Embarking on a Journey Back in Time
As Bob Foyers, a professional photographer and the proud owner of Foyers Photography at Bentwaters, Woodbridge, Suffolk, I have had the pleasure of capturing countless moments on camera. Throughout my career, I have transitioned from film to digital photography, appreciating the many benefits that technological advancements have brought to the industry. However, sometimes it takes a chance encounter to remind us of the beauty of our roots.
It had been 25 years since I last used film for my photography. In my youth, I was fortunate enough to attend a boarding school near Ilkley, North Yorkshire, where my passion for photography blossomed. My headmaster kindly loaned me a Canon A-1, and I spent countless hours in the school’s darkroom, developing my skills. Graciously, my parents even built a small darkroom at our home, allowing me to pursue my love of photography further.
A Fateful Encounter with a Fellow Artist
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jaga Galganek (https://www.instagram.com/jagagalganek/) at an East Coast Creatives (ECC) meet. Jaga’s dedication to film photography instantly reignited my love for the medium, and I was eager to explore the possibilities of working together.
We decided to collaborate on a project that would showcase our mutual appreciation for Renaissance art – a period of artistic and cultural revival in Europe that spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. This era was characterised by a resurgence in classical themes, realistic representations of the human form, and innovative techniques such as chiaroscuro and linear perspective.
Our Collaboration: A Celebration of Renaissance Art
In preparation for our project, we created a Pinterest board to help us visualise the desired look and feel of the shoot. Jaga’s good friend Karolina Nowicka (https://www.instagram.com/_karolina.nowicka_/) was the perfect model for our vision, her natural poise and grace echoing the elegance of Renaissance art.
Jaga’s camera of choice is the iconic Pentax 67, a medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Launched in 1969, the Pentax 67 was a game-changer in the world of professional photography, offering a larger film format than 35mm cameras and producing images with greater detail and resolution. Its robust build and exceptional image quality make it an ideal choice for portrait and fine art photography.
Rekindling a Passion for Film
During our collaboration, Jaga generously allowed me to shoot a roll of film with her Pentax 67. The experience of working with film again, after all these years, was nothing short of exhilarating. There is an unmatched magic in the process of shooting film, from the anticipation of waiting for the results to the thrill of holding a tangible, physical record of a moment in time.
The outcome of our collaboration exceeded all expectations, capturing the essence of Renaissance art through the unique medium of film photography. The images we created together possess a timeless beauty and a depth of emotion that can only be achieved through the alchemy of film.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Film Photography
My adventure with Jaga has not only reawakened my love for film photography, but it has also inspired me to explore new creative avenues in my work. We are already planning our next film photography project, eager to continue pushing boundaries and uncovering the many possibilities that this classic medium offers.
My return to film photography after 25 years has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. It has reminded me of the importance of embracing our roots
