I think it hit me at Narita Airport in Tokyo. I wasn’t shooting any personal work anymore. I wasn’t taking my cameras out for the sheer joy of shooting. And that’s when I knew I was in trouble. I had been on the road for almost ten weeks away from my home and family, I had shot weddings literally all around the world and yet all I had to show was the wedding photos I had taken, nothing else. My digital cameras had become tools, nothing else, they had taken away the magic of photography for me.
I knew I had to find the joy again.
And to do that I went back to the roots.
When I started out ten years ago as an amateur I shot film, i played around in the darkroom and I loved what film brought to the process. When I started shooting digital, things became easy, probably too easy and I stopped shooting film for a long time.
So I was sitting there at Narita and I decided I had to start shooting some film again, just for fun to begin with. My main concern was that it’s slowly becoming “trendy” again to shoot film. I didn’t want people to think I was following suit. But after thinking about it for a while, I realized how stupid that argument was. So what if more people is discovering the joys of shooting film again?
I’ve been shooting film since that day at Narita and I’ve become friends with some amazing film shooters around the world. Their passion for film has become mine and I’ve found my way back to loving photography. I take my (film) cameras out every day, I look for light, people, compositions and other things just because I love shooting and to me that’s been worth a whole lot.
In January I attended a workshop called Film Is Not Dead and became good friends with a fantastic man called Jonathan Canlas. All he wants is for people to discover the wonders of shooting film and it is impossible not to listen to what he has to say. We’ve become good friends and will most likely collaborate on some great things in the future.
A couple of weeks ago Jonathan released an e-book called “Film Is Not Dead – A Digital Photographer’s Guide To Shooting Film“.
It covers everything you need to know about shooting film, different cameras, film stocks, metering and a bunch of other things that are great to know if you’re considering shooting film. I read the whole thing twice back to back. I think it’s pretty amazing. And that’s why I’m promoting it here. Jonathan has arranged for me to get a few dollars per sold copy, but I’d honestly promote it for free.
Jonathan, his workshop and what’s written in this e-book has ignited my spark again and I’m out shooting morning, day and night, fullfilling ideas I’ve had for years.
And I’m doing it on film.
If you’re interested you can find out more here.
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by Jonas
Erik Ferrari - Stunning pictures, Jonas. Thanks for sharing!
Ben Godkin - Amazing as per usual! Love to see the personal images that give us a glimpse into your family life. Love!
Sara Suarez - That read little head of yours… makes those pictures even more colorful. Priceless moments, unforgettable trips and just amazing shots! Greeting from Colombia.
otto schulze - let me be the first then. just so happen to have JONSI*ALEX in my hears as I view these and my goodness, so so beautiful! everything i love about images. thank you.
Adrian - Love em.
James Moes - I love you man.
Becca - How wonderful that your family gets to experience all of these marvelous places with you. It must make seeing the sites even more beautiful for you :) Your kids are getting the best kind of education there is: discovering the world in person, and not through some textbook. Yay!
Ty - Forget digital Jonas. I’ve admired your work for some time and this latest post has me believe that your photography to post-processing ratio is like 100:1. Just beautiful.
alexbee - I’d like to have about half of these blown up on my wall. Gorgeous!
Jesse Pafundi - Spectacular stuff. I echo the sentiment on the family portraits. That last frame is just killer.
Camille Santiago - Beautifully captured, as always. Well done.
P.S. Your sons are so cute!
Luisa Brimble - shot.the.gate! this is just too darn awesome! aaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!
Jonas Seaman - Truly. Truly. Lovely.
Jenn - When I saw your FB post, I clapped :)
Such a treat, sir. Thanks. And I don’t know what you’re talking about – you shoot film beautifully :)
Natalie Champa Jennings - You continue to inspire me, Jonas. Thanks for proving that film is not dead. Beautiful family, too. Thanks again :)
Jenn - Also, your kids are going to one day say, “I don’t know what my dad did for a living, but he did love to take pictures.”
Jakob - Beautiful indeed. Every single one.
Firdaus Spencer - I love your photos of your visit to Indonesia (was it Bali?). The lighting was magnificent. It reminded me of my own hometown and my Grandma’s house. And your son is so cute!!
Fab T. - Geez Jonas, I hate you! ( just kidding)
Amanda - this is why everyone should shoot their vacations on film.
your work is sublime.
Amanda - this is why everyone should shoot their vacations on film.
your work is sublime.
Michael Wachniak - ya. beautiful.
janine - wow. always a joy to see life through your lens.
Lydia - Just a delight for the eyes – the whole set. Really loved the shirtless boy in the wheat.
Amy Oliver - inspired. thanks!
Thao Trinh - Amazing adventures you must have had!
tim coulson - that was heavy. my vocabulary is failing me but that was completely mental, in the best way.
Daniel Brisbane - Just brilliant
coler - you’re ridiculous
Anna-Rina - Some of these shots are ‘jaw-droppingly’ gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
cilla - magical, you are so talented
Kellee Walsh - Must book a ticket to Italy ASAP.
Chris Prestidge - Okay Jonas, these are just – off the hook – beautifully captured!
Sonia Jansson - You should make a book of these.
Nick - Pretty damn amazing work! Googling and checking eBay for Contax 645 as I type.
jonathan canlas - i miss you.
nirav - Been waiting for this man. Beautifully captured. The lobster made the cut to :).
Verity - Amazing! I want to be that good when I grow up.
Tamara Kuzminski - Really beautiful. Makes me want to shoot film even more.
Henrik - Fantastiska bilder Jonas! Tack för all inspiration! :-)
Johanna - Din familj är verkligen fantastiskt fin. Och dina bilder.
Razlan - i like :D…
joanna brown - A couple of these look like paintings by Peter Doig, the swamp ones with the speed boat…beautiful
Matts Värna - Damn, that’s one sad lookin’ monkey!
Johan Lindqvist - Fantastiska bilder. Mycket inspirerande!
Morten A. - I’m drooling! Amazing, wonderful, incredible, beautiful photos!
Nathalie - Alltså JISSES.
Derek Ho - Beautiful. Makes me wanna go on holidays now!
Nicky - just love them. your work always makes me smile. :)
David Moore - Sometimes I think “Jonas is not that great…..just a rockstar photographer”. Then I realise that you are a pretty special photographer. I shoot most of my family stuff on film too and wish they turned this awesome. Thanks for the inspiration.
cara @ lillian and leonard - As a pair of photographers with a pair of babies, your life is so inspiring to me. Also, how adorable are you little ginger kiddoes?
Dmitriy Frolov - You have beautiful kids
Annelie - Vackra bilder & jag kan känna din kärlek för dina barn i bilderna!
Marit Solblad - Båtbilderna – rättvänd och felvänd – vilket mästerverk! Satt länge och tittade på dom och faschinerades.. Sjukt snyggt!
Just Another Crazy Blonde - With Just Another Stupid Blog - Underbara foton!
Jag blir så sugen på att åka till Venedig. Helst NU på en gång.
Sara - Du är makalöst bra! Varje bild, vilket motiv det än må vara, är fantastiskt. Du inspirerar mig hela tiden. Sluta aldrig att fotografera.
fer juaristi - Beautiful stuff my friend.
Brian Davis - Stellar set of images. I’m blown away.
michele bowman - beautiful.
Shu - Everything is so beautiful & inspiring. Great job as usual!! :)
omarolvera - Fantastic work
Integral - What a feast. Love to see your personal work (especially as I’m a fan of your work as opposed to someone looking to hire a wedding photographer). As someone who’s just starting to get into photography and trying his best not to suck, it’s interesting and inspirational to see what you decide to shoot, and then how you actually take the shot.
Jessica - Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! Loved the Bali shots.
Kristi wright - Your work always inspires! + Your kid is adorable!!
Rachel Tatem - Great job…s So jealous of all your travel!
seonhye - breathtaking…and thank you for always sharing your tasteful music. you know the transporting power of engaging all our senses simultaneously!
Maximiliano Barros - Beautiful pics! Nice places you have visited, the colors and everything look perfect!
Mette - What a trip! And your sweet boys! Looks like a great summer for you and the family, must be fantastic to bring them on the road.
Ben Massey - Stunning film work. Perfect music selection as well! Always love your music!
neta - These are amazing!
Anda - Viewing your photos of Bali makes my heart hurt for a time, years ago, when I lived in cities just like that around the world. Love their way of life.
jsa - lovely travels, your kids are going to treasure these someday.
chantal - So freaking gorgeous Jonas. Love the intimacy in these!
Man with a Camera - Man, you’ve given me itchy feet with those pics.
Rachel - Nirav, I don’t know why you were surprised to see that myself and my lobster made the cut … clearly it is because Jonas loves me as much as he loves his children. Seriously, I can’t explain how much I miss you guys. Jonas, these are spectacular.
erika verginelli - I want to eat these colors! Wow!!!!
Kirsten Mavric - Film is DELICIOUS. But it still requires you to be behind the lens. (meaning YOU, not anyone else). I’m rambling.
Anders Lönnfeldt - Skitnsygga bilder igen! Väldigt inspirerande! /Anders
Anders Lönnfeldt - Skitnsygga bilder igen! Väldigt inspirerande! //Anders
Sansaara - the range of brilliance is…well…brilliant…
kristin - ljugarn, right?
jason starr - The boys are very cute! Must be Mums looks ha ha. Great shots man.
Chloe - Oh my goodness, are your kids cute! I love both of the boats on the water, the beach with your wife & son and that little chic in the sunshine. You must’ve crept & held your breath to not have scared it away. That’s magic.
Jakob - I have heard that music inspires your photography. Well I wouldn’t even know how to photograph a duck, but your PHOTOGRAPHY inspires my MUSIC. Thank you Jonas and God bless you and your family.
Jane - Grymt härligt, igen, Jonas. Man sugs in i varenda bild!!
Johanna Hietanen - Your boys are so blessed. Seeing so much of the world. I wonder what they’re going to be when they grow up. :) My world is so small compared to them.
Sally Watts - The colors in the Venice images are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Painterly and dreamy and absolutely wonderfully perfect.
Caroline Ghetes - I love this whole set. I look forward to your personal posts :)
Martina - Hej Jonas!
My name is Martina, and I am from Brazil. I’ve lived in Brisbane for 4 year and hanged with swedes all the time. By coincidence i’ve found your worl.
I come here every now and then to feast myself with your amazing photos. Not kidding… you might be the best photographer I’ve ever seen.
So I’ve decided to say hello.
:)
Thanks for filling the world with beauty.
Kram, Martina
Branden Harvey - “Just some touristy photos?!” These are gorgeous. I’m inspired.
Geeta - I am Nirav Mom. I love your photos. Your boys are cute. Nice to see your family. Also I love your Venice photos. I been there. I love to print venice photo and make frame. I like to see your Bisbane photos. I been also Australia.
Alex Benge - The 52nd picture makes me want to listen to “woods” by Bon Iver. Great personal work Jonas, these are beautiful.
Dan O'Day - very cool my man, thanks for sharing )love the mini / big motorbike sequence
MangKhris - nice family,nice place,greats shoot i love u work
Steve - Hi Jonas
I usually keep up to date with your Blog every four weeks or so (inspiration!). Could not believe this week that we have both published Blog photos of Venice. Keep up the good work and being different!
Regards
Steve
http://www.schtuff.co.uk
Anton Chia - Ahhh, so very nice! Love the colors and these pictures brought me into other worlds!
Pernilla - Så otroligt vackra bilder. Du är helt jävla magisk.
Laura Burlton - You lead an incredible life.
Jay - Looks fun…lovely photos. Tones are awesome.
Stewart Leishman - Loved every single frame! Thanks for the ride!
Joanna - Great! and thanks for the song credit. Im gonna check them out. only heard learnalilgivinanlovin befor, and love it
Wedding Photographers Surrey - Wow! That’s fantastic post..Lovely pics. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny - some great images
Jenny - some great images from your travels:)
Tania - I love stopping by your blog every so often. Your photo’s are always so beautiful to look at, and inspiring..
sarah black - Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your personal images.
Johanna - You are amazing!
Justin - Beautiful and inspiring pictures!
Visitable Sundays (XV.) « jana martish (.nevara) - [...] : aha, aká rodinná cesta Austrálčanov po Taliansku, Rakúsku, Švédsku a iných [...]
Lynne Knowlton - Wow !!!! Stunning photography !! You sure captured so many beautiful moments.It makes me want to hop a plane and travel again and again and again.
Thanks for sharing !
sooooo beautiful
Lynne
Jakub - Film certainly is not dead! You’ve just inspired me to go out and buy a couple of rolls.
Francesco - Lve the pictures, just getting into film, how do you get peoples skin to look so nice….