The French Riviera, often referred to as the Côte d'Azur, has long been a muse for artists and photographers. Its sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant culture, and undeniable glamour have captivated the world for decades. This past trip, I embarked on a personal exploration of this iconic region, not with a digital camera, but with a classic film camera and a selection of respected film stocks.
A Deliberate Approach: The Joy of Film Photography
Choosing to shoot on film offered a refreshingly deliberate approach to image capture. Gone were the days of rapid-fire digital bursts. Each frame became a considered composition, a thoughtful exploration of light and shadow. The process itself was immensely satisfying. The tactile experience of loading film canisters, the anticipation of the shutter click, and the final, physical print – these elements brought a tangible joy to the photographic journey.
The whole experience was like stepping onto a sun-kissed movie set. The deliberate pace – fumbling with film canisters in charmingly non-digital fumbling fashion – made every shot precious. No more mindless snapping hundreds of pics,hoping for a keeper. This was about composing, considering, and truly capturing a moment. The satisfying thunk of the shutter was like a sonic reward, a "chunjy" confirmation that you just snagged a frame worthy of the silver screen.
Nice – N Nice Baby!
My journey began in Nice, a city that oozes Riviera charm. Think pastel buildings lining the Promenade des Anglais,bobbing yachts whispering secrets in the harbor, and enough gelato stands to make even Willy Wonka jealous. The film,oh la la, the film! Ilford hp5 captured the old school energy perfectly.
Cap du Ferrat: Where Luxury Meets Lens Flare
Next stop, the impossibly glamorous Cap Ferrat. Here, the Portra shots truly came alive. The lush greenery practically glowed, the extravagant villas practically begged to be captured in all their opulent glory. There's just something about film that adds a touch of mystery, a hint of "what secrets lurk behind these ivy-covered walls?" It makes you feel like a glamorous spy on a high-stakes mission (mission: capture the essence of the French Riviera on film, obviously).
Monaco: From Royalty to Racecars
No French Riviera trip is complete without a brush with royalty (or at least their insanely expensive yachts). Monaco beckoned, and with it came the legendary Grand Prix Historique – a vintage Formula One race that's basically a car museum come to life. The Kodak 200, pushed a stop, came in clutch here. The high shutter speeds froze the blur of speeding cars, the vibrant liveries popping against the backdrop of the iconic Monte Carlo circuit. Imagine Steve McQueen in "Bullitt" but with a much fancier backdrop (and way less danger, hopefully).
The Verdict: A Cinematic Success
By the time I got back, my film canisters were full of memories, not gigabytes. Each developed frame held a story, a little piece of the Riviera's magic. The colors? Pure, unadulterated cinematic eye candy. The vintage vibes? Off the charts, like a Brigitte Bardot flick come to life. So, if you're looking to ditch the digital deluge and rediscover the joy of capturing moments on film, the French Riviera is the perfect backdrop. Just remember, the only drama you want is on the film, not behind the lens (unless, of course, you're trying to recreate a Hitchcockian masterpiece. In which case,good luck!)