Analog film is a form of photography where moments are captured and developed by hand with chemicals that create an image using light exposure and chemical reactions. Buena’s photography program has progressed rapidly in the last few years, with analog film photography being introduced to the students this school year with the help from yearbook adviser and photography teacher Emmet Cullen in room 83 and Dexter’s Cameras. Buena students now have access to film cameras, rolls, development equipment and the option to print their photos as posters, glass, clothing and even tile.
Cullen’s development process is very D.I.Y., with students utilizing donated materials and the natural features of the classroom to learn how to develop their film rolls in a unique and independent way. With his own personal passion for film, he decided to write a grant to acquire the right resources and materials to make this happen. Fortunately, it was passed through successfully, supplying the classroom with a variety of cameras and both black and white and colored film rolls. His collection of cameras goes beyond the common Kodak to a vintage U.S.S.R. camera used by the Romanov family themselves.
Cullen emphasized wanting to inspire his students to learn and experiment with “legit analog photography” that starts with getting a film camera and a roll of film, and going outside and shooting on it…