Stories written on film, by Alina Noir

"Nature, people and urban landscapes were so beautiful, and different than everything I had seen before, that I wanted to capture these glimpses of passing splendour"

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Alina Noir, I was born and raised in Romania and right now I am living and working in Lyon, France, where I have a very nice little studio. I am a visual artist and author.

When and how did the film journey begin for you?

I have always been interested in film photography. All my family’s photographs were of course analogue ones, and they had a certain grace and elegance which fascinated me. Though I always had a camera, photography became a serious occupation three years ago, while I was living and studying in Wellington, New Zealand.

Nature, people and urban landscapes were so beautiful, and different than everything I had seen before, that I wanted to capture these glimpses of passing splendour.
Afterwards I did a small world tour photographing strangers in the street (I went to Tahiti, Berlin, Stockholm, Romania, Budapest, Provence) but these days I mostly create stories in my studio.

What type of film do you usually shoot and what made you choose it?

I buy my films in Berlin, where they are very cheap. Every time I visit the city I go to a general store called DM on Turmstrasse and buy as many films as I can. Mostly Agfa and Kodak T-max.

What camera makes you click?

I used to work with a Zenit B as well as with a Mamiya RB67 but these days it’s mostly a Canon EOS 1000F which a friend offered me. It is light and unpretentious. I also have a digital camera so I alternate.

Between black and white and colour film which would you choose?

Black and white because I can develop it at home. I have actually never shot a colour film.

What lenses do you use?

Just regular 50mm Canon lenses. The best in my opinion.

Do you make any experiments on film?

Not really on film, but on the print. I like to make collages and also write stories on the photographic paper with ink or acrylic. Calligraphy is also a big passion of mine.

You can find Alina Noir here:
alinanoir.com
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