Last Updated on 02/09/2018 by Joy Celine Asto
All photos by Manne Wahlström. Used with permission.
Despite the widespread preference for digital convenience with most creative projects, film remains a popular choice for photographers who want the look of classic portraiture. Such is the case for Swedish photographer Manne Wahlström, who does outstanding film portraits in both color and black and white. For this feature, however, we wanted to put the spotlight on his clean and crisp monochrome portraiture, most of which were done in the studio.
In our quick chat with Manne, we asked him to tell us about the main draw of portraiture in film, his favorite tools for the job, his creative vision, shooting with a studio setup, and the lessons this challenging medium has taught him.
How did you begin shooting portraits using film? What was the main draw for you?
I had been shooting film for a while before I started doing studio portraits. I enjoy shooting different kinds of genres, and I’ve been really into landscape photography. But you don’t get a lot of interesting landscape where I am from, so I started exploring portraiture instead. Also, it’s a lot more convenient when you don’t have to rely on natural light for your photos, haha.
Can you share your go-to camera + black and white film combination for portrait work?
At the moment, I am shooting the majority of my work on medium format film. But I’d still have to say my go-to camera and film is the Nikon FE2 and a pack of Ilford XP2. The Nikon was my first 35 mm slr camera, and it’s still as reliable as ever! Ilford XP2 has a great tonal range, and since it is processed in C41-chemicals, I can develop it at my local lab!
A great number of your portraits were taken with a studio setup, especially your black and white portraits. Do you feel the studio is more appropriate for your black and white work? How do you prepare or setup for it?
Personally, I like shooting color outside, and black and white in the studio. Not that either type fits better. But I like not having too many options. I feel working with limitations often lets me be more creative. When doing a portrait shoot I try to prepare the majority of my compositions beforehand. It’s always comfortable going into a session knowing what your vision is!
Your work is a mix of color and black and white photography, and you do both very well. Was there ever a time you felt black and white suited your style more?
Thank you! I’ve always wanted to try different styles and techniques. Right now I’m really into “classic” studio portraiture, trying to learn from legends such as Avedon, Leibovitz and Mapplethorpe. And black and white film suits that style really well!
Has black and white film shaped or influenced the look you’re after when it comes to portrait photography? Does your creative vision change according to your choice to shoot in black and white over color?
Yes, in a way. When you’re shooting black and white you don’t have to bother with color temperatures and other technicalities. Instead, you can focus on what really matters: composition and expression. What your photography says is always more important than the technical aspects of it.
What’s the greatest lesson you have learned from film photography, especially when it comes to black and white?
I’ve learned to understand light. Or, that’s an exaggeration. I have been struggling to try to understand light. What I’ve learned is the importance of it and how crucial it is for making a good photograph!
It’s more or less the same with most film photographers, but what do you think is the significance of film in the digital age?
I wouldn’t say it’s significant to the viewer. A good photo is a good photo, whether it’s shot on film or not. But as a photographer, film inspired me to get back into photography. The slower pace, having a limited number of frames, the craftsmanship. These are some of the aspects of film photography that differentiates it from digital photography, and what makes the process so much more rewarding.
Lastly, if there’s one tip that you have to give to anyone who wants to try portraiture with film (especially in monochrome), what would it be?
With black and white portraiture, I’d say composition is key. And when you’re shooting film, it’s extra important to plan your compositions carefully. Don’t stress the shoot! If you’re shooting digital, you can always recompose if you’re not happy with the outcome. With film you cannot do that. But that’s also one of the beauties with film.
Don’t forget to visit Manne Wahlström’s Instagram to see more and follow his stunning film photography.