FotogRAFia Podcast

(Check Substack for original text and photos on https://blog.rafalop.es) -- This episode explores the journey of developing 35mm film at home, framed by Walter White’s quote on chemistry as change. We discuss the thrill of managing the entire process—from mixing chemicals to revealing hidden images—and highlight the challenges of temperature control and reel loading. The conversation covers why labs still matter, but also how hands-on experimentation fosters resiliency and a deeper bond with analog

This episode recounts a once-simple plan—driving to Princeton on a winter day to shoot film—that unexpectedly turned into a night of flat tires, thick snowfall, and impromptu photography adventures. You’ll hear about the roadside mishap that forced an overnight stay, the tense drive through whiteout conditions, and the late-night snapshots that captured gas stations in swirling snow. It’s a reflection on embracing the unplanned, the kindness of strangers, and the magic of film photography under neon

The Start of My Film Journey“From the first roll, I was hooked.”Photography has always been a part of my life. As someone born in 1986 and growing up alongside the evolution of digital photography, I’ve always been drawn to its precision, immediacy, and control. High-resolution sensors, advanced autofocus, and powerful editing tools like Lightroom have been my companions for years.Even in film photography, digital technology often plays a pivotal role. Scanning film with a digital camera and a macro