If you’ve ever seen me photograph a wedding, or if you’ve followed my Instagram feed for any amount of time, you know that I like to shoot several styles of cameras. The most popular camera for wedding photography is very likely the DSLR style camera. However, if you were to do a search on Flickr at the time I’m writing this (one of the world’s largest photo sharing websites) the Apple iPhone 6 is actually the most popular camera sharing photos online right now. That kinda surprised me, although I guess the best and most used camera is the one you always have on you. 

Like many, I definitely use my camera phone a ton. And like most, I tend to lean on the ‘normal’ DSLR system for my work as a professional photographer. But I certainly don’t stop there. Like many of my best friends in the industry, I started shooting cameras when film ruled the world. And because of that foundation, I still really LOVE shooting film. Maybe because it’s a bit more nostalgic than any other reason, but I still really enjoy shooting it.

I love switching up systems, trying new brands, and experimenting with off-brand lenses and gear – but there is one system I will never part with, and will always try to utilize in my shoots. My old trusty Mamiya RZ67. I won’t go into huge detail here and now about the 6×7 or 6×6 medium format system. I won’t try to sell you on medium format film, or why my favorite film lab in the world is the only one you should use. I won’t try to explain why I’m still shooting on discontinued instant film that costs an INSANE amount of money.

But I will DEFINITELY show you a mini series I’ve been working on, called

#THROUGHTHEMAMIYA

Now first off, I need to make sure you know, these images were pulled from my Instagram feed, so if you’re look at these on a gigantic desktop computer, the resolution might be a little rough.

What this series is, and what it means to me:

I address every photography session with one question in mind: “How can I capture the feeling we’re all feeling right now?” And the answer to that question determines which camera system I decide to use, if I’m going to shoot film or not, and even how I eventually edit my images. Sure, I’ve got some favorite cameras or lenses that I prefer, but the most important goal of mine is to make sure I use what ever tool is at my disposal to help capture the story and feeling my clients are experiencing. And sometimes, that includes my beautiful Mamiya RZ67. 

Truthfully, I can’t always bring this gigantic camera system to every session. And sometimes, the situation just doesn’t present it self; I’m not the type of photographer to force a pose just for the pose’s sake. But this Analog-meets-Digital experience is almost always a crowd pleasure, and a great opportunity for me to ignite the same passion for photography I have, in my clients as well.

One of my very favorite things to do is to take this photograph, and immediately take the composed image with instant film. I usually hand the photo over to the couple and wait to see their reaction, the image coming to life, on paper, right before their eyes. The experience is just shy of magic every time, and honestly, it reminds me a lot of the reason I started taking photos of people in the first place. I love seeing the joy that a well timed photograph can bring someone. 

I hope you enjoyed the small series. There are many more if you follow me on Instagram and search for the hashtag, #throughthemamiya. Expect a lot more to be made over the coming years.

If you want to get your OWN #throughthemamiya photo, contact me today and we can set up a photography session. I would love to share this with you! And let me know what your favorite image is above, I can tell it’s bigger story in the comments below!