This feature is designed to introduce you to some of the interesting film photographers whose work we have been noticing. Each feature focuses on just one photographer and highlights their work and their relationship with film.
This month’s featured photographer is Angela Marlaud from Oakland, California. Her work is colorful and instantly interesting. She prefers to shoot with plastic or “toy” cameras because they let the photographer focus on the moment and not the mechanics. In this interview, Angela will tell you in her own words what she loves about film, and how she achieves some special effects like double exposures.
When did you start shooting film, and why?
I was born at the end of Generation X and film was the only way to take photos. There was the ritual of getting your film developed, excitedly flipping through the prints, and putting them into an album. I’m still drawn to the ritual, anticipation, and surprise that comes with film. Instagram has replaced the photo album, but it’s amazing that I can mutually share photos with so many film enthusiasts around the world.
Chinatown Birds
Do you shoot both digital and film?
I started shooting only film in August, 2022. I’ll keep going this way until it gets completely unaffordable. Digital has the obvious time/cost benefit and I’ve learned ‘never say never.’
Fire field
It appears that you’re fond of plastic “toy” cameras. Why do you like them? Do you have a favorite?
I always carry 2 toy cameras around: my Holga and Lomo LCA+. I love both for their multi exposure function. They are also cameras that I don’t have to be too precious about, which helps me be more carefree and experimental with photography.
Concrete River
Much of your work features double exposures. Do you have a specific method for creating these?
I have many methods for creating double exposures. The general rule is to layer the brighter image over the darker one. For example, I’ll take a photo of a black car and then take a photo of bright flowers so that they appear painted on the car. You can also do the film swap method of shooting an entire roll of background/textures and then reshoot the roll with your subjects. Taking the same photo at slightly different angles also makes an interesting psychedelic effect.
Where are the most common locations for you to take photos? Do you especially love particular types of places?
I love places that have been abandoned and taken over by nature and/or graffiti. Most of my photos are from my daily routine: corner stores, neighborhood walks, train stations, parks. My favorite thing about photography is that I’m always looking at my surroundings with curiosity and fresh eyes. Finding a photo op in a place I’ve been to countless times is exciting. You don’t have to go far to take great photos.
What aspect of film photography would you like to learn more about?
How to use natural light and space to improve my photos. Sometimes, I’m so focused on the object itself, that I forget the magic intangible elements can bring to a photograph.
What is your “dream photo shoot”?
My dream photo shoot would be documenting a travel adventure. I recently went on a road trip from California to Arizona and saw so many great photo ops through the car window – I’d love to do a longer American road trip with Portra and Fuji 400. Nighttime adventures in Tokyo/Shanghai/Hong Kong with Cinestill 800T is also on my wish list. Take me anywhere new with a film camera, and I’m a happy camper.
Don’t forget to head over to Angela’s Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/fantastikplastic/ to see much more of her work and give her a follow! Thank you for being our featured photographer, Angela.