A Letter to Photography: Film, Friends and Footage

Photography is an ever-evolving art form, a journey of self-expression and discovery. Each photographer brings a unique perspective and distinct point of view that shapes their work. This journey has taught me that it's impossible to please everyone with your photos. The most crucial thing you can do is shoot for yourself—capture your perspectives, the things that inspire you, and always stay true to your authentic vision. Otherwise, you risk getting lost in the crowd. To thrive as a photographer, you must be fully and unapologetically yourself.

Over the past year, I've dived deeper into my photography, finding immense joy in creating and collaborating with friends. One recent shoot stands out—a collaboration with my talented friend Cam Fong, another gifted film photographer. Our combined creative vision, mood boards, and photography background led to some truly unique and remarkable shots. Working with friends in this capacity is both a privilege and an honor.

Rachel Alexandra Captured on Medium Format Film

Cam Fong is an exceptional talent behind the lens, and his ability to capture the essence of someone's personality through the lens is amazing. He delivers images that are as diverse as they are beautiful. If you haven’t checked out his work, you definitely should.

Cam's Portfolio:

@camfong

www.cameronfong.com

I wanted to shoot with Cam because his approach to photography is completely different from mine. Although we both shoot film, he uses different formats and lighting, and he primarily focuses on portraits—a genre I don't have much experience in. We headed to a studio and spent the afternoon with our cameras. It was incredibly insightful to observe someone else's creative process.

Cam suggested we try shooting with projectors, which immediately intrigued me. I always gravitate towards a new challenge or an artsy approach. We played around with different shapes, angles, and lighting setups. Because the photos were being shot on film, we had little idea of how anything would turn out until the film was developed. The photos where we experimented and tested creativity turned out to be my favourites. They were raw, authentic, and truly one of a kind. Cam's vision was beautiful, and I feel so fortunate to have spent an afternoon shooting with him. I cannot wait to see where his photography journey leads him and how this shoot will affect my own creative process in photography.

For me, nature is the ultimate muse. I love capturing the environment in its unedited, raw, and undisturbed form. Most of my work revolves around landscapes, and I primarily use natural light. Even when I shoot products I generally do so with a beautiful landscape background and natural lighting. I feel happiest when I'm immersed in nature, and this authenticity is why I choose to shoot so much of it.

Film photography, in particular, has been a significant part of my creative journey. A film camera was one of the first things I bought myself after graduation. I didn’t know what the future had in store for me and honestly, I still don’t, but I knew that being able to create was going to be part of it in some way, shape, or form. I started shooting anything that I found beautiful, which included mostly photos of either people I love or places I loved. I kept true to this and keep shooting in ebbs and flows. I never put pressure on myself; I only shot when I wanted to, and I only shot what I thought was true to me. I kept photography fun for me. It served as a channel for my creativity rather than an obligation. I constantly played around with camera settings, lenses, and angles, studying how each input or environment would affect how the shot turned out. I began to love the uniqueness of film. There's something magical about the tactile nature of film—the deliberate process of loading the camera, the anticipation of waiting for the developed images, and the unique aesthetic that digital photography often struggles to replicate. Film forces you to slow down, to be intentional with every shot. It teaches patience and mindfulness, as every frame counts.

This past year, my deep dive into film photography has taught me valuable lessons. It has reminded me to embrace imperfections and see them as part of the art. The unpredictable nature of film—the light leaks, the grain, the occasional blur—adds a layer of authenticity and character that I find incredibly inspiring.

Every photographer has their niche, and understanding yours requires experimentation and growth. Let your photography evolve naturally, try different things, and discover what resonates with you. It's a continuous process of learning and self-discovery.

Embrace the journey, shoot what you love, and always stay true to your vision. This is the essence of being a photographer. Whether you're working with digital or film, the most important thing is to find joy in the process and create from the heart. Love Always xx

Rachel Alexandra

@rachelalexandradesigns

Rachel Alexandra on Film

Artsy Photo of Rachel Alexandra

Rachel Alexandra Reflection on Film

Photos Taken by : Cam Fong