'Still Here' by Alan Hill

Introducing "Friends of Fotoclub," our series spotlighting talented photographers who trust us for their film processing needs in Bangkok, Thailand.

At FotoclubBKK, we're not just a lab; we're a thriving community of photographers from around the world. Through this series, we aim to showcase the diverse talents and unique perspectives of our community members while highlighting our top-quality film processing services.

Meet our first photographer, Alan Hill, and explore his project "Still Here." Join us as we celebrate creativity, inspiration, and the power of film photography at FotoclubBKK.

 

 

 

'Still Here' An Appreciation of the Humble Chair.

 

 

 

 

I was playing around with pushing Kodak Gold two stops, which yields quite a contrasty look, so I was looking for scenes that would allow me to see how that turned out. I passed a pink chair sitting in a square in Chang Mai. The colour, the shadows, and the shape just spoke to me; I took the image and moved on. When I got the roll back, I had forgotten I’d shot that frame, looked at the picture and thought nothing of it. However, when I showed the image to a few people, they singled it out as one of the best of the roll. 

Slightly bemused but intrigued by that, I started noticing chairs everywhere; taking one or two shots a roll, I shot them like they were people: portraits celebrating the beauty of design or sometimes the lack of it. There is also something about the emptiness of the chair, the missing people and the story it tells. 

By the time I left Thailand, I had over 18 images. I’ve shot six more since I returned to Europe. I think it’s going to be an ongoing thing.

 

 

 

 

 

About 15 years ago, I was shooting stills at work; I’m a sound mixer on documentaries. I was using a digital point-and-shoot (Canon G9), and some of those images got published; a few magazine covers and some significant websites. I stopped shooting not long after. It's a long story.

After a conversation with my partner, I decided to pick up the camera again. 

I’ve been shooting for a year and a half now (mostly film), so I’m just starting to feel the beginnings of what I think is my style; it’s exciting.

 

 

 

 

Visiting friends brought me to Thailand. It’s hard not to be influenced by the country. The people, the colour, and the light were incredible.

 

 

 

Bangkok, you point a camera in any direction, and a frame presents itself.

 

 

 

Ahhh, FOTOCLUB  FOTOCLUB is more than just somewhere you drop your film off to be developed. The staff are super friendly, the service is second to none, and they are great photographers, which makes for a real sense of community. I was lucky to go on a photo walk with them and meet some very cool, like-minded people. 

The fact they are great at dev and scanning is just the tip of the iceberg.

I wish I’d found it sooner on my trip!