Fashion Photography with a Kodak Gold 200 in the Streets of Milan
With My Nikon F & a Lot of Italian Light
There’s something magical about Milan — a city where architecture, fashion, and street life blend into a moving runway. So when I had the chance to shoot a fashion editorial here, I knew it couldn’t be digital. This project needed texture, tone, and timelessness. Enter: Kodak Gold 200 and my trusted Nikon F.
Why Kodak Gold 200?
Kodak Gold 200 is often underrated in the world of professional photography, but in my experience, it’s one of the most soulful color films out there.
Its warm tones, vintage feel, and generous exposure latitude make it perfect for capturing sunlight bouncing off Milan’s historic facades and the subtle shadows of narrow alleyways.
The colors? Golden, nostalgic, and dreamy — just what I wanted to evoke.
Gear Breakdown:
Camera: Nikon F (manual, mechanical, built like a tank — and my favorite 35mm)
Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Film: Kodak Gold 200 (ISO 200)
Location: Brera, Navigli, and the Duomo area
Model: Wearing independent Milanese designers to match the vibe
The Process
I shot during golden hour and midday, intentionally playing with contrast. Kodak Gold performs beautifully in natural light, especially with some backlighting.
I metered for the shadows and slightly overexposed to let the film’s soft highlights sing. One of my favorite moments was catching the model mid-laugh while a Vespa zipped past in the background — it felt cinematic and spontaneous, like a frame from a 90s Italian film.
What I Loved Most
Shooting analog forces you to slow down. You compose more deliberately, wait for the right expression, and engage more with your surroundings. Milan felt alive and collaborative — the city became part of the styling, the narrative, the texture.
Kodak Gold gave the editorial a sun-soaked, retro vibe without feeling forced. The grain is soft but present, adding just the right amount of nostalgia to the images.
Takeaways for Shooting Film Fashion Editorials:
Scout for light, not just backgrounds — Gold 200 thrives in sunlight.
Manual focus helps you stay present and connected to your subject.
Limit yourself to a few rolls so every frame counts.
Embrace imperfections — they add soul to your work.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shoot fashion in a way that feels intentional, timeless, and intimate, I highly recommend taking Kodak Gold 200 for a spin — especially somewhere as evocative as Milan.
The results might surprise you with how real and emotionally charged they feel.
Check out the full editorial [here — link to gallery/blog post].
And if you're curious about shooting film or want to try Kodak Gold yourself, I’ve added links below to some of my favorite gear and resources.
🎞️ Want to try Kodak Gold 200?
→ [Buy Kodak Gold 200] (contains affiliate link :))
→ [My favorite light meter app for analog shooting]
7 Photography Books Every Photographer Should Read on Kindle
Whether you're shooting golden hour portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, there’s always more to learn (or be inspired by) in photography. And what better way to sharpen your skills or refresh your creative spark than with a good book?
Whether you're shooting golden hour portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, there’s always more to learn (or be inspired by) in photography. And what better way to sharpen your skills or refresh your creative spark than with a good book?
The Kindle makes it easy—portable, lightweight, glare-free, and with battery life that lasts for weeks. Perfect for reading during travel, editing breaks, or even while waiting for your next shoot.
Here are 7 incredible photography books you should definitely add to your Kindle library:
1. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
🎯 Best for: Beginners & intermediate photographers
This is the holy grail of photography fundamentals. Bryan Peterson breaks down exposure in a way that’s easy to understand and genuinely fun to read. You'll finally “get” aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and how to use them creatively.
2. "The Photographer’s Eye" by Michael Freeman
🎯 Best for: Improving your composition
This book helps you see like a photographer—literally. Freeman dives deep into the art of framing, balance, color, and visual storytelling. A must-read if you feel like your photos are “technically fine” but missing something.
3. "Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs" by Henry Carroll
🎯 Best for: Visual learners & creatives on the go
Bite-sized lessons with real-world photo examples. It's stylish, simple, and super effective—especially for Kindle reading. It’s like scrolling through a curated Instagram feed with powerful lessons built in.
4. "On Photography" by Susan Sontag
🎯 Best for: Deep thinkers & artists
A thought-provoking classic. Sontag explores the meaning and ethics behind photography in culture. If you’re curious about the why behind photography—not just the how—this is a brilliant read.
5. "Humans of New York" by Brandon Stanton
🎯 Best for: Lovers of street and portrait photography
Not your typical photography book. It’s more about the people than the gear—but the storytelling and imagery will inspire any portrait photographer to slow down and connect with subjects.
6. "The Moment It Clicks" by Joe McNally
🎯 Best for: Lighting tips & behind-the-scenes insights
McNally is a master storyteller, both with his camera and his words. This book shares the stories behind some of his best-known images, along with techniques that’ll level up your lighting game.
7. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon
🎯 Best for: Creative burnout & motivation
Okay, this isn’t just for photographers—but it’s perfect for any creative. It’s short, powerful, and full of practical ideas on how to stay inspired, take risks, and find your own voice in a world full of noise.
📱 Why Read Photography Books on Kindle?
Travel-friendly: No heavy bags—just your Kindle.
Highlight & bookmark: Perfect for saving tips on-the-go.
Read in bright sunlight: Great for outdoor breaks between shoots.
Budget-friendly: Many photography books are cheaper on Kindle!
🛍️ Want a Kindle that fits your creative lifestyle?
👉 Check out the latest deal on Kindle here.
Whether you’re lounging at home or waiting for your next client, a Kindle is the perfect companion for photographers who never stop learning.
Rediscovering Film: A Deep Dive into the Pentax 17 Half-Frame Camera
In an era dominated by digital photography, the release of the Pentax 17 in June 2024 marked a significant moment for analog enthusiasts. As Pentax's first film camera in over two decades, the Pentax 17 offers a blend of classic film photography with modern conveniences.
In an era dominated by digital photography, the release of the Pentax 17 in June 2024 marked a significant moment for analog enthusiasts. As Pentax's first film camera in over two decades, the Pentax 17 offers a blend of classic film photography with modern conveniences. I first stumbled upon this beautiful piece of engineering while wandering through the streets of Barcelona. My feet led me to Carmencita Film Lab, a treasure trove for analog lovers, where I held the Pentax 17 in my hands for the very first time. Its compact form and retro aesthetic instantly drew me in, reminding me of the charm and unpredictability that only film can deliver.
Compact Design with Classic Aesthetics
The Pentax 17 is a half-frame 35mm film camera, capturing images in a 17x24mm format. This design allows photographers to take up to 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll, effectively doubling the number of shots per roll . Its compact dimensions (127 x 78 x 52 mm) and lightweight build (approximately 290 grams without film and battery) make it an ideal companion for on-the-go shooting.
The camera's design pays homage to Pentax's legacy, featuring a magnesium alloy top plate and a titanium-colored finish . The vertical orientation of the viewfinder aligns with the half-frame format, encouraging photographers to explore portrait compositions naturally.
Lens and Image Quality
Equipped with a newly developed 25mm f/3.5 lens (equivalent to 37mm in full-frame terms), the Pentax 17 delivers sharp and vibrant images. The lens incorporates Pentax's HD (High Definition) coating, enhancing clarity and reducing flare . While the half-frame format may introduce slightly more grain compared to full-frame 35mm images, the results retain the distinctive film aesthetic that many photographers cherish.
User-Friendly Features
The Pentax 17 offers a range of shooting modes to cater to various scenarios:
Full Auto Mode: Ideal for casual shooting, with automatic flash activation in low-light conditions.
Standard Mode: Allows selection of focus zones, suitable for daylight photography without flash.
Slow-Speed Mode: Designed for twilight scenes, enabling longer exposures without flash.
Maximum-Aperture Priority Mode: Automatically sets the largest aperture for a given scene, providing shallow depth of field.
Bulb Mode: Facilitates extended exposures, perfect for capturing light trails or fireworks.
Daylight Sync Mode: Combines flash with ambient light, useful for backlit subjects.
Slow-Speed Sync Mode: Balances flash with ambient light in low-light environments.
The camera employs a zone-focus system divided into six zones, simplifying manual focusing by selecting the appropriate distance range. An exposure compensation dial allows for quick adjustments to brightness levels, offering creative control over the final image.
Modern Touches in a Film Camera
While embracing its analog roots, the Pentax 17 incorporates modern features to enhance the shooting experience. The built-in flash is versatile, with modes that automatically engage it based on lighting conditions. The camera is powered by a CR2 battery, providing sufficient energy for multiple rolls of film.
The inclusion of a manual film advance lever and a straightforward viewfinder reinforces the tactile experience of film photography, appealing to both seasoned film users and newcomers alike.
The Pentax 17 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of film photography. Its combination of classic design, user-friendly features, and modern enhancements make it an attractive option for those looking to explore or return to analog photography. Whether you're capturing everyday moments or embarking on creative projects, the Pentax 17 offers a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience.
Shooting with a Kids Instant Camera: Experimental Portraits
In a world of high-resolution digital photography and perfectly polished images, there’s something incredibly refreshing about embracing imperfection. Recently, I experimented with a kids' instant camera that prints on thermal paper—yes, the same technology used for receipts. At first glance, it might seem like a toy, but its raw, unpredictable nature turned out to be a surprising tool for capturing unique portraits in my fashion and music projects.
The Camera: Embracing the Lo-Fi Aesthetic
The camera itself is simple, almost toy-like, with minimal settings and a straightforward point-and-shoot mechanism. But that's exactly what makes it special. It strips away the overthinking and forces you to focus purely on composition and emotion. The thermal prints emerge in stark black and white, with high contrast and a grainy texture that gives each image a raw, almost vintage feel. No two shots are ever truly alike—each print carries tiny imperfections that add character and uniqueness.
CHECK THIS CAMERA OUT! :)
How It Contributed to My Fashion Portraits
When shooting fashion, I’m always looking for ways to break away from convention and inject a sense of personality and edge into the images. This camera allowed me to experiment without hesitation. The thermal prints created ghostly silhouettes and high-contrast shadows that complemented bold fabrics and dramatic styling. Instead of perfection, I leaned into the unpredictability of the medium, capturing raw emotion and movement that felt genuine and unpolished—exactly what I was aiming for.
One of my favorite experiments was layering these instant prints over digital shots during the editing process, blending the lo-fi texture with high-resolution clarity. The result was a series of fashion portraits that felt tactile and cinematic, almost like stills from a dream.
Experimenting with Music Portraits
For my music clients, the instant camera brought out a gritty, underground aesthetic that matched the raw energy of their performances. The imperfections in the prints mimicked the feel of classic zines and DIY album covers from the punk and grunge eras. I found that the thermal paper’s unpredictable development gave each portrait a sense of spontaneity—like a snapshot from a wild night out, unfiltered and unapologetic.
To push the experimentation further, I started incorporating double exposures and overlays, using the thermal prints as textured layers in post-production. This process gave the final images an organic, handmade quality that digital often lacks.
Embrace the Unexpected
Using a kids' instant camera for professional projects may sound unconventional, but that’s precisely why it works. It strips away the expectations of perfection and replaces them with spontaneity, rawness, and a bit of chaos. In a time when digital photography can sometimes feel too controlled, embracing the lo-fi aesthetic of thermal prints has added a new layer of creativity to my fashion and music portraits.
If you’re looking to experiment and break away from the norm, maybe it’s time to pick up a “toy” and see what it can do.
My 4 Favorite Photography Books: Inspiration and Technique
Whether you're just starting out in photography or have years of experience behind the lens, there’s always more to learn and discover. For me, books have been an essential part of that journey.
Whether you're just starting out in photography or have years of experience behind the lens, there’s always more to learn and discover. For me, books have been an essential part of that journey. Here are my four favorite photography books that have deeply influenced my work, each one unique in its perspective and storytelling.
1. Annie Leibovitz at Work – Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz is a name that resonates in the world of portrait photography. Her book, Annie Leibovitz at Work, is more than just a collection of images; it's a deep dive into her creative process. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of some of her most iconic shoots, from working with celebrities to documenting raw, intimate moments. What I love most is her candidness—she discusses not only her successes but also her challenges and learning experiences. If you want to understand the craft of storytelling through portraiture, this book is pure gold. For me, One of the most captivating parts of the book is how she reflects on her early years photographing the rock scene in analog. With her Nikon F slung over her shoulder, she captured the raw energy of musicians like Mick Jagger and John Lennon, freezing moments that would become legendary. The book also includes a breakdown of her shooting techniques, revealing her mastery of natural light, studio setups, and directional cues to bring out the essence of her subjects. It’s a must-read if you want to understand the craft of storytelling through portraiture, combined with the technical insights that made her work iconic.
2. Câmara Clara – Roland Barthes
A masterpiece in photography theory, Câmara Clara (or Camera Lucida in English) by Roland Barthes explores the relationship between photography, memory, and emotion. Barthes examines what makes certain images resonate deeply, coining terms like studium and punctum to describe how photographs can be intellectually interesting or emotionally piercing. This book is philosophical and introspective, perfect for photographers who want to explore the deeper meanings behind their images.
3. On Photography – Susan Sontag
On Photography is a collection of essays where Susan Sontag dissects the role of photography in society. She explores how images shape our perception of reality, discussing everything from documentary photography to the ethics of capturing suffering. Sontag's writing is bold and unapologetic, challenging photographers to think critically about the power—and the consequences—of their work. It's a must-read if you want to understand photography beyond the technical and into its cultural impact.
4. Experimental Photography: A Handbook of Techniques
When it comes to pushing boundaries, Experimental Photography: A Handbook of Techniques is my go-to resource. This book is packed with creative methods to manipulate film, prints, and digital images. From emulsion lifts to cyanotypes, it encourages photographers to step away from the ordinary and embrace experimentation. I especially love how it inspires me to try new things and break traditional rules, leading to unexpected and beautiful results.
These four books have not only influenced how I shoot but also how I view the art of photography itself. They serve as constant reminders that photography is more than just capturing images—it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and sometimes, breaking all the rules. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, technical insight, or a deeper understanding of the medium, these books are an incredible place to start.
What are your favorite photography books? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new inspirations!
The Best Lenses for Portrait Photography: Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing the right lens can transform the way you capture portraits. Each lens has its own personality, offering different looks and styles. Here’s a breakdown of the best lenses for portrait photography and how they can elevate your shots.
Choosing the right lens can transform the way you capture portraits. Each lens has its own personality, offering different looks and styles. Here’s a breakdown of the best lenses for portrait photography and how they can elevate your shots:
1. 24–70mm f/2.8 – The Versatile Storyteller
This is the lens I used during my recent moody portrait session. Its range allows you to go from wide, environmental portraits to tighter, more intimate shots without switching lenses. The f/2.8 aperture also helps create beautiful background separation, adding depth and focus to your subjects.
Best For: Street portraits, lifestyle photography, environmental shots.
2. 50mm f/1.8 – The Nifty Fifty
A favorite among photographers for its affordability and sharpness. Its perspective is close to what the human eye sees, making it perfect for natural-looking portraits.
Best For: Everyday portraits, low-light situations, travel photography.
3. 85mm f/1.4 – The Classic Portrait Lens
The 85mm is iconic for portraiture because of its creamy bokeh and flattering compression. It’s perfect for isolating your subject and creating that dreamy, blurred background.
Best For: Headshots, fashion photography, fine art portraits.
4. 70–200mm f/2.8 – The Master of Distance
When you want to capture intimate moments without getting too close, the 70–200mm shines. Its compression effect makes backgrounds appear closer and beautifully blurred, perfect for capturing emotions discreetly.
Best For: Candid portraits, event photography, street sessions.
Choosing the right lens is about knowing the mood and style you want to create. Each of these lenses can add its own magic to your work. Next time you’re planning a portrait session, think about the story you want to tell—and pick the lens that brings it to life.
Shooting Budapest with Fomapan: A Love Letter to Analog
Budapest is a city that deserves to be shot on film, and Fomapan was the perfect companion for this journey.
There’s something about Budapest that feels timeless. Its grand architecture, cobblestone streets, and soft glow over the Danube evoke a sense of nostalgia that seems almost crafted for analog film. On my third trip to this amazing city, in January 2025, I wanted to capture that feeling—not just in image, but in experience. So I packed my Fomapan 400, a Czech black-and-white film known for its classic grain and moody contrast, and wandered the city with my camera in hand.
Why Fomapan?
Fomapan is a gem in the world of analog photography. Manufactured in the Czech Republic by Foma Bohemia, it’s a film that has held its legacy since the 1920s. Unlike many modern films that lean towards fine grain and hyper-sharpness, Fomapan embraces imperfection—its grain is pronounced, its contrast is bold, and its aesthetic is unapologetically vintage.
For my time in Budapest, I wanted that rawness. I wanted the imperfections, the texture, the grit, and the dramatic contrasts that would reflect the soul of the city. Fomapan 400 gave me exactly that.
The Magic of Analog
There’s a deliberate nature to shooting film that I love. You compose carefully, you measure light with intention, and you click the shutter knowing each frame is precious. With Fomapan, that ritual is even more significant. Its latitude allows for subtle mistakes, its tones encourage experimentation, and its imperfections make each image unique.
In a digital world, the tactile experience of analog is a breath of fresh air. From loading the roll to hearing the shutter click, to finally unspooling the negatives and seeing Budapest appear in shades of black and white—it’s magic. It’s pure photography.
Capturing Intimacy from Afar: How the 70–200mm Lens Let Me Photograph Sant Jordi in Silence
This year during Sant Jordi—Barcelona’s most poetic and passionate day—I wandered the streets with something slightly unexpected in my hands: a 70–200mm lens.
Known for its reach and compression, this lens is typically associated with sports or wildlife photography. But for me, on April 23rd, it became a tool for silent storytelling. Amid the flower stalls, book stands, and slow, joyful chaos of lovers and readers sharing space, I wanted to capture the intimate gestures that define this day—without interrupting them.
And the lens delivered. Quietly, powerfully.
Distance = Honesty
What struck me most was how much authenticity I could preserve by keeping my distance. Using the longer focal lengths (135–200mm), I could observe soft smiles, the way fingers grazed the covers of books, or the fleeting moment a rose was handed over. These were not poses—they were true, unscripted scenes. Being far enough to be invisible meant that people stayed fully present with each other, not with me.
Visual Compression That Tells a Story
The 70–200mm also allowed me to compress scenes, stacking layers of roses, people, and bookshelves into single, rich frames. It brought visual order to the celebration’s natural chaos. Instead of wide, busy shots, I could isolate moments with clarity and emotion.
Moving Slowly, Observing Deeply
Photographing with this lens changed my physical behavior. I didn’t chase moments—I waited. I became quieter, slower, more deliberate. I blended into walls and corners, and let the festival unfold in front of me. And in return, I got images filled with stillness, emotion, and light—qualities I always seek in my portrait work.
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The Legendary Nikon F & Annie Leibovitz: A Love Affair with Storytelling Through the Lens
The Nikon F, released in 1959, wasn't just a camera—it was a revolution.
Annie & Mick Jagger, 1976
The Nikon F, released in 1959, wasn't just a camera—it was a revolution. As one of the first successful 35mm SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) cameras, it became the gold standard for professional photographers throughout the 1960s and ’70s. Rugged, reliable, and beautifully engineered, it offered photographers something rare at the time: complete creative control in a portable form.
One of the most iconic figures to wield the Nikon F was Annie Leibovitz. While she later became synonymous with medium format cameras and digital systems, her early years—especially during her time at Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s—were shaped through the viewfinder of the Nikon F.
While studying at the San Francisco Art Institute, Annie began to hone her eye for portraiture. Her early assignments at Rolling Stone magazine demanded mobility, intimacy, and immediacy — qualities the Nikon F delivered effortlessly. Its mechanical simplicity allowed her to be present, fluid, and intuitive in fast-paced environments. She could shoot in low light, on the fly, and with minimal setup — crucial for her spontaneous, character-driven style.
Armed with the Nikon F, Annie photographed a generation in flux — John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and Hunter S. Thompson, often in unguarded moments. The camera helped her capture not just faces, but emotional truths. One of her most iconic images — John Lennon curled naked beside Yoko Ono just hours before his assassination — was taken with this approach, a blend of technical mastery and vulnerable humanity.
With this camera, Annie captured raw, unfiltered portraits of rock stars, activists, and counterculture icons. The Nikon F became an extension of her presence—fast, intuitive, and unobtrusive, allowing her to get close, emotionally and physically, to her subjects. Her work with this camera helped define an era of intimate, narrative-driven portraiture.
🖤 The Nikon F didn’t just document history—it helped create it. For Annie, it was the tool that let her see stories before she told them.
Why I Love Shooting Portraits on Polaroid — Imperfect, Instant & Intimate
There’s something magical about capturing a person on Polaroid. No filters. No editing. Just light, time, and presence.
I love using my Polaroid for portraits because it brings people into the moment. The click. The wait. The reveal.
Every shot is one of a kind — perfectly imperfect, with dreamy tones and raw emotion.
I even experiment with emulsion lifts, creating layered, handmade artworks from instant photos.
📸 What is an Emulsion Lift?
The Emulsion Lift Technique involves carefully separating the delicate image layer (the emulsion) from its original Polaroid backing. Once removed, this fragile layer can be transferred onto new surfaces like watercolor paper, glass, wood, or even fabric, giving your Polaroid portraits a dreamy, vintage look that is impossible to replicate digitally.
✨ Why It’s Perfect for Portraits:
Soft, Dreamy Textures: Emulsion lifts add an organic feel that enhances the softness of skin tones and the richness of shadows.
Creative Freedom: You can stretch, tear, and manipulate the emulsion during the transfer process, giving each portrait a hand-crafted touch.
Unique Keepsakes: Each emulsion lift is completely unique—no two are alike, making your portraits truly one of a kind.
💡 Want to Learn How?
I teach the Emulsion Lift Technique, and I’d love to share my tips and tricks with you! Drop your email in the comments, and I’ll send you exclusive tutorials and insider secrets!
There’s a raw honesty in instant photography that no digital filter can replicate. With Polaroid, every portrait becomes a tangible memory — one-of-a-kind, perfectly flawed, beautifully fleeting.
📷 Here’s what I love the most:
It slows me down. Each frame matters, so I connect deeper with my subject.
It’s tactile. The texture, the chemistry — the photograph becomes an object, not just an image.
It invites play. I manipulate the emulsion, lift layers, experiment. Each piece becomes a small artwork.
It’s personal. My portraits feel less like documentation and more like emotion captured on paper.
Polaroid taught me to embrace imperfection — and in that, I found something timeless.
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