Capturing Fleeting Moments on Film
Behind the Lens with Demi B.
Film photography captures a moment in a way nothing else can — it holds a feeling of
impermanence and pays homage to the fleeting. It seems a perfect match for capturing
summer moments that are always over too soon. Come with us as we go behind the lens of
creator and photographer Demi B. and discover the ways she uses film photography to hold
on to the moments that matter most.
Q: Hi! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Demi B., and I am an engineer by degree, a consultant by title, but a creative by nature.
Q: How did you get started on film?
A few Christmases ago, one of my sisters went through my parents' film prints, and it made me really sad that my kids wouldn't get that experience to physically sift through boxes of pictures from my adulthood because all of my pictures are behind a screen — so I had to change that.
My name is Demi B., and I am an engineer by degree, a consultant by title, but a creative by nature.
Q: How did you get started on film?
A few Christmases ago, one of my sisters went through my parents' film prints, and it made me really sad that my kids wouldn't get that experience to physically sift through boxes of pictures from my adulthood because all of my pictures are behind a screen — so I had to change that.
“I have more than 120,000 images & videos in my camera roll. I could never do that
on a film camera because you really only have a shot or two to capture the moment,
which makes the pictures mean so much more to me. Film challenges me to be more
intentional with the pictures I take.”
Q: What camera and film do you use?
I have gone through quite a few in my film lifetime of almost two years. However, I'd have to say my fav is one that one of my friends put me onto, and it's the Canon Sure Shot with Portra 400 film. Some of my favorite images were taken with that combo.
I have gone through quite a few in my film lifetime of almost two years. However, I'd have to say my fav is one that one of my friends put me onto, and it's the Canon Sure Shot with Portra 400 film. Some of my favorite images were taken with that combo.
“There's got to be a scientific or psychological term for this, but I genuinely just
feel the emotion film pictures exude.”
Q: Film is precious because you have a limited amount of shots. How do you set
up your shots to get them just right?
Unfortunately I don't think there's a magic formula to "get them just right.” It's what I love most about film because as a perfectionist I have to come to terms with the fact it may not be perfect, but it comes out telling the story it should. I'm no pro, but I'd say make sure your lighting is good, flash is on if it needs to be, and make sure your camera is sealed to avoid light leaks.
Unfortunately I don't think there's a magic formula to "get them just right.” It's what I love most about film because as a perfectionist I have to come to terms with the fact it may not be perfect, but it comes out telling the story it should. I'm no pro, but I'd say make sure your lighting is good, flash is on if it needs to be, and make sure your camera is sealed to avoid light leaks.
Q: What advice do you have for people just getting started on film?
- Don't do it for the aesthetic, do it to capture moments and memories.
- You don't need the most expensive camera. Go on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or go to a flea market and get one under $50.
- Challenge yourself to try to capture the moment in two shots.
- Be patient when developing your film — don't rush to develop the roll right when it's done.
- The pictures won't always turn out how you want them to — and that's okay.
Q: How do you decide what to shoot on your iPhone vs when to bring your camera?
Honestly, film is expensive and developing film is expensive so you know if I'm bringing my film camera it's an experience, place, or people that mean a lot to me.
Honestly, film is expensive and developing film is expensive so you know if I'm bringing my film camera it's an experience, place, or people that mean a lot to me.
Q: Any family traditions, trips, or moments big and small you look forward to
during the summer?
Travel is one of my favorite things to do and last summer was spent with my extended family in Montenegro. That was one of the most beautiful summer memories, and I am so happy I made a photo book as a forever memory of that trip. This summer, I'm spending some time in Nigeria and while I've been several times, I've never been to Abuja so I'm excited to soak up the culture and beautiful scenery (and take some film pictures of the landscape ;))
For more film inspiration, follow Demi on Instagram (@itsdemib) and TikTok (@itsdemib).
Travel is one of my favorite things to do and last summer was spent with my extended family in Montenegro. That was one of the most beautiful summer memories, and I am so happy I made a photo book as a forever memory of that trip. This summer, I'm spending some time in Nigeria and while I've been several times, I've never been to Abuja so I'm excited to soak up the culture and beautiful scenery (and take some film pictures of the landscape ;))
For more film inspiration, follow Demi on Instagram (@itsdemib) and TikTok (@itsdemib).