This week’s Member Moment features work by Film Club member Noel Chacko, who often takes energetic and candid shots of moments with friends. Scroll down to see his pictures and to read the interview!
PL: What got you interested in photography?
NC: I picked up my dads old camera and became super fascinated with all the settings and different ways you could change an image just by changing the ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Eventually I upgraded my camera and fell in love with the process of taking photos and sharing them with others. Seeing people appreciate my images gave me a lot of confidence in photography.
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
NC: A lot of the photos I take these days are of my friends. I’ve been leaning away from posed shots to more candid photos where the viewer can take in more of the environment and get a sense of the moment. Taking photos of my friends is special and being able to create art with them involved is an amazing feeling.
PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?
NC: The photo of all my friends in the dorm cutting my friend’s chest hair is one of my favorites. It’s a very real and candid moment where everyone is just enjoying the moment and laughing at what’s going on. The image has a very college vibe to it and brings me back to the early years of college.
PL: What do you enjoy most about digital/film photography and what is challenging about it?
NC: What I enjoy most about film is the fact that I don’t have many chances for redo’s. I need to really think about what images will look good before I take them. Each moment is captured by just 1 or 2 images unlike digital where I can take infinite photos. Film has forced me to think a lot more about composition in the moment and making each picture worthwhile. The process of having to wait a few days or a few weeks to see the finished product makes shooting film even more special.
PL: How would you like to grow this collection of photographs?
NC: I’m working on capturing more interesting angles and compositions. There’s still a lot of room for me to grow, especially when it comes to making my photos feel more intentional and artistic rather than just snapshots. Shooting film makes me think more carefully before I press the shutter, and with every photo I take, I feel myself improving.
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