Film cameras are making an unexpected comeback, experiencing a revival in popularity among teenagers and young adults. Vintage cameras like the Nikon F3, Canon AE-1, and Pentax K1000 that were collecting dust in basements are now selling like hot cakes on auction sites and at vintage shops. But this analog resurgence faces challenges around film scarcity and cost.

Retailers specializing in used camera equipment have seen film camera sales jump 50 in the last year, driven by interest from a new wave of enthusiasts in their late teens and 20s. Entire subcultures have emerged on Instagram and TikTok devoted to shooting with film and sharing photos. Grainy, retro-looking shots typed with the #filmisnotdead hashtag have over 25 million posts. Young creators are leveraging apps to edit scans of their developed prints with faded, vintage effects.

But just as film demand is hitting fever pitch, supply constraints threaten to derail the comeback. Manufacturers scaled back film production over the last decade as digital dominated. Fujifilm, one of the last major film producers, has been unable to fulfill orders amid global raw material shortages.

Five years ago, a roll of Fujifilm Superia X-Tra consumer film cost around $5 Today, the same roll goes for $15-$20, if you can find it in stock. For teen photographers on budgets, these exponentially higher costs present major barriers.

Camera shops in Japan hope to see eventual market equilibrium as manufacturers invest in ramping up film output again, but they aren’t convinced the revival will last forever. In the meantime, demand seems likely to be dampened if supplies stay low and pricing remains stratospheric.

Yet, even at lower volumes, film retains devotees drawn to its visual appeal and hands-on experience. The film camera resurgence may fade when the novelty wears off for less dedicated enthusiasts. But for now, the format is enjoying a resurgence.

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As influencers and amateur photographers increasingly use gyms as backdrops for photoshoots and workout videos, health clubs across the UK are starting to fight back. Citing concerns around privacy, safety, and disruption to other members, major chains like Virgin Active, PureGym, and Fitness First have begun implementing restrictions on filming and photography within their facilities.  

The trend of filming gym content for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms has grown exponentially in recent years. But gym-goers focused on their workouts often don’t realize or consent to being included in the background of these photos and videos. And elaborate lighting setups and tripods on the floor can create hazardous conditions. 

Pure Muscles Gym in Walthamstow, London instituted a weekend ban on tripods after constant issues. Virgin Active states they will ask members to delete concerning images, and Fitness First insists anyone potentially photographed or filmed must explicitly consent.

According to fitness instructor Erin Blakely, who has worked with major national gym chains:

Safety is an obvious concern; equipment on the floor can be hazardous. Beyond that, the distraction factor is significant. There’s a tendency to concentrate more on getting the ideal footage than on the workout.

The problem spans from casual gym-goers wanting to post their fitness journeys to professional influencers and trainers relying on gym content to build their followings. But personal trainer James Dixon argues their takeovers of facilities cross a line. “When they take over the gym for their videos, it’s not cool,” he said. “Filming long workouts during busy times and hogging equipment ruins the experience for others.”

Controversial incidents have drawn negative attention to the issue, like body shaming or “gym creep” videos posted publicly. While gyms tell creators to get consent, in practice, this rarely happens in the heat of the moment. “In an environment like a gym, where people are focused on their own bodies and personal growth, being unknowingly filmed can feel particularly invasive,” Blakely explained. 

The ideal middle ground gyms aim for is allowing personal photos and videos, while prohibiting disruptive shoots involving extensive equipment and inconsiderate content creation. Some facilities are exploring designating specific filming areas. “It lets people avoid cameras if they want and balances things out,” Dixon said.

But fitness professionals who rely on gym shoots to promote their brands argue the limitations hurt their livelihoods. “You might have an incident in a club and then have a blanket ruling of no one being allowed to film,” said Dave Readle of the HIIT Company training platform. He contends social media clips are the best advertising for instructors facing class cancellations. 

Hobbyist creators pursuing viral content often underestimate the disruptions they cause. As policies evolve, gyms and other facilities are seeking balances that allow personalized filming while blocking intrusive productions. 

Mastering Studio-Quality Photography: Modern Techniques for Every Photographer

Description: Elevate your photography skills with our guide to crafting studio-quality shots. Explore the latest techniques and tips that will help photographers of all levels create stunning images.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these modern methods will take your photography to the next level.

Crafting Studio-Quality Shots: Modern Techniques for Every Photographer

In the ever-evolving world of photography, pursuing studio-quality shots has become an art form. Gone are the days when such mastery was limited to a few professionals.

Today, with the knowledge and equipment, every photographer can craft studio-quality shots that rival the work of experts. This article will explore modern techniques that have made this possible, helping you elevate your photography game and capture stunning images that leave a lasting impression.

Choosing the Equipment

The fundamental building block of achieving studio-quality photography hinges on your meticulous equipment selection.

While the camera nestled within your smartphone undoubtedly can capture impressive imagery, delving into the realm of high-quality cameras and lenses can herald a transformative difference in your photographic journey.

These precision instruments allow you to exercise exacting control over many elements within your frame, encompassing factors such as depth of field and exposure.

Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that your photographic arsenal extends beyond the camera alone. Tripods, for instance, offer a stable platform that significantly diminishes the likelihood of unsightly camera shake, ensuring razor-sharp images.

Meanwhile, lighting equipment and meticulously curated backdrops form the foundation for creating a controlled environment conducive to studio photography.

As you embark on this equipment-acquisition odyssey, conducting thorough research and prudently considering your budget are indispensable practices. Each piece of gear you invest in is a pivotal contribution to advancing your photographic craft.

Mastering Lighting

Distinguishing between amateur and professional photographers usually boils down to their mastery of the intricate dance of light in photography. The importance of lighting in the studio photography domain cannot be overstated.

It serves as the keystone for crafting images that are striking and resonate deeply with viewers. For professional studio photographers, effectively manipulating light is an art form. They use softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors to add lighting effects to photos, thus elevating their quality to a new level.

Consider softboxes, which are virtuosos at generating soft, uniform lighting that banishes harsh shadows and ensures the photographer’s aesthetic brilliance remains undisturbed.

On the other hand, Umbrellas shine as versatile light diffusers, artfully dispersing and enhancing the inherent beauty of light. Reflectors, a valuable asset in a photographer’s toolkit, step in to redirect and amplify light toward the subject, skillfully eradicating shadows and endowing images with an authentic, luminous radiance.

Unlocking the full potential of lighting is an art form in itself. Aspiring photographers are encouraged to embark on a journey of experimentation with many lighting configurations.

This exploration encompasses different angles, distances, and lighting combinations. Delving into these facets will unearth the precise mood and contrast needed to infuse life into your composition.

Composition and Framing

Once you have the equipment and lighting in place, it’s time to focus on composition and framing. Composition is arranging elements within the frame to create a visually pleasing image.

Techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry can help you compose captivating shots. Framing involves using elements within the scene to draw attention to your subject and add depth.

Remember that rules are meant to be broken in art, but understanding these principles will give you a solid foundation to work from. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of framing and composing your shots for maximum impact.

Post-Processing and Editing

In today’s digital era, the realm of photography is greatly influenced by post-processing and editing techniques, which wield a significant impact on achieving studio-quality shots.

Leveraging powerful software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Luminar Neo, photographers can refine their images by employing cutting-edge tools like color settings, framing or AI remove background for an elevated touch.

However, a delicate balance must be maintained throughout the editing process to preserve the authenticity of your photographs. It’s easy to fall into the trap of overediting, which can create images that appear unnaturally enhanced.

To embark on the editing journey, you should initiate the process by addressing minor imperfections in your photographs. Subsequently, focus on tasks like color correction and sharpening to enhance the overall visual appeal.

Always bear in mind that subtle refinements often yield the most pleasing results. The primary objective of editing should be to accentuate the innate beauty of your image rather than obscuring it with excessive alterations.

Practicing and Refining Your Skills

Becoming proficient in studio-quality photography is a challenging endeavor. It requires practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn from successes and failures. Consider joining photography communities, attending workshops, or seeking feedback and constructive criticism from fellow photographers.

Conclusion

Crafting studio-quality shots is within reach for every photographer. By choosing the right equipment, mastering lighting, understanding composition and framing, and using post-processing techniques wisely, you can elevate your photography skills to the next level.

The key is to practice, refine, and never stop learning. With determination and an artistic eye, you can capture images that captivate and inspire, making your mark in photography.

Stress fractures are a harsh reality for distance runners. It happens all the time. It happened to Xavier Gallo, a member of The University of Toledo’s men’s cross country team, while he was training for the 2021 season. Facing months of rehab, Gallo decided to make the most of his time on the sideline.

“I still really wanted to be a part of the team but, since I was injured, I couldn’t run for eight to 10 weeks,” said Gallo, a native of Dublin, Ohio. “So, I started coming to practice and taking photos.”

It was through documenting his teammates’ activities that Gallo discovered a passion for photography. When word spread that there was a capable photographer on the cross country team, Gallo was tabbed to photograph the 2021 Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championship for the Toledo Athletic Department. He also shot some Toledo football games that fall. His photos turned out to be excellent and were used on social media and the UT Athletic Department’s website.

Heather Lutz, UT’s associate athletic director for marketing, was impressed by Gallo’s work and hired him as a marketing intern in 2022. Gallo’s first official assignment as an intern was the 2022 football home opener.

“Xavier did a great job of capturing the experience of Toledo football, the big plays as well as the emotion of athletes and coaches,” Lutz said. “He did a tremendous job of telling the story of Toledo Football.”

Gallo parlayed that experience into an internship with a Michigan-based company, all the while still interning at UT. He soon discovered that the corporate life was not for him.

“I got the internship through a job fair here on campus,” said Gallo, a double major in marketing and entrepreneurship and innovation in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation. “It was the kind of business where employees wore suits and ties and worked a traditional 9-to-5 shift.”

Gallo had no such concerns about creative freedom in his position at UToledo. He expanded his role into shooting and editing videos and found he had a knack for it. He created the 2021-22 and 2022-23 highlight videos that were played at the annual Rocket Awards reception. He felt as though the first video was slightly rushed so he spent extra hours compiling footage for the second video.

“I ended up putting in about 17 hours into sorting through and editing footage for the 2022-23 video,” said Gallo. “It was a lot of fun, and it’s something I’m most proud of.”

Gallo has worked with almost every sport at UT, taking photos and videos that are used on social media, graphics and emails. He also has a few other projects in the works, including a documentary focusing on the Toledo men’s cross country team, and a video recapping his work at the University. After graduation next spring, he plans to continue creating videos, either as a freelancer or with an agency.

In addition to working as a marketing intern, Gallo also is involved in the Launchpad Student Section. He took over the role of president in January 2022. As president, Gallo has contributed to an increase in student attendance at UT football and basketball games and helped grow a larger social media presence for the organization. He also works closely with the Athletic Marketing Department and administration to coordinate student tailgates.

After sitting out the men’s cross country team 2021 season so his stress fracture could heal, Gallo returned to competition in 2022.

Gallo’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“The Launchpad has undergone significant improvements in the last year since Xavier became president,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair. “I have no idea how he balances all this while being an excellent student and Division I athlete, but we are extremely fortunate to have him.”

“He has a huge passion for The University of Toledo,” said Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Andrea Grove-McDonough. “He’s a creative guy. There is no doubt he’s going places.”

Even though Gallo’s interests diverted his attention away from his sport, he still sees cross country as an important part of his life. After sitting out the 2021 season so his stress fracture could heal, Gallo returned to competition in 2022. He ran in four races in 2022, clocking a PR of 27:09.9 at Notre Dame’s Joe Piane Invitational, and also competed this fall.

“I had to get back to the physical state of being a runner,” Gallo said. “Eventually it came back. It was just tough to get there. It’s been a tricky time, but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to run with my guys again.”

Even though Gallo does not score among the team’s top runners, he has made an oversized impact on the cross country program and the Athletic Department overall.

“Xavier is one of those glue pieces in terms of culture, just an all-around great guy who is respected by his teammates,” said Grove-McDonough. “When you can’t necessarily make the same impact athletically as the number-one runner but you find a way to make an impact anyway, that’s something special. Xavier has that.”

A photography exhibition depicting “the diverse facets of Korean life” since the 1990s will kick off Saturday at the Center for Creative Photography (CCP) in Arizona.
 
Titled “Wonders and Witness: Contemporary Photography from Korea,” the exhibition was co-organized by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the CCP.
 
The CCP is located in the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus and is home to some 110,000 works of famed American photographers.
 
It is the CCP’s first exhibition on Korean photography.
 
The photographs, by 12 Korean photographers, are from the MMCA’s collection and touch on subjects including literature, sociology, economy, and religion.
  

The Center for Creative Photography in Arizona is pictured. [MMCA]

The 12 photographers include Gwon Do-yeon, Kim Ok-sun, Kim Seung-gu, Kim Tae-dong and Lee Sun-min.
 
Descriptions on the photographs will be available in Korean, English and Spanish.
 
There will also be a symposium on Korean photography and public talks with the artists on Saturday and Sunday.
 
“Wonders and Witness: Contemporary Photography from Korea” continues until Jan. 27 next year. 
 
For more information, visit the CCP’s website.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]