Nothing screams “tourist” quite like an Asian woman wandering the streets with one camera around her neck, a second in her pocket, and another in her hand. Even still, there I was in Mexico City determined to capture everything I could within a three-day time span. I didn’t trust my film photography skills enough to forego the digital camera, but I couldn’t help but use the trip to practice.
Carrying film with me on the plane added to my already high-anxiety levels traveling internationally. I brought a makeup bag filled with Kodak Portra 160, 400, and ColorPlus 200 along with the Contax G2 and Olympus Stylus Epic cameras. The TSA agents in the U.S. airports graciously hand-checked the film at my request, but I didn’t want to risk raising alarms when going through security in Mexico City on the way back.
I had no idea if any of the pictures would turn out decently or not. It helped that both film cameras I brought could be used in an “auto” mode. At one point during the trip, I even told Holden that maybe on our next trip to Havana, I would stick with my Fuji, because it was hard switching back and forth. But then I came home and got the film developed…
To save money, I’ve been getting the film developed at a local photography lab and scanning them at home with my Plustek scanner. It’s a time-consuming process, but it gave me the chance to re-live all the beautiful, colorful moments as I waited for each frame to finish loading. The film photos ended up being my favorite, and I find myself asking the opposite question… should I even bother bringing my digital camera next trip?
Love the pictures my talented daughter! You have a special talent!
Thank you!! So lucky to have such a patient husband who puts up with my constant photo-taking while on vacation hehe.
Hi very nice pics! We’ve been to all the places you have and seeing your pictures brought back memories, thank you for that! I think you prefer film to digital by what you wrote, yes, film has a certain quality to it which is unparalleled by digital. Frida’s house is ttly great! , and so is the whole area! totally beautiful properties, stone walls etc!
I’m leaving my website below it has links also to the youtube channel, with more and more videos every week about beautiful Mexico!
Hi,
So, upon returning from Mexico, did you have trouble requesting a hand inspection for the exposed films? I am traveling by air to MX and wondering if the agents there are as knowledgeable and courteous as the TSA folks.
Cheers!