I was born in the Bay Area, but I grew up in the suburbs of New York. I am also half Swedish on my Mother’s side. These are the three regions where the majority of my photos have been taken. I currently live in San Francisco, but make a few trips to New York throughout the year. I try to get to Sweden during the summertime to visit my family every few years. It’s a special place in those long summer days.

I had never owned a camera before I was given a film camera three years ago. My Mother’s best friend heard I was potentially interested in photography. Her brother passed away that year, leaving behind a collection of cameras and equipment. She thought I should have his Nikon FG and I gladly accepted it, knowing how special it was, and how meaningful it would be to continue to use it. I shot a test roll to see if it still worked and haven’t looked back since.

That summer while visiting Sweden, my family was selling my grandparent’s house. My grandpa was passionate about photography. He shot mainly with Nikon equipment, and I was able to keep a few lenses my grandfather used. This allowed me to combine my newfound camera with my grandfather’s Nikon F Mount lenses. It felt so special to be able to use his lenses while learning. I was hooked. It turned into a passion, reigniting an artistic spark I hadn’t seen in years.

All of the photographs on my website are shot on film, primarily using a Nikon F3. I have also started to shoot medium format this year. It’s been amazing to start capturing a few events and portrait sessions recently. I even had the honor of photographing my first wedding. I’m excited to see where this passion takes me!

⁃ Michael James Reid