This week’s Member Moment features work by Jt Teal, who captures moments with often an experimental eye. Scroll down to see their pictures and to read the interview!

PL: What got you interested in photography?

JT: My interest in photography really took off with social media when I was a teenager. I loved looking at art online and I still do! I took inspiration from the content I consumed and began producing my own

PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?

JT: When shooting film I use a Canon EOS Rebel G and my favorite film to use is Cinestill 800t. I have used a couple of different digital cameras but I most frequently use a Canon R100.

PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?

JT: I look for interesting angles and lighting. I've noticed that in many of the photos I have taken there is some element of framing. I use trees, buildings, light, and colors to create lines and shapes that catch one’s eye.

PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?

JT: My photo in the Best of the Year show titled “Other” is an experimental self portrait I created using my Canon R100 camera, light from my laptop, and a decent amount of time spent editing it in Lightroom. I took this photo in December 2025.

The color choices were inspired by the character design of Rei Ayanami from the anime series Evangelion. Without giving any spoilers to the show I will say– Rei is a quiet and mysterious character who initially is very distant from the other characters. There have been times in my life where I’ve struggled with connecting to my peers and have felt isolated because of it. During 2025 one of my favorite songs, “The First Other” by December 7th Sound Team recreated a part of Rei’s theme song in the show. That song has stuck with me ever since I first heard it because of the lyrics and beautiful instrumentation. I decided to title this photograph as Other in allusion to the song, but it is also a reference to myself.

PL: What do you enjoy most about digital/film photography and what is challenging about it?

JT: I find film photography so exciting! In every roll of film that I shoot there are always surprises, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Film has taught me to be more patient because I cannot see the results immediately, but this can also be a challenge when I am trying to send out photos from an event or social gathering to people in a timely manner. I've gained confidence that I can get a shot on film that I will be happy with at least 75% of the time, but not being able to see the results immediately makes me a little bit nervous sometimes.

I love the immediate nature of digital photography and it can be much more convenient than film at times. It has been a lot of fun to learn about all of the things I can do with a digital camera without the fear of wasting money or time.

Some days when I go out to take photos I struggle to decide between shooting on film vs digital, but it really depends on the mood I am in.

PL: Do you have any goals or ideas of how you want to grow this collection of photographs?

JT: I want to bring my camera with me everywhere despite it not always being easy or possible. I've had a lot of moments as a photographer where I don't have my camera with me and see a perfect shot that I cannot capture. I hope to have less of those moments in the future and to be braver about pulling out my camera when I want to. `

Every day, Club Members take exceptional pictures. If you are not a Film Club Member yet what are you waiting for? Join today to support the photo community in Philly and to start saving money on film processing!

Member Moment: Jt Teal