#FilmForYall: Agathe Tampier

February 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!

First up, meet Agathe Tampier (@agatzemunchies on IG), based in New York City. All photographs were taken by Agathe using a Canon AE-1.

1. How did you get started shooting film? Why film instead of digital?
My dad used to shoot film and taught my brothers and I to use film cameras. I still use my digital camera, but wanted to go back to the basics. Film forces you to think about your photo: light, ISO, aperture, etc. It’s more mindful. I also love the fact that you have to wait to get it developed… you sometimes forget what you took and rediscover it as you receive your scans. I love the grainy aspect, and I feel film is more forgiving when it comes to focus or exposure errors.

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

I use a Canon AE-1 and mostly Kodak Portra 400 for now as I’m learning, but I definitely want to explore more types of film.

3. What has your experience been in the film community?

I’ve been very inspired by a lot of accounts on Instagram to make the move and get a film camera. Every time I go back to visit my parents, I love looking at the pictures my dad took decades ago! One of my brothers also uses a film camera, and we like to exchange on ideas, projects, etc.