Member Moment: Rhea Nayar

Rhea Nayar is a Film Club Member who shared with us a group of photos that capture street and landscape scenes from a variety of places around the world. Scroll down to read our interview with her and to see the images she shared.

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 looking down side street in a city

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of a city street corner

PL: What got you interested in film photography?

RN: My grandpa gifted me his film camera 12 years ago, and it’s been my most prized possession ever since! He always paused to capture special moments wherever he was, and had such a zest for life. He got me interested in how the inimitable nature of film forces you to slow down, and be more mindful about what you’re capturing.

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of landscape in Nagar

PL: What type of camera do you shoot with and what kind of film do you usually use?

RN: I shoot with a Canon EOS 300, and usually use Fujifilm Superia Xtra or Kodak Gold/Portra film. (back in the early 2000’s I had a camera that was a sprite can and I’d love to get my hands on one again!!)

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of small village in Nagar

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of architectural detail in stone

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of Buddha statue

PL: Some photos within this collection are double exposures. What do you like about double exposure images? Is there anything challenging about it?

RN:I really like how double exposure allows you to create very layered images- in both meaning and aesthetic quality. I often find that the result is an image that gives “emotional insight”, an “impression” or “feeling” of a place instead of an exact depiction. It almost contextualizes the photo’s story in a way that standard photos don’t.

Double exposure photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of cityscape and street

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of people looking at a house on the street

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of New York City street corner

PL: Many of your images seem to capture a variety of places you have traveled to. What does it mean for you to capture these places/moments on film?

RN: It feels like I get to continue my grandpa’s travel adventures, and add to his book of stories through a visual medium. :’) I also get most excited when developing photos from my travels because I often forget what was taken in the spur of the moment.

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of dormer

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of counter in a shop

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of a jade market

PL: Several of the photos you shared have a strong composition. When photographing, what are you thinking before you click the shutter?

RN: I try to frame a shot in a way that makes you find things in the image that you wouldn’t see with the naked eye. In that sense, I love how double exposure images allow for a unique interpretation by each individual. If I start capturing things with a theme or series in mind, I’ll usually take zoomed in detail shots as well as an overall.

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of New York cityscape

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of temple entrance

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of street corner market in Hong Kong

PL: Out of all of these photos, which one is your favorite and why?

RN: In a lot of ways, film photography is how I got into the field of architecture. My favourite image is of the fruit stand in Hong Kong. Having grown up in such a fast paced city with things constantly changing, and new developments popping up- it is so special to see little stands like this that have remained on the same corner for years! It’s a tiny, yet familiar landmark for people who walk through the area everyday - a reminder of “home”.

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 of market stand in a city

Photograph taken with a Canon EOS 300 looking out a window at a ferry

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