Behind The Film – Becky Carr Posted On 1st June 2021 To Magazine & Behind the Film

We're letting you back behind the film again to meet some of the passionate people who are part of making the products that you love. This time we talk to Becky and she shares some of her film photography with us.

INTRODUCTION

Who are you? What’s your job title HARMAN technology and how long have you worked here?

I’m Becky, an Apprentice Scientist and I’ve worked here for 2.5 years.

Tell us a little about your day-to-day role.

 I work in the lab prepping formulations, carrying out raw material replacement work and coating trials on the small-scale manufacturing machine. I’m also studying part time towards a Chemical Science degree as part of my apprenticeship.

Share a favourite photo that you shot on ILFORD / Kentmere film and tell us why it’s your favourite.

Kentmere 400 Piccadilly Records in Manchester.

My favourite photo is one I took on Kentmere 400 of Piccadilly Records in Manchester. I’m looking forward to being able to go and a have a rummage again once it can reopen.

Have you always shot film, or did you get infected with the bug when you started working here?

I had used a couple of disposable cameras for festivals and that was using colour film. I only really started using film after joining and seeing what went into making it.

Ian Curtis Mural (@akse_p19), Northern Quarter – HP5 Plus, Canon Sureshot AF7s

What subjects do you like to photograph and how would you describe your photographic style?

I don’t shoot film that often, when I do it’s mainly festivals and gigs but unfortunately over the past year there haven’t been many of those! Instead, I’ve been enjoying taking walks around Manchester, particularly the Northern Quarter, and capturing the street art that’s always popping up.

What mistakes have you made shooting film that you are not too embarrassed to share?

 Forgetting to press the film release button and snapping the film when trying to rewind it…

How many different film stocks have you shot? (Not just ours.)

6 in total, 4 Ilford and 2 colour film.

Rainy day in Blackpool – HP5 Plus, Canon sureshot AF 7s

Do you develop yourself or take advantage of the staff discount at Harmanlab?

I take advantage of the discount. Although, I would like to have a go at developing my own images. I’d quite like to try developing with caffenol as it would be interesting to try developing negatives without the standard chemicals.

PPE pizza man (@thehammo), Crazy Pedros – Kentmere 400, Pentax ME

Have you ever printed your negatives in the darkroom?

I haven’t but I remember when I first joined having a training session in the darkroom, seeing the images develop on the paper was really interesting so it is something I’d like to try with my own images.

What film camera(s) do you own and which is your favourite?

Recently I bought a Pentax ME which I’m enjoying learning how to use. I use a Canon sureshot AF 7s for festivals and gigs, it’s just a standard point and shoot that I don’t mind getting bashed around and is easy to carry.

 Which is your favourite film in our range? Tell us why and share a shot taken with it.

My favourite Ilford/Kentmere film is probably Kentmere 400. When I get a new camera, I like to put a roll through to see if things are working okay. It’s really affordable and versatile which is good.

Stevenson Square mural (@akse_p19), Northern Quarter – Kentmere 400, Pentax ME

Images ©Becky Carr