1. Hello Staci! Please tell us about yourself.
I am a homeschool mom. With my two oldest in college now, I only have one daughter left at home to teach. It has been an honor and privilege to watch my girls grow and learn.
2. How did you get involved in FSC? What was in your mind that makes you decide to join?
I had a few fellow photographers tell me about FSC. I am inspired by other film photographers and learn so much from them. I was excited that a group of artists were being gathered and hoped to gain inspiration and knowledge from them, which I have.
3. I understand that you are a mother, teacher and housewife. How do you find time to shoot in between of your busy schedule?
Some days are easier than others. I think that is why I love to shoot wide open. I see the world in the small details. I notice the little crumbs, I love the dew drops on the smallest leaf, and I will stop what I am doing for light hitting dirty dishes just right.
4. You shoot film exclusively. How did you get yourself on this route? Why not have a digital camera in your camera list?
I do have a digital camera, but I mostly use that for work. I started shooting film in 2011. A friend was doing a 52 week film project. I picked up our old Canon Rebel film camera and decided to play. That led me to buy a Minolta X700. Then my husband bought me a Mamiya 645 for my 40th birthday. When I got my first roll back from the Mamiya, I knew I was addicted.
5. You seemed to have a liking for medium format films. What is it about medium format film that attracts you?
I think it is the crispness and detail that comes from medium format. I also like to tell a story with my photos. With most medium format cameras, you only get 12-15 images. It is easy to shoot a roll in a day or event with the purpose to tell a story. You can’t waste one and at the same time you want to finish the roll.
6. I see that most of your photos are of your neighborhood, nature and family. You sure can put them into a photo book. Has that crossed your mind?
No, not yet. I think this is the year that I start taking myself seriously as an artist. I think this has become more than hobby, it has become a way of life. It has gone past seeing the light hit just right. I now see in Portra and Reala. It is something I want to share.
7. Is there a favorite website or photographer that you would like to share with our readers?
Gosh, there are so many great photographers out there. I think some of my favorites did a project with me last year. I was honored and a little shocked they even included me! We shot on every other Sunday and posted on the next. The blog is called Every Second Sunday and can be found here.
8. Any advice/quote for readers who are interested in films?
Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. It really is the only way you will get better. Find photographers whose work you admire. If you don’t know how something is done, ask. I haven’t met a film photographer that isn’t willing to talk film.
Singapore-based film lover, Kevin Lim, interviewed Staci Kennelly for this post. See more of Kevin's work on Tumblr or here, on the Film Shooters Collective.