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Mexiko City Fotografie

Photography as a form of therapy

Priscilla Orfanos is a singer-songwriter who is always looking for a way to express herself creatively through her music or her newfound love for film photography.
film photography as a form of therapy.

Born and raised in Texas and now living in Mexico, a great part of her photography involves Texan and Mexican roads and landscapes. Her greatest muses are her two kids and her love for capturing them in everyday moments of life.

I like the quote „film photography as a form of therapy.“ Describe to me the feeling when you are out with your camera.
When the pandemic hit, I thought music would be over forever, and I was so desperate for a creative outlet. I had always had the itch for film photography, so I finally decided that this was the perfect time to buy a camera and explore the analog world. It turns out it gave me more than I ever expected; it truly is a form of therapy for me. Whenever I feel a creative block musically, my camera and my love for experimenting with different films save me in many ways. I feel like capturing a moment in time makes me feel incredibly free without the feeling of vulnerability, which is a common sentiment I get when I’m writing a song.

Analog photography often carries a sense of nostalgia. How does this aspect of the medium contribute to the stories you tell through your images?
Ever since I can remember, my mom would be carrying up to three different types of cameras and would capture every moment she came across. I always found that fascinating. In a way, I feel like I’m emulating her when I grab my camera. I love looking back at all her old pictures of our childhood and want to create the same feelings for my kids. I love the grain aspect of the film; the colors and textures bring the nostalgia to life. I’ve always considered myself a nostalgic person in many ways, so exploring the analog world just felt natural.

How do you involve your family in your photography, if at all? Do they play a role in the creative process or become subjects in your work?
My family is always involved in my photography, mostly because they are the people I have most around me, and I can easily use them as my subjects. (Giggles) Music is a big part of my family, so photographing my husband and his band at live shows is something I have come to greatly enjoy. Live music photography. There is just something so special that is created with stage lights and film. As I mentioned before, capturing everyday moments creates a whole new sense of nostalgia.

What does happiness mean to you?
Being creatively free. Being surrounded by people who let you express and discover your creativity at your own pace and time. I think I am most myself and most happy when I’m playing music, having my camera in my hands, or just being inspired by my surroundings. I’m always allowing myself to find beauty in every corner of my life.

Do you have a favorite camera or type of film that you prefer?
I still have so much more to explore when it comes to cameras. I love my Canon AE1 Program, and it is the camera that introduced me to this new world I now love so much, but I would love to expand my horizons and maybe step out of my comfort zone. I am constantly trying out different kinds of films, but I would have to say that my favorite results are always from a CineStill 800T, a Kodak Portra 800, and a Kodak UltraMax 400.

Marcelo Quiñones
Priscilla Orfanos. Photo: Marcelo Quiñones

Do you already have any plans for 2024?
I would like to explore the live music photography scene a bit more, and maybe in the future, I would love to publish a small book with my favorite photographs. I plan on taking more road trips, which are a great canvas for any photographer with a love for old truck stops and gas lights.

Priscilla Orfanos – www.instagram.com/prixofilm