#FILMFORYALL: LYNDSEY HANSEN

March 2023

We at Cute Camera Co. believe film should be for everyone, and as such, we've had the pleasure of connecting with as diverse an array of people as one could hope for. To our excitement (be still our film-loving hearts!), the pool of fellow film photographers seems to be growing by the day.

As we grow together, we've also been growing more curious, and so we want to hear more of your stories. We want to find out what drives you, the film photographer, and hopefully help to inform, inspire, connect, and share the fun!

Next let’s meet Lyndsey Hansen (@elmarie_film on IG), based in the Seattle area. All photographs were taken by Lyndsey using their trusty Canon AE-1.

1. How did you get started shooting film? Is film your preferred method of making photographs?

I really got hooked on film when I was studying photography at university. I had to take some darkroom classes and I loved how hands on everything was. I’ve been shooting film off and on since then, but it’s been my primary means of making photos since 2020.

2. What camera and film stock did you use to make these photographs? Do you have a favorite camera and/or film?

I used my Canon AE-1 with Fuji Superia Xtra 400, Kodak Ultramax 400, and Kodak Portra 400. My favorite film is Fuji Superia Xtra 400. Fave camera is probably my AE-1. It was my first manual SLR.

3. What has your experience been in the film community, both online and in real life?

My experience within the film community has been mostly positive! I find so much inspiration and support online. In the Seattle area we have a great film community with multiple meet-ups happening every month.

4. How did you find out about Cute Camera Co.?

I believe I found out about y’all through someone's Instagram post/story!

5. What is your favorite thing about shooting film? Why is it important to you?

What I love about shooting film is slowing down. It’s not a cheap hobby, so I’m much more choosy about the photos I make. I like to be able to pick what film I want to use for any given situation. Minimal editing is involved. Also the experimental aspect (film soup, double exposures, etc.). Film photos feel like a memory to me. I think it’s important to keep any sort of analog process alive, whether that’s photography, drawing, painting, etc. So much can go wrong with digital.

6. Do you have any advice for fellow film shooters?

Advice for new film shooters: experiment, have fun. Don’t listen to the film purists telling you how they think it should be done. Film is all about trying new things in new ways. Edit your film. Don’t edit your film. It doesn’t matter because at the end of the day it’s your art and no one else’s.