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.

006: My Personal Notes: A Gameplan for Better Street Photography in 2025

My Personal Journal: A Gameplan for Better Street Photography in 2025

Intro:

Street photography is more than just capturing moments—it's about telling stories, connecting with the world around me, and finding beauty in the everyday. These are the notes I’m jotting down for myself to stay sharp, inspired, and intentional as I continue documenting life through my lens.

1. Keep It Simple

Stan, don’t overthink the gear. You’ve got the Leica M5 for that classic feel and the Canon EOS-1V when you need versatility. Focus on the story you’re trying to tell and not the tech in your hand.

2. Walk the Streets First

Before pulling out the camera, take a lap. Get a feel for the light, the movement, and the energy of the place. Downtown Atlanta always surprises you with its layers—look closer.

3. Chase the Light

Remember how light transforms everything? Use it. And those overcast days? Perfect for emphasizing textures and shadows. You know how the city breathes differently depending on the time of day.

4. Stay Patient

The moments will come. Watch how people move, and let the story unfold. Don’t rush it—good street photography is more about observing than snapping away.

5. Blend In, Always

Be a part of the scene, not an intruder. Keep your movements subtle, your energy low-key. The less you stand out, the more authentic the moments you’ll capture.

6. Layer the Frame

Work on composition. Foreground, subject, background—you know how these elements make the image sing. Keep practicing.

7. Embrace Awkwardness

You’ve been here before. Standing in the middle of a street or crouching for a shot might feel weird, but it’s worth it. Confidence builds with every frame.

8. Develop Your Mood

Film or digital, post-processing is where you add your voice. Lean into what feels right—those gritty tones from Kodak Tri-X always bring that timeless, soulful vibe. Keep experimenting.

9. Respect the Space

These streets and the people on them have their own stories. Be mindful. If someone’s uncomfortable, move on. Keep it human.

10. Share the Work

Don’t keep it all to yourself. Write it down, post it, or print it. Share why you created these images—your story matters as much as the photo.

This is my plan, my reminder to stay grounded and intentional in my work. Street photography is about being present, observing the world, and letting it shape the way I create. Here’s to another year of documenting life—one frame at a time.