with my admiration for film photographers such as Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, and yourself, Tanja. I remember about a year ago sitting on the couch with my little brother, pouring over Jose's website, and envying his jaw dropping work. The more that I began to look at the work of film photographers, the more I realized that there is intrinsically a soft and natural quality to film that I have a great affection for.

I also began to covet the workflow of film photographers. As I would sit in front of my monitor for hours and hours and hours editing my digital photographs while my young boys played outside in the backyard, I found myself "falling out of love" with my work. As much as I loved shooting, and loved the excitement and delight of capturing the most special day of my clients' lives, I longed to be outside playing with my boys. I guess my heart just ached a little to think that they were growing up so quickly, and I didn't want to miss out on all of the important moments.

Last February of this year, I sat in a my car with a fellow photographer at one o'clock in the morning after shooting an all day wedding. We were sharing our goals and dreams, and I suppose I was just tired enough that I actually said it out loud. "I want to shoot film. 100% film."

Looking back on that moment now, it doesn't seem like such a crazy thing to say. At the time though, it was really just a dream...nothing I thought I would really do. The predominant thought in my mind was "Who in their right mind transitions back to film?"

Nonetheless, saying those words out loud changed things. I realized that if this was really my goal, if it was really what I wanted to do, I needed to start making it a reality. I began to seriously evaluate how this would change my business if I really wanted to do it. I knew film was expensive. I knew that I would want to have the film processed by the best lab I could find, which would also be expensive. I was also very aware of the learning curve. It was very easy to quickly switch ISO's on my D300 when moving from outdoor light to a dimly lit reception room. Could I handle those transitions with film? I knew I would need to invest in more equipment - several more 35mm bodies, and I really wanted to learn to shoot medium format too. I began to research the cost of all of this, and it was substantial. Truthfully, my goal felt further away from reality than before.

Two months later, in April, I sat with my husband in Starbucks. We were talking about our kids, life at church, blah, blah, blah. I don't really know what prompted me to say it, but I did. "I want to shoot film, and I'd like to buy a Contax 645."

I expected to see raised eyebrows. Instead, my husband simply asked "You really love film, don't you?"

Then he said "Well, let's do it."

And so, I did it! Just like that. I went home, called KEH.com, and bought a Contax 645. I called Jose Villa, and he was very kind to spend a few moments on the phone with me giving me some recommendations for film to purchase. I went to the uniquephoto.com website and bought a ton of Fuji 400H, Fuji 800Z, Neopan 400, and Ilford 3200 film.

When I received my Contax, I read the owner's manual cover to cover, figured out how to load the film, and started shooting. I shot through about four or five testrolls, and sent them to Richard Photo Lab. Once I received the test rolls back, my decision felt tangible. I can't even begin to say how helpful RFL has been. Since then, I have called and emailed Bill Pyne from RFL too many times, and yet he still graciously answers my questions.

I began to introduce film into my wedding photography. I intended to start slowly...just a few rolls at a time. The transition happened quicker than I expected though. The most difficult thing for me was anticipating what was coming next, and having the right type of film loaded in advance. I purchased two more 35mm bodies, and eventually left my digital body in my camera bag. It felt awkward at first to leave the comfort of my D300, but this was when I began to experience success in anticipating and preparing for what was coming next. I had to slow down my pace and shoot less. This forced me to shoot correctly, which was almost exhilarating!

I'm now pretty much 100% film. I'm still figuring out when I like to shoot with my Contax, and when I prefer the fast focusing Nikon lenses on my 35mm's. I find that I am mentally exhausted after shooting a wedding. I'm thinking really intensely the whole day! But, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and creative energy, unlike anything I've experienced while shooting digitally.

One of the best parts about shooting film is the day I receive the photos back from the lab. The colors and natural grain are so beautiful! And better than anything else, is the extra time I have to relax by the pool with my hubby and watch my two little boys race their sailboats in the water.

I primarily shoot weddings, focusing on romantic and natural images, beautiful details, and unexpected moments mixed in. I also enjoy photographing children and babies from time to time, always with natural light.

Here are some of my favorite shots:

I love the colors in this photo - the beautiful greens and all the soft shades of white and ivory. Nikon F100, 50mm 1.8, Fuji 400H, rated at 200.


This one was shot with my Contax 645, Neopan 400 film, ISO rated at 200. I love the variation in the darks and lights. I also like the sharp details in the mother's dress next to the slight movement of their hands together.



This one was also shot with the Contax, 400 Neopan, rated at 200. Love the lines and detail in this shot. Plus the groomsmen were a fun bunch to work with!


This shot of the couple's hands was taken with my Nikon F100, 80-200 f2.8, Neopan 1600, rated at 800. Love the soft grain.



What a fun moment! Shot with Nikon F100, 50mm, on Fuji 800Z rated at 400.


I love details! Shot with Contax, Fuji 800Z, rated at 400.


Hmmm....love strong backlighting! Nikon F100, 35-70mm f2.8 lens (which I dropped and broke 5 minutes later...grrr), Fuji 800Z, rated at 400.


Love the soft colors and depth of field in this shot. Nikon F100, 50mm, Fuji 400H, rated at 200.


Shot with Contax, Fuji 400H, rated at 200. Isn't she lovely?

What gorgeous color! Shot with Contax, Fuji 800Z, rated at 400.

Here is a photograph of me:


and of few of my two darlin' boys, Joshua and Andrew, all shot with film recently:




to learn more about Gina Leigh and view more of her beautiful work visit her website or blog.


Thank you so much, Gina, for taking the time to share with us your experience with switching to film!!! I am sure it will inspire many photographers!