A Look Back at 2013 – Dublin on Fuji Acros 100

A Look Back at 2013 – Dublin on Fuji Acros 100

Analog photography is not just a technique; it’s a journey through time. In 2013, I captured a series of photographs of Dublin using a Bronica ETRS with a 75mm lens and Fuji Acros 100 film. This roll was special – not always technically perfect, but full of character. Looking at these scans today, I see not only my early steps in film photography but also a glimpse of a changing city.

 

Fuji Acros 100 – Classic Black & White

Fuji Acros 100 is known for its exceptional sharpness, fine grain, and wide tonal range. It’s an excellent choice for city photography, where light and shadow create unique compositions. In Dublin’s unpredictable weather, it delivered beautiful tonal transitions and a richness of detail that’s hard to replicate digitally.

Nostalgic Views of Dublin

I love photography that isn’t always perfectly sharp – the slight motion blur, minor imperfections that add soul to an image. Looking at these scans years later, I not only see my growth as a photographer but also a city that has evolved. Some places look different, buildings have disappeared, and the streets have changed their character.

Photography as a Time Machine

Film photography is more than just an image; it’s a story of a moment, an emotion, and an atmosphere. Viewing these frames takes me back to the days when I wandered through Dublin with my Bronica, searching for compelling shots. It’s a reminder that photography is not just about technical perfection – it’s about capturing a fleeting moment that will never come back.

Will I shoot with Fuji Acros 100 again? Absolutely. This film has a unique quality that makes every frame special, and being able to look back at a city from years past is truly priceless.

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Film photography in the Dublin in Black and White - May 2014!  

Rafal Rozalski.

Landscape Photography on Fuji Velvia 50 – A Return to Analog Magic

The year 2013 was a turning point in my photography journey. While the digital revolution was in full swing, I felt the urge to step back in time and master the art of shooting on slide film. My choice fell on the legendary Fuji Velvia 50 – a film that had captivated landscape photographers for decades with its incredibly rich colors, stunning contrast, and exceptional detail. Little did I know how much this experience would shape my perception of the world through the lens.

The Challenge and Magic of Slide Film

Velvia 50 is a demanding film. It offers spectacular colors and sharp details but does not forgive exposure mistakes. With an ISO of just 50, longer exposures often became necessary, yet paradoxically, the film did not respond well to extended shutter speeds. Every frame required precise light metering and careful planning.

A Morning in Co. Wicklow – Vartry Reservoir, Glendalough, and Lough Tay

One of my first outings with Velvia 50 took place at sunrise in County Wicklow. Armed with my Bronica ETRS, I set out to capture the magic of the morning over Vartry Reservoir, Glendalough, and Lough Tay. The cool, pink-gold light of the rising sun slowly awakened the landscape, and I felt as if I was witnessing something almost mystical.

Shooting on film forces you to slow down. Each press of the shutter is a decision that comes at a cost. There is no room for randomness – every frame must be carefully thought out. This process – deliberate composition, light analysis, waiting for the perfect moment – brings a sense of magic that is often lost in the digital era.

An Expensive but Unforgettable Lesson

Velvia 50 is not only demanding but also expensive. Every roll of film and every development process was an investment. Yet, every developed frame made it all worthwhile. Holding the finished slides and viewing them on a light table was like opening a treasure chest – the colors seemed unreal, the sharpness was astonishing, and the tonal transitions were beautifully subtle. This experience taught me to respect every frame and to anticipate the final outcome even before pressing the shutter.

Why Shoot on Film?

While digital photography offers immense possibilities, working with film teaches patience and sensitivity to light like nothing else. Fuji Velvia 50, despite its limitations, allows photographers to rediscover photography – not as a quick image-capturing process but as a carefully considered ritual of preserving a moment in its most beautiful form.

Will I return to shooting on film? Definitely. Despite the cost and challenges, the feeling of seeing your first developed slides is priceless.

 

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Bull Island Dublin - A Natural Paradise Full of History. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

Rafal Rozalski.

A Look Back at 2013 – Glendalough on Fuji Velvia 50

A Look Back at 2013 – Glendalough on Fuji Velvia 50

For me, analog photography is not just about capturing an image – it’s about stepping back in time. In 2013, I shot a series of photographs in Glendalough using a Bronica ETRS with 40mm and 75mm lenses and Fuji Velvia 50 film. This roll was special – not always technically perfect, but full of character and the magic of a place I truly love.

 

Fuji Velvia 50 – Unmatched Color Palette

Fuji Velvia 50 is legendary in the world of analog photography. It’s known for its incredibly rich colors, deep contrast, and stunning vibrancy. It’s a perfect choice for landscape photography, capturing nature’s beauty in a way that feels almost otherworldly. In Glendalough, with its mystical lakes, historic ruins, and ever-changing light, Velvia 50 gave my images an almost fairytale-like quality.

A Nostalgic View of Glendalough

I appreciate images that aren’t overly precise – slight motion blur, small imperfections that add soul to a photograph. Looking at these scans years later, I not only revisit my early journey with film photography but also witness how Glendalough has changed. Nature remains breathtaking, but some details of the landscape, paths, and vegetation have evolved. Each image is like a time capsule.

Photography as a Window to the Past

Film photography allows me to relive these moments. Every shot reminds me of the moment I pressed the shutter, the sound of the film advancing, and the light conditions of that day. It’s something digital speed and instant previews simply can’t replace. That’s why I cherish analog photography – it’s not just about images, but emotions captured on film.

Will I return to photographing Glendalough on Fuji Velvia 50? Absolutely! This film has a magical quality, and this place will always be one of my favorite spots in Ireland.

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Dublin in 2014 – An Archival Journey Through the City in Black and White | Olympus Trip 35 and Kodak T-Max 400! 

A Look Back at 2013 – The Colorful Magic of Fuji Velvia 100F

A Look Back at 2013 – The Colorful Magic of Fuji Velvia 100F

Analog photography has something truly special, especially when it comes to slide film. In 2013, I had the opportunity to work with the Bronica ETRS, using a 40mm lens and Fuji Velvia 100F film. This roll captured the vibrant beauty of Irish landscapes – Glendalough, Bull Island in Dublin, and the Cliff Walk in Howth.

Fuji Velvia 100F – A Landscape Photography Legend

Fuji Velvia 100F is a film beloved by landscape photographers worldwide. Its rich colors, stunning contrast, and fine detail make every frame look almost like a painting. However, it’s a film that demands precision – exposure must be spot on, and lighting carefully considered. Shooting with it in 2013 was both a challenge and a rewarding experience.

Memories from Glendalough, Bull Island, and Howth

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking locations – mysterious lakes, ancient monastic ruins, and rolling hills bathed in golden morning light. Fuji Velvia 100F captured these colors in a nearly magical way.

Bull Island in Dublin offered a completely different landscape – wide beaches, gentle waves, and the fresh scent of the sea carried by the wind. Shooting here required attention to changing light and reflections on the sand.

The Cliff Walk in Howth provided dramatic views of towering cliffs and the vast ocean, where deep blues and lush greens perfectly complemented Velvia’s signature look.

 

Returning to Analog Photography

Years later, scanning these negatives reminds me of the unique character of slide film photography. These aren’t just captured images; they are moments frozen in time – memories of travel, emotions, and the learning process of mindful photography. Shooting landscapes on film requires patience, but the reward is an incredible depth and atmosphere that digital simply cannot replicate.

Is it worth going back to film? For me, the answer is clear – absolutely! Especially when working with such an exceptional medium as Fuji Velvia 100F.

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Film photography in the south of Northern Ireland Adventure! 

My First Analog Roll – A Look Back at 2013

My First Analog Roll – A Look Back at 2013

Analog photography has always had a certain magic. The anticipation of results, the uncertainty of the final outcome, yet the assurance that every shot was taken with intention. Today, I’m revisiting my very first roll shot with the Bronica ETRS medium format camera, using a 75mm lens and Ilford HP5+ 400 film. It was 2013 – my first step into the world of analog photography, full of mistakes but also fascination.

 

First Experiences with the Bronica

The Bronica ETRS is a camera that demands careful composition. Medium format is unforgiving, and the cost of each roll teaches discipline. At that time, I had little experience with analog photography, but I decided to give it a shot. HP5+ 400 seemed like a solid choice – a classic black-and-white film with a broad tonal range and a characteristic grain that adds atmosphere.

Imperfect Quality, But an Important Beginning

Scanning these negatives years later, I see how different my first photos were from what I capture today. Not every frame is technically perfect – some are underexposed, others have slightly off focus. But each frame tells a story. Among the images are portraits and shots of Dublin – a city that has been a source of inspiration for me for years.

Looking at these photos brings back the emotions of my first attempts with an analog camera. There was a certain excitement that is hard to compare with digital photography. Every shot was a decision that couldn’t be undone – a frame of film isn’t a RAW file that can be easily corrected in post-processing.

Why Revisit Old Negatives?

My photos today are much more refined, but returning to my first roll reminded me of how important the journey has been in my development as a photographer. These imperfect frames are proof of growth. Analyzing mistakes teaches more than perfectly exposed shots. Every photographer has a beginning, and those first attempts are just as valuable as later achievements.

Will I shoot on film again? Absolutely. Analog photography teaches patience, mindful framing, and respect for the process. Maybe it's time for a new roll of HP5+ 400 and a return to the classics?

What about you? Do you still have your first negatives? It’s worth revisiting them once in a while!

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Exploring Glendalough Winter Wonders with Analog Photography | Mamiya RB67 Pro SD and Kodak Ektar 100!