29 Nov 21st-Nov 27th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | FRI 11/22 SAT 11/23 TUE 11/26 WED 11/27 THUR 11/21 SCOTT H. BIRAM WITH HOOTEN HALLERS, MUDD & GOLD DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 8:00PM THE SURFRAJETTES WITH 3LH DOORS: 6:30PM | SHOW: 7:00PM JASON RICCI & THE BAD KIND DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 8:00PM LISA MITTS BAND DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 8:00PM JIMI PRIMETIME SMITH / BOB CORRITORE BLUES BAND WITH WITH BRIAN FAHEY, YAHNI RILEY, JOHNNY RAPP DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 8:00PM Freeze Frame Phoenix Film Revival keeps old-school camera techniques alive. BY MR. P-BODY F ilm photography is in the midst of a resurgence. The surging demand for film and non-digital cameras is partly due to nostalgia, but also aesthetics: The crisp imagery produced by digital sensors can lack unique or inspiring visuals. It’s no wonder that we began to apply cool vintage filters to our smartphone pics. Daniel Iannaccone has been on the film bandwagon long before the recent trend. As creator of Phoenix Film Revival, a dark- room lab and photo studio on Grand Avenue, he’s quick to say, “Imitation is the strongest form of flattery. Be real, get the real thing, shoot film instead.” His wife and partner, Stacy Iannaccone, agrees. She defines the organization’s mission by saying, “Our primary goal is to keep analog film photography accessible and alive. We aspire to create a community where enthusiasts and beginners can learn, share and discover.” PFR is operating with the community in mind, providing education and equip- ment for all things film including devel- oping and printing. They also produce their own podcast on subjects such as re-creating the drive-thru film-developing Fotomat concept. Even the couple’s love story is based in photography. Daniel, born and raised in Phoenix, recalls, “I met Stacy after she signed up for one of the film processing workshops. I got to know Stacy more through such meetups and eventually found my love for film competing with my love for her.” Confirming that cameras played Cupid, Stacy adds, “Film photography 100% brought us together. One of my friends recommended that I check out Phoenix Film Revival. I signed up for a film processing workshop with Dan, only to find myself coming back frequently for open lab hours. As time passed, friendship turned into love. The Darkroom is an extraordinary place to connect with others. So far, we’ve had one marriage and one engagement happen because of the lab. It’s amazing how a shared passion and a creative space can bring people together unexpectedly and meaningfully.” Bringing people together is an impor- tant aspect of Phoenix Film Revival. “Education and community are impor- tant to us,” Daniel explains. “If it wasn’t for the film community, I wouldn’t know what I do now. I feel it important to share what I know with others.” When asked to make suggestions when it comes to choosing a suitable camera to begin one’s journey into shooting on film, Stacy offers practical advice without respect to any particular brand. “When buying a film camera, it’s crucial to examine the camera in your hands phys- ically. Ensure that all the parts are intact, and inspect the lens for any signs of haze or fungus that could impact image quality. Check that none of the dials or advance levers are stuck, and thoroughly test the camera’s shutter mechanism. Buying non- tested film cameras online might seem like a budget-friendly option, but it’s a gamble that may not pay off. Film cameras are deceptively intricate on the inside, and finding replacement parts can be chal- lenging or even impossible. Repair costs may exceed the camera’s value, making it an unwise investment.” Daniel mentions what many consider to be the quintessential vintage camera: “A simple Pentax K1000 is the perfect place to start your journey in film photography. They are an easy camera to operate, can take a beating and used to be the go-to for schools. Film can be an expensive hobby and it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to save money and continue enjoying taking pictures on film.” According to Stacy, “Avoid splurging on an expensive camera assuming that a higher price tag guarantees better photos. The key is to discover your style and shooting preferences ... I must admit I’m not much of a gear enthusiast, so I firmly believe that it’s the photographer, not the camera. The photographer’s vision, skill and passion play a larger part than the equipment they use.” If you don’t own a 35mm camera, PFR provides a camera for use while taking one of their classes, such as “Intro to Film Photography,” which will meet next on Dec. 7. Students meet at their darkroom on Grand Avenue and participate in an inter- esting curriculum including a tour of the studio and a slideshow presentation on film and camera history. A roll of film is also provided. The best part of the class is when the instructors and students venture out into the neighborhood for some street photography. Stacy reveals, “Analog photography celebrates the essence of the process itself — a journey of slowing down and embracing intentionality.” The Iannaccones have goals of expanding Phoenix Film Revival’s foot- print and offerings. “I dream of having a multi-use photog- raphy space combining a gallery, photo studio, camera store, event space, and darkroom,” Stacy says. Daniel agrees, “Having a multi-use space to bring resources to the film community together would be amazing.” Though digital will undoubtedly remain the dominant photography format, the couple feel that there’s room for both in the artistic medium. “Humans are wired to create and so, convenience could never replace art,” Stacy says. “Advancements are akin to the emergence of tools like Photoshop or digital cameras in the past. Change is constant, and new innovations will always shape how we capture and process images. However, film and other analog processes will remain relevant. There is room for both the old and the new, each offering unique charm and creative possibilities.” Daniel concurs, “Improvements will always come at a sacrifice. Nostalgia may appear to be the common theme that drives the trend; however, there are many that would beg to differ. There will always be new frontiers in regards to photography. Nothing will rewrite history, it can only be reinterpreted. Film will always exist as film for me.” Phoenix Film Revival 1023 Grand Ave., Studio E phxfilmrevival.com Daniel and Stacy Iannaccone run Phoenix Film Revival. (Photo by Silver & Cedar) ▼ Arts & Culture
