Robb Lim is a Film Club Member who shared with us a great collection of images that capture a mix of still, quiet scenes and with ones that are more crowded and busy. The variety within the collection is engaging so scroll down to read our interview with Robb and to view his pictures.
PL: What got you interested in film photography?
RL: Early on, accessibility and simplicity. I loved grabbing a disposable camera before a night out and capturing moments with friends. All I had to do was stop at a CVS then point and shoot!
Currently, shooting film is a great outlet to capture moments outside of the digital photos I take for work. The photos I take on film are moments that really bring me joy and feel much more personal. But honestly, the one thing that I’ve ALWAYS loved about film photography is the element of surprise you get when you get your scans back. It feels a little bit like Christmas morning. Having to wait a little longer to see the moments you captured is a nice change of pace when everything today is on demand.
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with and what kind of film do you usually use?
RL: Right now I am shooting on a Nikon Zoom 90. Some of the photos that are featured were also taken with an old Canon Rebel and disposables.
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
RL: I really try not to overthink it when it comes to my film photography. I overthink enough for work and just life in general. When I take photos on film it’s super intuitive and differs from taking a photo with your phone or planned shoots with my digital photography. These moments are a little more special to me and spontaneous.
PL: Several of your photos capture people. What do you enjoy about photographing people? What is challenging about it?
RL: I enjoy photographing people because documenting moments with loved ones is very important to me! When it comes to photographing strangers, especially for nightlife, you really need to make people feel comfortable and gain a little trust. I’m a people person so it’s really fun bonding briefly with someone through photography.
PL: There are a mix of photos taken with natural light and artificial. What qualities do you like about both types of light sources?
RL: Natural lighting has a warmth about it that can bring a certain magic to a photograph. Artificial lighting is usually used when photographing people. That flash can sometimes make someone feel special. But at the end of the day, I could snap a photo somewhere that is pitch black, as long as I feel something.
PL: Out of all of these photos, which one is your favorite and why?
RL: I would have to go with the photo of the staircase, which was in the building where my father grew up in Manilla. I went to the Philippines with my family right after college and it was eye opening on so many levels. This trip was also the first time I shot on film.
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