How and when did you start doing photography?
I never thought I’d get in to photography. I mostly painted and wrote poetry. It was during a dry spell in my poetry, that I took up photography. That was about 4 years ago. I started out digital, but i move up the scale to medium and large format film. I am currently experimenting with 5X7 photography.

What inspires your photography?
There are so many things to photograph, but I quickly found my niche photographing people. I started out doing candid street photography, but when I moved into medium and large format, I zeroed in on environmental portraiture.

Why do you still shoot film?
I love look and feel of film, the subtle tonality and velvety texture of Tri-X and the porcelain smoothness of T-Max. Of course, I love the hyper-resolution of large format film and the depth and range of skin tones.

Who are your favourite photographers?
Cartier Bresson, Vivian Maier, Diane Arbus, Bruce Gilden, Richard Avedon, Weegee and the list goes on.

What are your favourite camera’s to shoot with?
I use a Plaubel Makina 670, with a fast Nikkor 80/2.8 lens, for medium format.

I started using a Crown Graphic 4X5 camera for large format, but I now have two custom Polaroid 4X5 conversion cameras, one with a Xenotar 135/3.5 lens and I just received another Polaroid 4X5 camera for my Sironar S 150 lens. These Polaroid 4X5 conversions cameras are at least 2.5lbs lighter than a Crown Graphic and are probably the lightest lightest option for 4X5 rangefinder photography.

I also have two 5X7 camera, a Speed Graphic and a K.B. Canham Wood. I use a Sironar S 210 on my 5X7 cameras.

What is your favourite film to work with?
Basically, Tri-X and T-Max. I have also used Efke 120 film until they expired. I mostly shoot Black and White.

How and when did you start doing photography?
My father was a photographer, and he put a camera in my hands when I was very young. I’ve been taking photos for a long time, although I’ve only really recently tried to be more disciplined and serious about it. When I mean serious I just mean that I’m making more of an effort to take beautiful photos, instead of merely cataloging my day.

What inspires your photography?
I’ve really taken mostly street and portrait photos. And most
of the time, I’ve been guided by the image of the solitary. Or things being themselves, unmolested by their surroundings. One of my favourite photographers, Nguan, said “when you’re lonely you start to look for other lonely people, and I see them everywhere I go.” It’s the same thing for me, exactly. Look at all these lonely people and lonely things. But look at how beautiful they are, just being there, existing. I really find value in photographing images that people pass by without a
second look. I’ve always been guided by the value of
empathy.

Why do you still shoot film?
I have no sentimental reason for it. It’s honestly a practical choice. I can’t afford a high end DSLR that markets by the thousands. My Nikon FG gives me quality images for much cheaper, even if people might say getting a digital camera has more value in the long run, I don’t really think so. I’ve done
the math.

Who are your favourite photographers?
Nguan, Mariam Sitchinava, Prue Stent, and my eternal favourite, Paolo Roversi.

What are your favourite camera’s to shoot with?
I only shoot with one camera, which is my Nikon FG. I’m exceedingly loyal. Or stubborn, whichever way you take it.

What is your favourite film to work with?
I only use Fujifilm Superia 200 now. I’ve used other films but Superia is my favourite because of the colors. The reds really pop! It makes me heady whenever I look at them.

Do you think film photography has a future?
Maybe, but even if it doesn’t we’re having a beautiful time
with it right now.

You can see more of Diana’s work on her website Verkur

How and when did you start doing photography?
It all started in 2008 when I chanced upon lomography and found how interesting it was to produce pictures that truly brought out character and colours! The tagline “shoot from the hip!” made me curious too. My first ever film camera was this Robot-3 toy camera that I bought at one of those random shops that sells all the little knick knacks.

What inspires your photography?
I am inspired by the things that I surround myself with. Positive vibes and smiles of my loved ones always makes me want to take picture of them. I think nature and people on the streets are beautiful too so I try my best to capture those things the best way that I can.

Why do you still shoot film?
Tangibility. Also, I like how you have to do everything manually – from inserting the film, rewinding, setting everything on your own, to even sending the film to the film shop! Haha.

What are your favourite camera’s to shoot with?
Nikon FM3a, Zenit 122k and my trusty Olympus mju ii!

What is your favourite film to work with?
Hands down, it has got to be the Kodak Portra 400.

Do you think film photography has a future?
I believe so! I feel like more people are open to the beauty of film and as long as there are people who are still taking pictures on film, it will have a future.

You can see more of Iffa’s photos go check out her blog a Certain Disposition