When my friend Charlie, owner of Synch Tec, reached out about photographing his new winter hat catalog, I was all in – but with one condition: we’d shoot on 35mm Kodak film. I believe there’s a unique magic that film brings to brand photography, especially for small brands looking to stand out with authentic analog imagery.
The Creative Process – From Warm & Moody to Clean & Minimal
Our original idea was to go for a warm, moody, sunlit aesthetic. But as we brainstormed, we ended up pivoting entirely to a clean, bright white backdrop. This unexpected shift added a fun challenge, especially since achieving a seamless white background on film isn’t as straightforward as with digital photography and flash.
Typically, a white backdrop shoot calls for flash, but I’ve yet to master flash for film, so I decided to rely on video lights instead. We set up two Aputure 600D lights and a 300D to bring the backdrop to life, with a 60D as a rim light for added depth. To my surprise, this setup worked beautifully to keep the shadows soft and balanced while maintaining that distinct film texture.
The Technical Choices: Film, Lighting, and Exposure
For the shoot, I used CineStill 400D film, pushed 1 stop to 800 ISO. This allowed me to shoot with a faster shutter speed, primarily around f/5.6, which offered excellent depth when capturing two subjects. This exposure choice gave me the flexibility I needed to keep details sharp and focus precise – something that’s crucial for commercial 35mm photography.
In addition to the catalog photos, I captured a bit of behind-the-scenes magic on Super 16mm film. You can check out the BTS video bellow. I think it perfectly encapsulates the collaborative energy Charlie and I brought to this shoot.
Ready to Bring Your Brand to Life on 35mm Film?
If you’re a brand looking to incorporate analog film photography into your marketing, let’s collaborate! I love working with small brands who want to add a vintage, timeless feel to their visuals. Whether it’s commercial 35mm photography, Super 8mm/Super 16mm film video, or analog portrait photoshoots with a modern twist, let’s make something extraordinary.
I’m a photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California, with a passion for bringing unique stories to life on film. Let’s connect and create something unforgettable for your brand.
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