I went on a rare vacation in 2016! Woo! I managed a few solid snaps from the plane while flying.
Whew, I don’t think I’m alone when I say 2016 was a doozy of a year. I can’t recall another time where the world seemed to be going through so many crazy highs and lows. But we made it through! And even in the worst of it, there is always so much to be thankful for.
2016 brought all sorts of cool stuff in the film photography world even as 35mm finished its complete fade from general consumer use. Film is entirely the domain of the artist and enthusiast now, and manufacturers have adjusted accordingly.
The Impossible Project unleashed its first camera on the world, the crazy ambitious I-1. I have mixed feelings about using the camera itself, but I love the thought and care that went into the project. I can’t wait to see how they build upon this impressive foundation.
Peel-apart instant film was discontinued by Fujifilm, but people are already moving to try to save the format. Peel-apart films are far older than the classic square frame Polaroids most people think about when they imagine instant film, but it still commands a passionate following.
The Impossible Project also released a new generation of all its films, continuing to refine their formulas. The new black and white films especially impress, and IP continues to experiment, creating exciting new products like the round frame films.
Kodak is barely holding on, and film lines are continuously discontinued. I’ve moved to Ilford for my black and white film and Fuji for my cheap 400 color negative film, but I’ve yet found any replacement for my beloved Portra 400. Fingers crossed Kodak keeps it in production.
I got an Instagram account at last in 2016! I’ve been using it as my main platform to share film photos that I’ve taken. I’ve got some exciting new photography projects that I’ve been working on that I can’t wait to share in 2017!
Finally, I owe you all a very belated newsletter! I’m going to be publishing it seasonally from here on out, as monthly was a bit more ambitious than I’m able to realize at the moment.
As always, thanks for reading! Cheers to a great 2017!