for the love of film {no.5} + a giveaway...

Today I'm happy to be featuring Katarina from Grain & Silk for this week's For the Love of Film. Katarina's photography always has such beautiful texture, while completely capturing nature's essence. I especially love the grain in her photos.

Below are Katarina's answers to my questions... be sure to pop by her blog and read below for a special giveaway.

First off, what do you love the most about film photography?

I think for me it'll always have a bit more magic. There are tones and subtle details I'm struggling to get with my digital camera (even after a few modifications and tweaks of the camera). Maybe after a lot of processing... but that seems like a waste of precious time and lot less fun, when I already know precisely what I want, and how to get it. But that's just me - it's what I found works for me best.

I have this little obsession too, with getting new rolls of film - it's like unwrapping a pack of sweets each time I open that 120 mm film pack. It's little Christmas, including getting the results, there is always something unexpected waiting for you, small and big surprises, beautiful imperfections that make my heart jump with joy.

What kind of camera(s) do you use? Do you have a preferred brand/type of film?

I love my Mamiya C330 - it's a twin reflex I got at a flea market in a small English town - the advance lever is missing, it's heavy, but it creates beauty. For my 35mm shots I use a Nikon FM2. I also have a Polaroid SX-70 camera which I now use with Impossible Project's films, and a Polaroid land camera.

What would you say inspires your style the most?

It's very intuitive and spontaneous. With portraits I'm always inspired by the person itself, when we start talking during the shoot, their gestures, style, the way they express themselves. Then the surroundings, atmosphere, their spaces and lives and mine, little moments, emotions, colours, light, things I want to remember. Childhood memories, films and books, too.

How do you go about setting up the perfect shot? Do you have any photography "rules" that you keep in mind?

It depends on the situation, sometimes I plan basic things like location, sometimes it just happens. I don't think I have any rules - except I try not to repeat myself too much, which I don't always manage, as I'll be drawn to certain subjects and themes over and over again I guess.

What would be your best tip for beginners?

Passion, practice and patience :) Learn to understand the light and your camera, experiment.
Connect with people who are at the same stage of learning, as well as with those who can give you some guidance.

Who are some of your favourite photographers?

Keith Carter, Eva Bertram, Francesca Woodman, Vicky Slater... just to name a few.

What would be your dream location or subject to photograph?

About thousand places come to mind with this question... but probably somewhere with mountains, lot of water and gorgeous light. There are quite a few people I'd like to take portraits of too. I'd love to learn how to approach strangers on the streets with a camera and without freaking them out. I see so many interesting faces that tell stories, every day.

And lastly, do you have a favourite photo you've shot so far?

I don't think I've taken that one yet, but this one I like a lot...

Katarina has also generously offered one lucky reader a 2012 Grain & Silk calendar! You can either choose one the calendars from the Grain & Silk Etsy shop or pick your own photos from her flickr, blog, and Etsy site for a totally custom calendar!

Enter by leaving a comment below, and if you'd like an extra entry you can "Like" the Grain & Silk Facebook page, and leave an extra comment below. Good luck! A winner will be chosen next Tuesday, the 27th, just after Christmas. And thank you Katarina!

Photos: Katarina of Grain & Silk, 1 & 8 digital, all others from film. That rose is too pretty to not include!