My inspiration for film comes from Esther Cannon. I first discovered her on Instagram, and I knew a few people who had their photos taken by her for their weddings or other special occasions. I followed her on Instagram and instantly fell in love with the way she shoots her photos. It’s so hard to pick just a few to share, as her work is truly captivating. What I love about her photos is that they feel like they tell a beautiful story. It’s in the way she frames her shots, the way she uses light, and the intimacy she creates with her subjects. I feel like I’m in the moment when I see her photos. She does a remarkable job of capturing emotion, and I think that’s what makes her an incredible photographer.
Her ability to freeze raw emotion in a single frame makes me want to create work that resonates on a similar level. Whether it’s the vulnerability in a wedding portrait or the quiet connection between two people, her images transport me to a different place and time. I aspire to capture that same depth of emotion and storytelling in my own photography and film.
Below, you can see some more of the images I found inspiring on her website
Throughout this course, I’ve gained valuable insights into both film photography and the role of technology in learning. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of manual photography, patience, and the unique qualities of film. Additionally, I’ve explored various tech tools, including website building and Mattermost, and had the opportunity to experiment with multimedia tools that were new to me. Guest speakers shared practical advice that enriched my perspective. To summarize this journey, I’ve included a final video reflecting on my experiences and growth throughout the course.
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I have also created a small clip that includes some of the shots I’ve captured throughout this journey, along with older photos taken using these methods of film photography. This video not only showcases my growth as a photographer but also makes me proud of what I’ve developed over the course of this term. It reflects both the progress I’ve made in my technical skills and my growing appreciation for the process and art of film photography.
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It is the year 2055. You are still teaching, of course. What is it like going to the classroom, how are you engaging learners, what are the big issues?
To answer this question, I would focus on fostering inclusivity in my classroom and, most importantly, creating a safe and comfortable space where students feel valued and heard. I want to inspire them to speak up for what they believe in, learn to consider different perspectives, and develop strong active listening skills. I also hope to help them discover their own personal learning styles so they can engage with education in a way that works best for them.
My goal is to build a classroom that honours each student for who they truly are. While I hope that major issues will be minimal, challenges will always exist, especially in education, which is constantly evolving. I believe one of the biggest concerns will be maintaining student motivation and engagement in an era of increasing technology use. Finding a balance between leveraging technology as a tool and preventing over reliance on it will be essential in keeping students connected to their learning in meaningful ways. I will do this by, encouraging lessons to be hands on and preparing activities that only require humans. No AI, no laptops, no phones, no digital media, just humans and communication.
This is the Kodak M35. This one is a great choice for anyone new to film photography. I tried this one and it is good for the basics. It’s a reusable 35mm film camera that works just like a disposable camera, but instead of throwing it away after one use, you can reload it with new film rolls. It features a fixed-focus lens, built-in flash, and simple controls, making it easy to use without worrying about settings.
FUJIFILM Disposable (Ultra Beginner)
The basic FujiFilm disposable camera is my go-to when I’m going on a trip and want to have a camera to use for the occasion. It has a roll of 27 photos. It’s simple, reliable, and gives me that nostalgic film vibe without having to worry about my phone or a more expensive camera. Perfect for capturing moments on the go! I’ve shot a lot of photos on these over time, and it will always be my favourite basic camera. It has manual flash which I adore because Im not a huge fan of flash photography, when it’s not needed. I also prefer taking photos in the daylight and outdoors. So this camera works best in outdoor light. Below you will see my favourite pictures this has camera has produced. I think this camera thrives in bright outdoor light creating a lively photo that enhances the pre existing colours.
This is a Minolta 35mm film camera that I got at a thrift shop some time ago. I hadn’t used it much at first because I wasn’t too confident with my ability to use it, especially since you it is manual and you have to adjust the settings to get a good shot. Over time, I’ve gotten better at using the manual settings, especially with shutter speed and aperture, by experimenting more and paying attention to the results. It’s a slow process, but each shot teaches me something new and helps me improve. I’ve also started to understand how subtle changes in exposure can completely alter the mood of a photo, making it a fun challenge to get everything just right. The more I practice, the more confident I get with each click of the shutter!
However, I pulled it out last summer, and we took this picture to the side. I was really pleased with how it turned out, and it gave me a new appreciation for film photography. There’s something so special about getting that perfect shot when you’ve put in the effort to adjust everything just right. It made me realize how much more intentional I need to be with every shot, focusing on framing, lighting, and all the little details that can make a huge difference in the final image. The whole process feels more rewarding than just snapping a photo with a digital camera because you only have that one chance to capture the moment, and you really have to trust your instincts and knowledge of the camera to make it count.
I also learned a lot about how the Minolta’s manual focus and aperture settings really allow you to have control over depth of field and how much light enters the lens. The built-in light meter has been a game changer in helping me balance exposure, and it’s given me a much better understanding of how to create more intentional, creative shots. I tried to take other pictures with it during this inquiry project, while I was in Tofino, to try again, and the photos below is how they came out. Overall I was pleased with them, but they are not my favourite shots.
One of the most distinct aspects of film photography is the waiting process—loading the roll, carefully composing each shot, finishing the film, and then finally sending it off for development. Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly review, delete, or edit a shot, film demands patience. The anticipation of waiting for my film to be developed has become one of my favourite parts of the process. There’s an element of surprise in not knowing exactly how the images will turn out, whether the lighting was right, if the focus was sharp, or if an unexpected light leak created something unique. This uncertainty used to make me anxious, but over time, I’ve come to appreciate the excitement and the lessons it teaches. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, film photography slows things down. It forces me to be intentional with each frame, knowing that every shot counts. Instead of taking hundreds of photos and sorting through them later, I compose with care, trusting my instincts and the moment. When I finally see my developed photos, they feel more meaningful because they hold the memories of not just the subject, but the process itself. Film photography has taught me patience, trust, and a deeper appreciation for imperfection. The beauty isn’t just in the final image but in the experience of creating it, something that’s often lost in the fast-paced, instantly editable world of digital photography.
The article on Psychology Today discusses delayed gratification and how the instant nature of digital experiences impacts our ability to wait for rewards. This concept connects to film photography because, like delayed gratification, shooting on film requires patience. You can’t see the results immediately, which mirrors the process of delaying the satisfaction of seeing the final product. This anticipation can enhance the appreciation for the work put into the photo, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection to the process, much like delaying gratification in life.
“To attain such happiness, we must develop and exercise an ability to delay gratification. In doing so, we set aside the near-term enjoyment of satisfying empty desires in favour of developing the capacity for longer-lasting pleasures in life.“
In my research on film photography, I’ve been focusing on how light plays a critical role in shaping the final image. Unlike digital cameras, film reacts to light in a more organic way. The quality of light, whether soft or harsh, affects the color rendering, contrast, and overall feel of the image. For example, Kodak Portra film tends to have a warm, soft rendering of light, while Ilford HP5 gives a more classic black-and-white contrast. I used Kodak to produce this photo:
This photo has the signature look of Kodak film, likely from a disposable or point-and-shoot 35mm camera. Here’s how the Kodak film and camera affected the image in terms of light:
Soft Focus & Slight Blur – Disposable Kodak cameras have fixed-focus lenses, which can create a dreamy, slightly out-of-focus effect, especially in landscapes where depth is a factor. This is noticeable in the trees and background mountains.
Warm Tones & Film Grain – Kodak film is known for its warm, nostalgic color palette. The greens, blues, and earth tones here have a slightly warm tint, enhancing the natural look. There’s also some visible grain, which adds texture and character.
Light Leaks & Overexposure – The bottom left corner glows, possibly a small light leak or reflection from the sun hitting the lens. Kodak disposable cameras don’t have strong lens coatings, so bright light can create flares or hazy spots.
Below, you will see some of my favourite photos that I took while learning more and experiencing more with my photography. Shooting on film has completely changed how I see photography. Unlike digital, where you can take a hundred shots and pick the best one, film forces you to slow down. Every shot matters. You have to think about the composition, the lighting, and the moment itself before pressing the shutter. There’s something about the uncertainty—the fact that you won’t see the photo right away, that makes it feel more intentional, more real. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is patience. Film photography isn’t instant, and that’s the beauty of it. From loading the film to waiting for it to develop, the process makes me more connected to the photos I take. I’ve also realized how film captures light and texture differently than digital. The colours feel richer, the grain adds depth, and even imperfections, like light leaks or slightly off-focus shots, end up making the photo feel more alive. But more than the technical side, film has taught me to appreciate moments as they are. When I take a photo on film, I’m not just capturing an image, I’m capturing a memory in its rawest form. One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is how to embrace those imperfections. For example, the photo I took of the sunset, where the colors bled a little because of an unexpected light leak, ended up being one of my favorites. It taught me that sometimes the mistakes or unpredictability are what give the photo its soul.
This was taken in Tofino, and one may just look at it as a regular photo. However, I learned throughout this process some special things about the shot itself. The cloudy, overcast, almost foggy late afternoon created a soft, muted light that’s hard to replicate with digital. The fog gave everything a dreamy, ethereal quality, softening the details and allowing the mood of the photo to feel much more atmospheric. The light was diffused, with no harsh shadows, which really brought out the subtle contrasts between the sand, water, and sky. In terms of composition, I purposely let the horizon sit a bit lower in the frame, making the misty sky feel more expansive and drawing attention to the textures of the foreground. This subtle adjustment gave the image a quiet, almost meditative feeling.
This photo was taken at King George Terrace on a sunnier, slightly cloudy day at the end of November. At first glance, it might just seem like a regular shot of a truck, but when I look closer, I realize how the light and atmosphere shaped the image. The soft, diffused sunlight filtering through the clouds gave the truck a warm glow, almost like something out of a movie. The shadows weren’t too harsh, which really helped bring out the details in the truck and the surroundings.
The slightly cloudy sky added a nice sense of depth to the shot, giving it that perfect balance between the bright blue sky and the soft clouds. The contrast between the warm sunlight on the truck and the cooler, muted tones of the sky and trees made the photo feel balanced and calm. I’ve learned how much light can change how a scene feels, on a clear day, the colours would have been more vibrant, but the clouds brought a softness that gave the image a peaceful vibe.
I wanted to start off by learning some basics regarding film photography. If you’re new to film photography and don’t know where to start, it helps to understand the different types of film. I learned that there’s Black & White film, which produces monochrome images with deep contrast. Colour Negative film is the most common type, used for colour prints. Then there’s Slide (Reversal) film, which creates rich, vibrant colours but requires special processing. During my project, I focus on and shoot my photos using 35mm film. And I stuck with colour negative as it is the most basic type. I wanted to do more research about other types of film, but focus on shooting with the basic type.
I was also researching what the “400” means on the film roll and I learned that the 400 on a film roll refers to its ISO (International Organization for Standardization) rating, which measures the film’s sensitivity to light. I learned that Medium Sensitivity, ISO 400 is a versatile film speed that works well in various lighting conditions. It is also good for Low Light: It performs better in dim lighting than lower ISO films (e.g., ISO 100 or 200) but still retains good detail. It also has more grain: Higher ISO films have more noticeable grain, which gives images a classic, textured look.
I love how there’s beauty in just catching moments, the way people exist in them without even realizing it. A laugh, a glance, a second where they’re simply being. There’s something so special about those in-between moments, the ones that aren’t posed or planned but still hold so much feeling. It’s the way someone throws their head back in laughter, the quiet focus in their eyes when they’re lost in thought, or the way they look at something, or someone they love. Those moments are fleeting, but film photography preserves them in a way that feels real, raw, and honest. And then, there’s the way nature does the same thing in its own way, light hitting a surface just right, a tree moving with the wind, a street sitting still before the day starts. There’s something magical about how the world exists around us, constantly shifting and changing, yet never asking for attention. It just is, and that’s what makes it worth capturing. That’s why I wanted to do categories. People have their moments, and so does everything else. Life isn’t just made up of big milestones, it’s built on the small, quiet seconds that often go unnoticed.
“So, here are some captures of my people in their moments. Just them, just existing, laughing, thinking, being. Nothing staged, nothing forced. These are the little seconds that make up everything. And then, outside of them, there’s the world doing the same thing, light shifting, trees moving, streets waiting. It all just happens, and that’s what makes it worth capturing.” – Asia
My Sister, Marina
Here, she was 39 weeks pregnant
My Niece, Maggie and My Dad, Dale
Capturing my dad enjoying becoming a grandpa
My friend, jumping into the pool, and I, captured his moment.
My inquiry will focus on film photography. Throughout this term, my goal is to capture more film moments across different categories, including people, outdoor nature, and everyday life. I will be focusing specifically on 35mm film, as capturing moments is a passion of mine. One of the aspects I love about film photography is the anticipation of waiting for the photos to develop, making each shot feel more intentional and meaningful. As part of this project, I may even build a photo album with both past photos and the ones I take throughout this inquiry. Beyond taking photos, I will research different techniques, film types, and compositions to expand my understanding of film photography. I will reflect on my progress, analyzing what works well in my photos and where I can improve.
Through this process, I hope to learn more about the artistic and technical aspects of film, deepen my appreciation for the medium, and develop my own unique style. Through this process, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind film photography and develop my own unique style. This inquiry is not just about taking pictures, it’s about storytelling, patience, and capturing moments in a way that feels truly personal. By the end of this journey, I aim to not only improve my skills but also have a curated collection of film photographs that represent my growth and creative vision.
An old photo of my Dad, sister, and brother before I was born which inspires my love for film photography:
Some of you may wonder why I choose film photography instead of using an iPhone or digital camera. With all the advanced technology available, why go for something older and slower? For me, film is more than just taking pictures, it’s about capturing moments in a way that feels more intentional, artistic, and full of character. I love the classic, vintage aesthetic of film. The colours feel richer and more vibrant, especially when photographing nature. Blues are deeper, greens feel more organic, and golden-hour light glows in a way digital can’t quite replicate. Film also adds a beautiful grainy texture that gives photos a timeless, nostalgic feel. Instead of capturing every tiny detail with sharp perfection, film embraces softness and imperfection, making images feel more like memories. The process itself is another reason I love film. Unlike digital, where you can take hundreds of shots and delete what you don’t like, film forces you to slow down. You have to think about lighting, composition, and framing before pressing the shutter. There’s also the anticipation waiting to develop the film, not knowing exactly how the photos will turn out. That element of surprise makes it even more rewarding. While digital photography is fast and convenient, film offers something deeper. It captures not just an image but a feeling, a moment frozen in time with warmth and character.
When I take photos, I simply prefer the look of film over digital. I will show you the difference in a photo I took using a film camera versus my iPhone camera. As you can see in this photo below, it is almost like it is sparkling. I found that this photo is one of my favourite that my film camera produces as it almost feels like you can feel the ocean and the warm fresh air as almost like you are there in the photo. When I look at it it calms me, and makes me feel reminded of that time I was on the boat.Another huge reason why I enjoy using film is because of the anticipation and excitement I get while waiting for the film to be developed. When I take a photo, I can’t immediately look at it and think, “Oh, I don’t like the way I look,” and no one can criticize the photo until it has been developed. Even if the photo doesn’t turn out the best, it still reminds me of the memory and the moment I wanted to capture. Most film cameras I have used have 27 photos, so I save them for the right moment, only taking one when I truly feel it’s worth capturing. This is different from using my phone, where I can take multiple shots and always have it accessible. Something about film makes it feel more personal and special to me. Whenever I go on a trip or a little getaway, I always find myself saying I want to get a film camera. It has become a tradition to get them developed at the end of the trip and then share the photos with my friends or family.
Film Photo
Disposable camera quality
Digital Camera
iPhone Quality
These two photos were taken on the same day, and within the same minute of the same boat. This really shows the difference in film versus digital quality. The first second image (iPhone) has a sharper, more detailed look with crisp lines and deep blues, while the second image (film) has a softer, more nostalgic feel with warmer tones and natural grain. The film shot also has that dreamy, slightly hazy quality, making it feel more timeless. Whereas the iPhone has a darker look and dosen’t really enhance anything about the scenery.
