This week’s Member Moment features work by Film Club Nancy Shen, whose photos capture the natural beauty of everyday life. Scroll down to see her pictures and to read the interview!
PL: What got you interested in photography?
NS: I started doing photography in the Spring of 2022. It was a tough time for me because of the pandemic, heavy schoolwork, and being far from home. Vancouver's constant spring rain didn't help either, and I felt very down.
My best friend, who was also experiencing the same situation, decided we had to go out on sunny days to be better. She carried her camera and took photos of me all the time. I got curious and asked if I could try using her camera. She said yes, and the first photo I took was of her standing under a cherry blossom tree.
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?
NS: I only use film cameras, mostly Hasselblad and Contaxt.
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
NS: I enjoy incorporating nature into my photography, such as plants, the sky, and trees, to create a sense of calm. I love nature and believe it has a healing power, especially when captured in photos.
PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?
NS: I guess I answer this one in the first question... Every time I look at that photo, the light in it magically transports me back to that moment and place. It was spring in Vancouver. After class, neither of us wanted to go home and be alone, so we wandered around campus, talking about life and enjoying the rare sunny day.
The campus was filled with cherry blossom trees, and many people were taking pictures on the main street. We took a slight detour and discovered a hidden spot that no one else seemed to visit. It was my first time using her camera to take pictures of her. I saw the light and flowers and asked her to stand there. Through the viewfinder, I saw the light casting on her, reminding me of scenes from ancient Greek mythology. For a moment, I felt like she was meant to be there for me.
Sometimes, a slight change in life can bring a different kind of joy.
PL: What do you enjoy most about film photography and what is challenging about it?
NS: For film, I guess it's the excitement and the fear of uncertainty. You only know how the photos will look once developed and scanned.
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!