009: Notes From Documenting Atlanta on Film for 4 Days During Christmas

What I Learned Documenting Atlanta on Film for 4 Days

Four days, ten rolls of Kodak Tri-X 400, and a whole lot of lessons. This past week, I set out to document Atlanta on film, and let me tell you, not every frame was a winner. Honestly, I’m not even sure how many of the shots will end up being great—or even up to my standards. But that’s not the point. It’s about the reps, getting outside, and documenting the city I love. Here’s what the experience taught me about myself, my process, and Atlanta.

1. The City Always Has a Story to Tell

Atlanta is never boring. On Day 1, I hit the streets downtown the day after Christmas, and it was alive with energy. Tourists were snapping pics, locals were rushing somewhere, and the Olympic rings area felt like the heartbeat of a big city during the holidays. The challenge wasn’t finding something to photograph—it was deciding what to focus on. Atlanta always has something to say if you’re paying attention.

2. Slowing Down Can Be Just as Powerful

Day 2 was slower. I spent most of the day with my wife, and we made a stop at the High Museum. I barely picked up the camera, making just one frame before we went inside. But it didn’t feel like a wasted day. Seeing exhibitions by Kelli Connell, Gordon Parks, and Jamel Shabazz reminded me that photography isn’t just about the images you make—it’s also about the inspiration you soak in along the way. Sometimes, slowing down can give you exactly what you need.

3. Community Makes the Work Richer

Day 3 was all about the homies. Dre, Brandon, and I hit downtown, and it was like a mini workshop. We traded ideas, pushed each other to keep going, and got those reps in. Even if some of the images don’t turn out, the experience of being out there with friends made it worth it. Photography doesn’t always have to be a solo thing—community makes the work richer.

4. Film Developing Is the Ultimate Reset

By Day 4, I didn’t make many new photos, but I spent the evening developing film at home. That’s where everything comes full circle for me. It’s like pressing a reset button. I don’t know what’s on those rolls yet, but the process of developing, seeing what worked (and what didn’t), and holding those negatives in my hand reminds me why I love this craft. It’s humbling and exciting all at once.

5. Film Forces You to Be Intentional

Shooting film means every frame costs you; time, money, effort. You can’t just spray and pray like with digital. And even though I shot ten rolls this week, I know most of those photos won’t make the cut. That’s fine. It’s about the process, the reps, and showing up for the work. Film forces you to think, to see, and to commit. And that’s what makes it special.

Check out my full blog post about 4 Days of Film Photography in Atlanta.

This four-day challenge wasn’t about perfection. It was about getting out there, staying consistent, and reconnecting with the city. Every frame might not be a masterpiece, but every frame taught me something. Atlanta has a way of reminding you why you fell in love with photography in the first place. For me, it’s about the journey, the reps, and always keeping an eye on what’s next. And that’s something I’ll never stop chasing.

007: 4 Days of Film Photography in Atlanta

4 Days of Film Photography in Atlanta

This week, I challenged myself to spend four consecutive days documenting life in Atlanta on film. Each day brought its own rhythm, challenges, and moments worth capturing. Here’s a recap of the journey, along with some of the images I created.

Day 1
I kicked things off downtown the day after Christmas. Despite the holiday hangover, the streets were surprisingly alive with energy—tourists exploring, locals heading back to work, and plenty of interesting characters. I used my Canon EOS-1V loaded with Portra 800 to capture the colors and textures of the city. The size and loud shutter of the camera made me feel more conspicuous, but it also pushed me to engage more intentionally. By the end of the day, I swapped in some Tri-X 400 for that classic black-and-white look and made plans to return over the next few days.

Day 2
Day 2 was slower-paced. Family obligations kept me busy, and I spent most of the day with my wife. However, we made time to visit the High Museum, which always leaves me inspired. Before we walked in, I managed to snap one quick photo outside. Inside, we took in exhibitions by Kelli Connell, Gordon Parks (Giant series), and Jamel Shabazz. Seeing Gordon Parks’ work always strikes a chord—his ability to blend storytelling and activism is unmatched. I included an older photo I took of his work displayed at the High Museum in this post as a tribute.

Day 3 (Saturday)
Downtown Atlanta was buzzing with activity, especially near the Olympic rings. Tons of people were out and about, making the city feel alive and vibrant like a big city during the holidays. I photographed alongside my homies Dre and Brandon, and we spent the day doing a few laps around the area, "getting those reps in" with our cameras. The crowded streets offered endless opportunities to capture the city's energy and character.

Day 4 (Sunday)
Sunday was a quieter day for me creatively. I didn’t make too many images, but I shifted gears and spent time at home developing film. There’s something therapeutic about the process—me, the chemicals, and the anticipation of seeing the results. For those curious about how I develop my film, check out my detailed guide on home film developing.

Final Thoughts
Over these four days, I documented Atlanta with about 10 rolls of Kodak Tri-X 400 film. The challenge was a great way to stay intentional and push myself creatively. Atlanta always has so much to offer, and even in quieter moments, there’s inspiration to be found.