What is the Wisconsin Film Photographers group?
The Wisconsin Film Photographers is a community of film photographers made up of a diverse range of photographers from beginners to professionals, and from young adults to retirees. We gather monthly to have some coffee, take photos, exchange knowledge, and share our common passion for analog photography.
Film photography is experiencing a fresh new chapter in the 21st century —Film is not an outdated relic, but a modern revival. While photography using roll and sheet film remained largely unchanged for over a hundred years before the digital transition, analog photography’s current resurgence represents a distinct and exciting evolution. It is attracting younger photographers picking up film cameras for the first time as well as older photographers returning to the format.
Authenticity
At its core, film photography is simply light and chemistry. We enjoy the authentic and tactile way to create an image.
Vintage film cameras are amazing mechanical devices that simply project light to expose film. Many vintage cameras don’t even have batteries. Making a print in the darkroom with an enlarger only uses light and chemistry. A silver gelatin darkroom print is a handmade image created without a computer.
The camera and process is part of the story being told by the photographer. An image created using film not only has a special look to it, it has character and soul as well.
Community
The Wisconsin Film Photographers was founded in January, 2025 by Cameron Gillie, with Steve Daubs, John Zimm, Diane Ramthun, Howard Goldman, and many more. We wanted to form a film photography community that meets in person rather than just sharing photos online and zoom meetings. There are also no membership fees. Our hope is by being a smaller group that meets in person, our community will be more meaningful.
Together we enjoy the art form of film photography and learn from each other. We also teach people how to get started in film photography, learn how to develop film, and how to set up a darkroom at home.
Join us
If you live in Wisconsin and are interested in participating in the Wisconsin Film photographers you can contact Cameron Gillie. We meet monthly for what we call “Coffee and Cameras” where we get some coffee in various locations and then go out for a photo walk.
