Lizzie Chen

"I started my film photography journey around 15 years ago in college, developing and printing in the darkroom at The University of Texas at Austin.

The 35mm Canon Rebel X my father bought me years ago is still my favorite. There’s sentimental value attached to it, but it's also just a great camera that I’ll never be able to give up.

For portraits, Hasselblad 500 C/M is my go-to camera.

For several years, I’ve taught a history of photography class at Austin Community College.

The first assignment requires students to shoot a roll of film.

That's it, just shoot a roll of film, take photos of

anything you like. It’s always a wonderful experience to see students who have never used a film camera turn in their negatives and share their work with the class. 

As a visual storyteller, film helps me take a more intentional approach to my work. I love the sound of the shutter closing and the film advancing. It’s a great conversation starter with the person I’m photographing and it becomes

a collaboration as well.

After chatting about whatever camera I might be using,

they’re usually more at ease.

Kodak Portra 400 is my favorite film to work with.

The colors that Kodak film produces can’t be recreated by

a digital camera or filter.

Especially Kodak Portra film, it’s my favorite because of the rich and vibrant colors it captures.

Kodak film does it best, translating the beautiful colors I witness into physical memories that I can archive.” 

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