Explore the FAQ section to find answers to common queries about the film-based portraiture service. From the choice of film to pricing details and shooting procedures, this page has got you covered with clear and concise explanations.
FAQ
Concept
1 / Why shoot on film?
1 / Why shoot on film? Analogue photography is a deliberate process of observing and recording truth. Unlike digital sensors, film captures light through a physical chemical reaction, resulting in a unique texture and spatial rendering that cannot be authentically replicated by algorithms.
2 / What justifies the price?
The pricing reflects the significant overhead of professional-grade film stock and precision laboratory processing. Each session involves high-density technical execution, followed by professional development, high-resolution scanning, and individual colour balancing.
3 / What is included in the plans?
All plans include the technical execution of the shoot, the specified quantity of film stock, and professional laboratory processing. You will receive all usable high-resolution digital scans from the session, following foundational colour correction and light balancing.
4 / Do I need to pay for the cost of film, development, and scanning?
For the Basic, Premium, and Ultimate plans, these costs are integrated into the total package price. For the Build Your Own (BYO) plan, these expenses are billed separately at cost, providing a modular framework for specific technical requirements.
5 / How many images will I receive?
You will receive the complete gallery of successful scans from each roll used. A standard 35mm roll typically yields 36 exposures, while medium format yields between 8 and 16 depending on the aspect ratio. These are delivered without artificial filtering to preserve the raw narrative of the session.
6 / Who is the ideal client for this photoshoot?
This service is designed for models, artists, and professionals who require a distinctive, cinematic aesthetic. It is tailored for those who value the inherent characteristics of the analogue medium and seek an objective, unscripted visual record.
Technical Aspect
1 / What film formats are available?
The primary formats offered are 35mm and medium format. A half-frame configuration is also available upon request within the Ultimate plan for a sequential, documentary-style aesthetic.
2 / What are the differences between 35mm and medium format?
35mm film is characterised by its cinematic spontaneity and classic grain structure. Medium format utilizes a significantly larger negative, providing unparalleled detail, smoother tonal transitions, and superior spatial rendering.
3 / What is half frame format?
Half-frame cameras record two images on a single standard 35mm frame, doubling the exposure count to 72. This produces a higher-grain aesthetic and alters the narrative pacing, making it ideal for creating sequential visual stories.
4 / What medium format aspect ratios are available?
Depending on the camera system used (such as the Pentax 67 or Bronica S2A), aspect ratios include 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x7. Each format offers a distinct compositional framework for the subject.
5 / Which film stock should I pick?
The selection depends on the lighting conditions, desired mood, and creative direction. Options include standard C-41 colour, monochrome, motion picture film (ECN-2), and slide film (E-6). Technical consultation is provided prior to the session to determine the optimal choice.
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6 / Can you pick the film stock for me?
Yes. Based on your creative brief and the environmental constraints of the shoot, the photographer will recommend and select the emulsions that best align with the intended visual narrative.
7 / Should I choose colour or monochrome?
This is an aesthetic decision. Colour film captures the natural interplay of light and environment, while monochrome emphasizes form, texture, and contrast. Both are treated with the same technical rigour.
8 / What equipment is utilised?
Sessions are conducted with professional 35mm SLRs and vintage medium format systems (e.g., Pentax 67, Nikon F3). These systems are chosen for their optical precision and their ability to render the specific character of the film medium.
In Shoot
1 / Where does the shoot take place?
Portrait sessions are primarily conducted in outdoor settings to utilise natural environmental lighting. Specific locations are determined during the consultation phase based on your aesthetic preferences and the technical requirements of the film stock.
2 / How long does a session typically last?
Duration varies by plan: Basic (up to 2 hours), Premium (up to 2.5 hours), and Ultimate (up to 3.5 hours). These timeframes ensure sufficient opportunity for deliberate composition and technical adjustments.
3 / How many subjects can participate in a session?
To maintain technical efficiency and focus, sessions are designed for individuals or couples. Small groups of up to four may be accommodated; however, for optimal narrative depth, a maximum of two subjects is recommended.
Post-Shoot
1 / What is the turnaround time for receiving images?
The standard turnaround time is 1 to 4 weeks. This period accounts for the transit of film to the laboratory, chemical processing, high-resolution scanning, and subsequent digital refinement.
2 / How are the final images delivered?
High-resolution digital scans are delivered via a secure WeTransfer link to your designated email address. It is the client's responsibility to download and archive these files before the link expires.
3 / Which laboratory is used for processing?
Film is processed through professional-grade laboratories selected for their technical precision and consistency. Laboratory selection may vary based on the specific requirements of the film stock used (e.g., ECN-2 for motion picture film).
4 / What digital file formats are provided?
Images are primarily delivered as high-resolution JPEGs. TIFF files are available upon request for those requiring maximum data for professional publication or large-scale printing.
5 / What are film negatives?
Negatives are the physical, chemical record of the light captured during your session. They are the primary source from which digital scans and physical prints are created.
6 / What can I do with the physical negatives?
Negatives can be archived for long-term preservation, used for traditional darkroom printing, or re-scanned in the future as scanning technology evolves.
7 / Can I retain the physical negatives?
Yes. Clients may arrange to collect their physical negatives within the Melbourne CBD within 14 days of development. Alternatively, domestic postage can be arranged for a fee. Unclaimed negatives are securely disposed of after the 14-day period.