Warmth and Color in Analogue by Jake Inez

When it comes to film photography, the great outdoors becomes an open world full of possibilities. California-based photographer Jake Inez often soaks himself under the sun and makes the most out of his environment – seeing the beauty in his everyday life whether he's on his camera or his skateboard. Complemented with his immense love for cinema and all things vintage, Jake has the talent to breathe life and passion into his photographs, as if one's reliving the moment of the image through his vibrant palette. With the Lomography Color Negative 800 film, he can turn simple scenes into art. Get to know more about Jake and his stylistic choices in this interview.

Hey Jake! First off, how's life so far as a film photographer?

Really good! It’s a great feeling to have an outlet where I can tell stories through my work. The film community is pretty amazing and the amount of support everyone gives is humbling.

Some throwback for you, Jake – do you remember the first time you've encountered film photography? When was the first time you took an image with a film camera?

Yeah, the first time I saw film photos was looking at old photos of my grandparents and ancestors. There was a feeling I got when looking at them. It was super nostalgic and moving and wasn’t sure why at the time. Years later, my friend Blake got back from Japan and he brought back a bunch of point shoots with him. I was intrigued so I asked to borrow one of them. I shot a roll within a week and when I got my first roll developed I was completely hooked.

You seem to take a lot of photographs on the streets, interiors of restaurants, signage and vintage cars, emitting that Americana theme. May you tell us more about your photography and what subjects you are most drawn to?

Ah, thank you! I guess I really love to shoot subjects/environments that tell a story to me. I guess that’s why I do like shooting vintage cars and buildings because they have so much character. I also enjoy shooting people as well because there’s this obscurity going on in there head that interests me.

We love your vibrant palette! May you share to us your personal 'tricks' when it comes to color photography?

I sure do love my colors. The fact that color can control your mood is so fascinating. I wouldn’t say there’s really a trick to color photography but rather just stumbling upon these color palettes everywhere I go and capturing them in the right setting. I’m completely in love with the Lomography Color Negative 800. The grain is so pleasing and the colors it puts out are so warm and lush. You could use it both day and night which makes it the perfect jack of all trades.

For you, how does the film medium 'fit' your style?

To me, it’s a matter of trusting what you can’t see. It makes you follow your instinct and not worry so much about the outcome. I tend to lean towards shooting more cinematic themes and the aesthetic you get from film is second to none.

If you could work or collaborate with any photographer, artist or person, dead, alive or fictional, who would it be?

This is a great question and a tough one lol! I’m going to give you 3 answers. Roger Deakins, Wes Anderson, and Greta Gerwig.

Lately, what's challenging you right now as a photographer?

I would say a constant progression. I sometimes shoot multiple rolls and wonder why I shot what I shot. There are lulls that I go through that I struggle with but it might be my self overthinking and being too critical about my work. My ultimate goal is to constantly learn and progress as an artist so the only thing I can do is strive towards that and keep pushing through.

How does a day in the life of Jake Inez look like, especially when he's not with his camera?

I grew up my whole life skateboarding so I definitely like to jump on the board once a day. I’m a big cinema nerd so any chance I get I’ll watch a new movie or revisit one that inspires me. I also bartend at a bar/restaurant called Campfire in Carlsbad, California, five days a week so I’m there a lot working with some amazing folks. I shoot photos almost every day.

Lastly, any on-going project, or other plans you're keen to work on?

Yes! I’m working on having a show very soon and releasing my first 'zine. So stay tuned! Thank you so much, Lomography!❤️

Thank you so much, Jake! For more of Jake's analogue works, visit his Instagram.

2020-03-18 #people #lomography-color-negative-800 #film-photography #jake-inez