Shawn Michael Pridgen @ShawnMPridgen is a photographer originally from San Clemente, California currently living in South Shore, Chicago. Images shot on #portra400 and #tmax400.
"I am the founder of Photographers of Colour—a community-based organization committed to amplifying the voices, imagery, and storytelling of marginalized creators. P.OC (pending L3C status), is a social venture dedicated to celebrating photography and uplifting diverse voices with limited access to resources; we create and cultivate a creative safe space for those whose stories are untold. Our mission is to empower photographers with tools of the industry, educate aspiring photographers with technical training and mentorship, and elevate those disenfranchised and excluded creatives in the photography community. My work has been published in Harper’s, The Guardian, Outside, The Washington Post, and INQUE Magazine, and my work has appeared in the #ICPConcerned: Global Images for Crisis exhibition in Manhattan, NY.
I was awarded an artist residency for March, with Flat Iron Studios @Flatironstudio in Wicker Park, Chicago. While completing my residency, I took advantage of the opportunity to practice shooting portraits as much as possible, inviting friends, family, and models to come and collaborate with me… it was a beautiful experience and my friends showed up for me on short notice for me to practice my craft. Amena, my dear friend whom I captured in these images, let me just explore and practice capturing her essence and beauty; she is not one to let many take pictures of her, but I was grateful for the opportunity to show and create images of her that celebrated both her inner and outer beauty." - Shawn
Ryan Warner @filmadrift is a photographer from Chico, California. Images shot on #portra400 and #ektar100.
"I began shooting film at the end of 2021 and it quickly began my main choice for creating photographs while on my travels. Landscapes are my primary focus, but I also love capturing small towns and urban areas. Using colors and textures to showcase the beauty of the places I visit." - Ryan
Christian Paul @christianpaul.film is a photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Images shot on #portra400, #portra160, #portra800 and #ektar100.
"Ever since I was young I have always loved being outside and in the mountains. Living in Salt Lake the mountain access is too convenient and I often find myself hiking whenever I get the chance. Film photography lets me capture these beautiful places I go without missing the moment, and I'm able to create images that are more unique than I was ever capable of with a digital camera." - Christian
Ashley @film.byash is a photographer from St. Paul, Minnesota. Images shot on #colorplus200, #portra400, #ultramax400, #gold200 and #ektar100.
"I was the annoying yearbook kid in school that was always taking photos of people and fun moments. I brought my Sony cyber-shot everywhere I went from the age of 10. That turned into a passion for landscape and nature photography in college and film later on. Everyone who has shot with a film camera knows there's something special about it. I'm obsessed with the unique characteristics of every image on film.
These photos were all taken in Minnesota, United States. Yes, there are cool landscapes in Minnesota!" - Ashley