Today we’d like to introduce you to Calleigh Backrak.
Hi Calleigh, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve never really had any hobbies growing up besides reading and watching movies, even from a young age I had an interest in cinematography. I would pay extra attention to the composition of actors and items and lighting situations. Six years ago, I went on a camping trip with my older brother Jason who is also a photographer in the bay area. He gave me my Nikon FM 35mm camera that I still have and use today. He told me, “Welcome to the most expensive yet rewarding hobby you’ll ever take up.” I was hooked after that, although I was more of a casual shooter until about two years ago.
In 2021, I started going out to photo-walks hosted by different groups around San Diego, like I’m Still Developing, SD Walkabouts, and Beers and Cameras. I networked with a ton of talented and passionate photographers during that time and became more invested in the photography community. I signed up for a darkroom technique class at San Diego State, where it all came full circle for me. I learned how to develop my own film, make darkroom prints, and explore different photographic techniques. After I graduated from State, I started taking photography classes at Grossmont College and received a certificate in photography. From the influence of my brother and excellent teachers, I’ve just begun to shape my photographic style.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are a multitude of things that can go wrong working with cameras that are decades old like my Nikon FM and Mamiya RB67. It took me a while to get over the learning curve when it comes to understanding how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can manipulate a photograph. I’m still just getting the gist of it. Not to mention, financially it is a difficult passion to keep up with, as I’m saving up for the right setup to develop and scan at home right now. Since the increased popularity of film, the price of color film can cost upwards $25 if not more, then getting it developed and scanned is probably around $15 per roll. However, a roll of black & white cost $7, so there are ways to make it work. I also tell myself, what else am I going to spend money on? Might as well be film.
Through film photography, I have attained the mindset of a perpetual student, to notice how light falls on a subject, to be curious and always take the chance to experiment, to exercise patience when something doesn’t work out, and to take note when it does. All the steps involved with the process of taking a photograph it makes me slow down and focus on the present. It’s like therapy to me; whenever I’m having a hard time, I take my camera around the block, take a few shots, and feel a little better about my place in the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my work, I specialize in film photography, specifically 35mm and medium format. I’m still figuring out my niche, but the recurring theme I’ve noticed in my favorite photographs I’ve taken invokes a sense of nostalgia. It’s cliche, but I just want my work to show the beauty I see in the world, and film allows me to achieve that.
I’m proud of how much I’ve put myself out there in the past year; I participated in a few community group shows along with coordinating my own solo exhibition that was also the debut of my first zine, Highway Reflections. The zine follows a 1,500-mile solo road trip up the coast of California via Highway 1 and back down the Sierra Nevada’s via Highway 395. My tenacious nature and willingness to fail sets me apart from others, but if anything, it’s just my passion for photography. It’s just how I like to spend my time.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always willing to discuss collaborating on an idea if it strikes me as something I want to participate on. I’m interested in group exhibitions but also opportunities for solo exhibitions or participating in a market to sell my work. The best way to contact me is by email calleighbackrak@gmail.com or to follow me on Instagram @cjbfilm.jpg.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjbfilm.jpg/
Image Credits
Angela Vasquez
