I was born in the Bay Area, but I grew up in the suburbs of New York. I am also half Swedish on my Mother’s side. These are the three regions where the majority of my photos have been taken. I currently live in San Francisco, but make a few trips to New York throughout the year. I try to get to Sweden in the summertime to visit my family as well. It’s a special place in those long summer days.

I had never owned a camera before I was given a film camera two years ago. My Mother’s best friend and colleague heard I was potentially interested in photography. Her brother passed away that year, leaving behind a collection of cameras and equipment. She thought I should have his Nikon FG. I gladly accepted it, knowing how special it was, and how meaningful it would be to continue to use it. This was a few weeks before I left to travel that year. I shot a test roll to see if it still worked and haven’t looked back since.

That summer while visiting Sweden, my family was getting ready to sell my grandparent’s house. I was able to keep a few lenses my grandfather used after going through it. My grandpa was passionate about his photography. He shot mainly with Nikon equipment. This allowed me to combine my newfound camera with my grandfather’s Nikon F Mount lenses. The F Mount’s many decades long lens compatability is what brought such a unique connection. It felt so special to be able to use his lenses while learning. I was hooked. It turned into a passion, reigniting an artistic spark I hadn’t seen in years.

Film photography holds a special place in my heart because of family. I see the value of capturing something on physical media. I’ve since invested in a Nikon F3, and a few other lenses. All of my photos are shot on 35mm film, the majority of them taken with my F3. I hope you enjoy them! Feel free to reach out via email.

⁃ Michael James Reid