My First Time Using the Rollei 35 at a Cape May Wedding

In 2024, I had the chance to film a wedding in Cape May and decided to bring along my Rollei 35 for some still photography on Kodak Ultramax 400. It was my first time using this compact yet tricky camera, and the results surprised me in the best way.

The Rollei 35, as some of you may know, is a scale-focus camera with a built-in meter. Unfortunately, mine is broken, which meant I had to rely entirely on my eye to measure exposure and guestimate distances for focus. It felt like stepping back in time, connecting with the fundamentals of photography in a way that’s so easy to forget with today’s modern gear.

Cape May’s soft, natural light was forgiving, and Ultramax 400’s latitude helped cover my inexperience. I commend myself for managing to get exposure fairly spot-on for most of the shots—a feat that felt like a small victory each time I saw the results. Focus was another challenge entirely, but after a few tries, I started to get the hang of estimating distances accurately. The Rollei’s compact design and manual operation demanded patience, but it also forced me to slow down and frame with intention.

During the day, we stepped outside with the couple to capture some quiet, intimate moments by the beach. Some standout shots included a breezy portrait of the bride adjusting her earrings and a veil-draped kiss on the sand. For a scale-focus camera, I had more keepers than I anticipated—something that’s testament to the forgiving nature of Ultramax 400 and perhaps a little luck on my part.

Reviewing these shots felt like peeling back a layer of nostalgia. There’s a distinct character to Ultramax that paired well with the timeless feel of Cape May. The colors were vibrant yet soft, and the grain added a charming texture that’s hard to replicate with digital. Holding the Rollei and carefully advancing each frame brought a sense of satisfaction that went beyond the final image.

I walked away from that wedding with a newfound appreciation for film photography and for trusting myself. While the Rollei 35 may not replace my primary gear, it has certainly earned a spot as a creative companion. Cape May’s timeless beauty and the joy of this couple’s wedding made for the perfect introduction to this little powerhouse of a camera.

To anyone hesitant to try a fully manual camera, I’d say go for it. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy the challenge and the results. Here’s to more adventures with the Rollei 35 and more stories told one frame at a time.

A Day Trip to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard: Exploring on Film

Sometimes the simplest plans turn into the most memorable adventures. My recent trip to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard with my youngest child was one of those days. What started as a quick run to pick up their famed pumpkin cheesecake and apple pie turned into a delightful exploration of their pumpkin patch—and an opportunity to capture the moment on film.

Armed with my Nikon F3 and a 50mm 1.2 lens, I loaded up on Kodak Ultramax 400 film, overexposing it by one stop to get those warm, vibrant tones. The result was a series of images that beautifully captured the autumn hues, the crispness of the day, and the rustic charm of the farm.

The Pumpkin Patch Adventure

After securing our desserts, my daughter and I wandered through the pumpkin patch. Rows of pumpkins sat basking in the autumn sun, their bright orange hues contrasting with the soft blue sky. The patch itself was dotted with charming features like a little pumpkin house and rows of sunflowers gently swaying in the breeze.

One of my favorite shots from the day is of the rustic "Pumpkin Patch" sign standing tall amidst the sea of orange. Another captures the intricate details of a hut constructed entirely of pumpkins—a whimsical and creative touch that delighted my daughter. These little touches made our stroll feel magical, turning an ordinary errand into an extraordinary outing.

Capturing the Atmosphere on Film

The Nikon F3 paired with the 50mm lens provided just the right amount of depth and clarity to bring these scenes to life. Ultramax 400’s forgiving nature with overexposure helped highlight the soft autumn light that painted every corner of the farm. Each frame tells its own story—from the picnic tables waiting to host families to the sunflowers holding onto the last bits of their bloom.

A Sweet Ending

After our walk, we headed home with our pumpkin cheesecake and apple pie in tow. While the desserts were the original reason for the trip, the memories made wandering through the pumpkin patch were the real treasures of the day. Looking back at the photos, I’m reminded of how a simple day can become something much more meaningful—especially when viewed through the lens of a camera.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is a place worth visiting, whether for their delectable treats or for the charming experiences waiting around every corner. And if you’re a film photographer like me, it’s a dream setting to capture the essence of autumn.

Timeless Romance: Danielle & Joseph’s Elegant Tarrytown Engagement Session

Central Park Engagement Sessions: From Snapshots to Love Stories

Hey There!

I'm reaching out to all couples with an offer to capture your love story, just as I've captured the world around me, from the days of disposable cameras to the professional realms of film and digital photography.

My Journey to Film Photography

My journey began as that kid in the family, always with a disposable, 35mm camera in hand, snapping away at family gatherings and everyday moments. As I grew, so did my passion and my tools. I upgraded to an SLR, capturing the world through a more refined lens, documenting life's unfolding stories. Now, I have the privilege of documenting love stories, combining the timeless elegance of film with the versatility of digital photography.

Exclusive Central Park Offer

To share my passion for authentic storytelling, I'm offering free engagement sessions in Central Park, shot on 35mm and 120mm film. This is your chance to have your moments turned into art, reminiscent of the classic snapshots that started my journey. If you're looking for more, upgrade to include a full session with digital images for just $400. This offer is valid until June 1st, 2024.

A Glimpse into a Recent Session

Just recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a couple's laughter and love among the November leaves of Central Park. The session was a beautiful blend of candid moments and scenic backdrops, all captured through the lens that started my journey. Here's a sneak peek:

Book Your Session

Interested in creating some magic together? Let's get you booked! Fill out the inquiry form below. Whether you're ready to dive right in or have a few questions, I'm here for it all.

Photography has been my journey from capturing simple family moments to celebrating love in its grandest forms. Every couple's story is a new chapter in this journey, and I can't wait to tell yours. So, let's make those moments last forever, one snapshot at a time.

Unveiling NYC Free Film Engagement Sessions Giveaway: Celebrate Love with Nostalgia!

With a heart swelling with excitement and gratitude, I’m ecstatic to announce a giveaway that intertwines love, nostalgia, and the magic of New York City (NYC): A Free Film Engagement Session Giveaway!

Why Film Photography? A Nostalgic Affair:

Film photography exudes a timeless, irresistible charm, offering a tangible piece of memory with each shot. In today’s digital era, film brings back the romance of anticipating each developed frame, providing a unique, nostalgic experience to treasure.

Giving Back with Gratitude: Free Engagement Sessions:

This giveaway is my heartfelt thank you to the inspiring NYC community that has continuously supported my journey as a wedding photographer. Each month, for the next six months, a lucky couple will enjoy a free engagement session, celebrating their love through the vintage allure of film photography.

How to Participate in NYC’s Film Engagement Session Giveaway:

Entering is a breeze! Simply drop a Direct Message (DM) on instagram (@rich_photo_video) or fill out my inquiry form sharing your interest in an engagement session. Your love, set against the iconic NYC skyline, deserves to be captured in the authentic, timeless medium of film.

NYC Exclusive: Crafting Memories in The Big Apple:

Crafted exclusively for New York couples, these engagement sessions are designed to reflect the city’s vibrant energy and romantic ambiance. If NYC is the backdrop of your love story, don’t miss this chance to snag a session that's both free and uniquely yours!

Anticipating the delightful love stories unfolding in the coming months, this Film Engagement Session Giveaway is all about celebrating love, nostalgia, and the undeniable energy of New York City. Send those DMs and let’s embark on a journey crafting beautiful, film-captured memories together!

Filmic Thursday: Kodak Max 400 | Brighton Beach