educational resources —
COMING SOON
film photography
super 8 video
beauty in your everyday
designed to reignite your creative spark, document your life, discover the magic of film and super 8 video
by Christen Peters
I created these resources because I adore analog photography, super 8, and documenting my own kids’ childhoods. I started off my photography journey in the darkroom in high school — developing, processing and printing my own work. Each part of the process was tactile, hands-on, infused with life and meaning.
I’ve always shot film for my personal work but it wasn’t until I went 100% in on film for my client work (in 2022) that I became absolutely obsessed with the professional workflow of film. It offers so much creative freedom, even with its limitations. Actually, having limitations on the amount you’re shooting and when you’re taking a photo creates such an artful and intentional body of work.
So, whether you’re looking to shoot film of your personal life, switch to 100% film for client work to attract your dream clients, elevate your client experience, or add a bit of film + super 8 to your workflow, these resources are here to help you navigate the way forward with genuine connection, support and guidance each step of the way.
a note :
resource offerings—
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This is my signature course! If you’re a family photographer feeling like you’re in a rut, film is such a beautiful remedy for creative burnout! Film can be an expensive medium to master. If you’re not exposing, focusing, or operating your camera properly, it can be a lot of money wasted in the process. This is why I have bundled up all my (20 years!) of knowledge so you don’t have to waste time and money learning this beautiful form of photography.
This course is for photographers who want to realign with their creativity, reignite their creative spark, spend less time culling and editing and more time on your own creativity and vision.We go through everything from what film camera to choose to how to find your voice as an artist in order to bring your unique perspective and vision to your family photography.
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This is a module from the Families on Film course, all about shooting film without the business side of things.
This course is for ANYONE (photographer or not) who wants to document their life in a thoughtful way, reignite their creative spark, learn to operate your grandpa’s old film camera and make photos filled with warmth and nostalgia.
We go through everything from what film camera to choose to how to meter in multiple lighting scenarios in order to get the best results from your film, saving you time, frustration, and money in the process.
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This course is all about the magic of Super 8 video!
If you’re a family or wedding photographer wanting to experiment with this unique analog medium, this course covers the full gamut of Super 8 topics.
We go over types of film, camera choices, where to buy, how to process and edit your videos, where to find music and how to share your final video.
Shooting video is a whole new world compared to photography — this course will help you save time and frustration learning, editing and sharing a new medium.
about christen
I’ve always been a photographer. When people ask, “what did you do before you were a photographer?” — I don’t really have an answer because it’s all I’ve ever done. I have my BA in Commercial Photography and have worked in the wedding industry, e-commerce studios, events and now I run my own freelance photography business. My work now focuses on the nuances of motherhood and family life.
I created these resources because I truly, truly adore film. It’s what I learned on (although admittedly, I mostly signed up for my first high school photography class to hang out with my friends). But oh my goodness, what a life-altering choice that was! I became obsessed with making photos, developing my own film, and working in the darkroom.
My career took me into the digital world for a bit, but I have always photographed my personal life on film to some extent. And now my business is run by shooting 100% on film. It’s timeless. You don’t look back on your editing choices and think “why on earth did I follow that trend?” Film always just works and looks amazing if you shoot it right.
Film helped me out of a creative rut and has aligned me with the most incredible client base. I hope these resources can help you dust off that old film camera and start making images that reignite your creative spark, help you start to notice and appreciate the beauty of your everyday life, and attract your dream clients.
Film holds the warmth of the moment in a way that digital just can’t touch. These resources are here to take away the frustration and expense of learning film from scratch. I’m here to guide you every step of the way — I can’t wait for you to discover the freedom of film!
course index —
FAMILIES ON FILM —
attract your dream clients while spending more time shooting and less time behind a screen
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module 1: adding film to your workflow
module 2: portfolio building
module 3: hybrid shooting
module 4: how to raise prices
module 5: building trust + attracting aligned clients -
module 1: cameras, gear, film stock choices, how to operate cameras
module 2: how to meter with internal + external meters
module 3: digital vs film exposure
module 4: working with difficult light (low, high contrast, direct)
module 5: focusing tips
module 6: camera settings for best results -
shoots TBD
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module 1 : finding a lab + building a relationship
module 2 : film scan editing, staying true to each film stock
module 3 : final delivery + testimonial request
SHOOT FILM —
incorporate the magic of film into your everyday life. designed for both photographers + non-photographers ;)
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module 1: cameras, gear, film stock choices, how to operate cameras
module 2: how to meter with internal + external meters
module 3: digital vs film exposure
module 4: working with difficult light (low, high contrast, direct)
module 5: focusing tips
module 6: camera settings for best results -
modules TBD
SUPER 8 —
discover the magic of Super 8 movies and create timeless heirlooms for your clients to treasure
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Course modules are currently in the works. Stay tuned.
film holds the warmth of the moment
some free resources —
from me, to you.
Find Your Favorite Film Stock —
fall in love with film
Each film stock has unique and beautiful characteristics built into the emulsion. It can be daunting to choose which one is the right choice for you. That's why I created this guide – to help you find the film stock that you adore, without the overwhelm.
Here is a comprehensive list of some great film options.
Find Your Favorite Film Lab —
for quality processing + scanning
You've spent so much time and attention on your film photos.
A lab that takes good care of processing and scanning your film is essential for getting the best results.
Here is a comprehensive list of film labs worldwide.
Go on and find your favorite film lab.