Black and white film

In this new age of digital photography, it is sometimes nice to revert to a good solid film to record certain events. Even though I predominantly use professional digital cameras, there are certain subjects that just seem to require traditional film. I find that nature photography is better suited to slide film, wildlife photography (in certain cases) works best with professional color film, and in the case of the above photo, Asian martial arts work well with B&W film.

There are two brands of Black and White film that I have always loved; Kodak T-Max P3200 (ISO 3200) and Fujifilm Neopan 1600. Both films are very high contrast, grainy (but in a good way), and wonderfully fast for low-light and quick moving situations. If you are used to hand-holding your camera using a 400 speed film, you will really enjoy the added shutter speeds afforded by these higher speed films.

Subject matter consideration is very important when using these films. These films are better suited to mysterious subject matter, and portraits of models who have soul. Photojournalists often used these films in the past, and they are well suited to many forms of social documentary work.

These Kendo fighters were photographed in Nagano, Japan.

Thanks to professional photographer Mark Hemmings (www.markhemmings.com) for writing this photo tip.