The Timeless Beauty of Film Photography: My Journey Through the Lens

A Lifelong Passion for Photography

I am a dedicated film photographer based in Wisconsin, with a journey that began in the early 1990s. My very first camera was a Minolta Maxxum 400si, I purchased it at Ritz Camera by an employee that ended up being a lifelong friend who worked at Ritz Camera. That camera sparked the passion for Photography that has lasted more than three decades.

Evolving from Hobbyist to Professional

As my skills grew, I upgraded to more advanced equipment. In the late '90s, I invested in four iconic film cameras: the Minolta Maxxum 9 and Maxxum 7. These are the only cameras I use today. Why? They’re equipped with a unique data memory feature that stores detailed shooting information for up to seven rolls of 36-exposure film. That includes aperture, shutter speed, lens focal length, metering mode, and more. These tools help me stay focused and consistent with every frame I shoot.

Early Recognition and Awards

During my early years with the 400si, my photography began to gain recognition. My work was published in over 60 countries and featured multiple times. I entered Outdoor Photography Magazine’s competition and ranked among the Top 100 photographers in the U.S. on more than one occasion. I was honored with two gold certificates and secured first and second place in the Black River Falls Photography Contest for two consecutive years. I've took 1st and 3rd place in CVPC. And 1st and 3rd place Wildlife Refuge Photography photo contest and I was also Featured in the Front Cover of the 47th Heritage Reunion in Fair Grove Missouri. And I was also I have been a lot of State Parks Calendars and Published in People's Magazine.

Why I Still Choose Film

While digital photography has taken over the mainstream, I remain loyal to film. There's something incredibly satisfying about manually setting every shot. From adjusting aperture to fine-tuning shutter speed, I embrace the tactile nature of film. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and it still excites me every single day. I buy the best film is made. A lot of my artwork is from Ektar film 100 and T-max 100 Black and White film. I Stack a lot of filters for long exposure photography it's an art itself.

The Magic of Waterfalls and Slow Shutter Speeds

One of my favorite subjects to photograph is waterfalls. I am especially drawn to them because of my love for slow shutter speed photography. Capturing the smooth, flowing motion of water with precision and emotion is pure art. I love the motion in the image with long leading lines in the frame with slow shutter speeds. Each shot tells a story—timeless, natural, and powerful.

Faith, Purpose, and Creative Vision

I live by the saying, “If you have a passion for something, keep doing it and everything will fall into place.” My faith plays a strong role in this journey. I believe God has blessed me with this talent, and I am committed to expressing it for decades to come.

Sharing My Work with the World

In 2023, I launched this website to showcase my photography to a broader audience. After many requests from friends and followers on Facebook, it was finally time. Now, you can explore my work anytime, anywhere.

You can also see my framed pieces in hospitals and government buildings around Eau Claire and Barron, Wisconsin and some offices in Morehead Kentucky. These public displays are a reflection of years of dedication and community connection.

Thank You for Being Part of My Journey

I truly appreciate every person who stops by to view my work. Your support fuels my creativity and encourages me to keep growing. If my photos have touched your heart or inspired you in any way, that means everything to me.

Thank you, and God Bless.– Brian K. Thompson