Francesca_film
In a world of whimsical portraits and wonder, picture perfect film is found in all corners. Tegan, or known on instagram as Francesca__film, is 23 years old and from Naarm (Melbourne.) While photography has only become a fairly recent development and passion, after deciding to leave behind her academic pursuits, to focus on more creative endeavours.
Everything she knows and learnt about photography has either been self-taught, or from other lovely people in the community. Her initial interest came from the fashion scene, the beautiful designs and theatrical work behind the photography, all being used to convey a story. More recently though, she has been exploring the work of lesbian photography, which she feels very connected to capturing queer love in a story.
What encouraged and pushed you towards starting your career as a film photographer?
I was quite lost when I was studying full time, and felt a void where I wasnt expressing creative parts of myself. I dropped out of university, and decided to try any crafts that caught my eye, to see what stuck. My friend bought me a disposable film camera for my birthday one year, and I instantly fell in love with the process of film. I never had any interest in photography growing up, because my only experience was with the digital side, where film is what inspired me! The excitement and love I feel from getting my film photos back from the lab is what continuously motivated me to keep going, and as the love only grew bigger, I decided to pursue it as a career.
How did you start out your journey in the world of film photography?Are there any core memories from the beginning which pushes you?
My journey began with a lot of love and encouragement from my friends, who validated my photos and told me I had the talent! Friends allowing me to always take photos of them built up my confidence, and allowed me to do a lot of trial and error. My core memory was definitely my first organised photoshoot for Anna Walsh. She had a lot of belief in me, and welcomed me into the fashion scene to photograph her magical designs. I remember feeling so nervous, but full of inspiration. She will always be to thank as she is the first person who took a chance on me!
Francesca__film, shoot for Anna Walsh.
Running alongside this, were there many challenges that came with the process of becoming a photographer?
Film photography can be very technical, and there is a lot to learn to master the skill. I have had many rolls come out blank, blurry, over and under exposed, and all of the nightmares - cameras randomly dying on you in the middle of a shoot! It is always a learning experience, still to this day, and it is terrifying when there is a lot at risk, but I am always willing to take it when the results come through.
Your photography is very out of this world and something very unique, what do you find inspires you to keep going, and for all your different shoots? Are there any other photographers, books etc which inspire you and help give you ideas?
Thank you! The majority of my photography comes from the incredible ideas of other creatives, I love collaborating with other people, and when they have a set vision it really motivates me to help them bring it to life! I love that each shoot is completely different, which keeps it forever interesting and an opportunity to learn new skills - I love being challenged. I am always being inspired in every aspect, there are no real set photographers, but recently with my queer photography, I delved deep into J.E.B’s photos, and other lesbian archival works. Black and white photography has been my latest obsession, and Francesca Woodman has been in the back of my mind constantly, for a long time! It brings me back to my love for film, and the history of the process.
As an individual with a constant pull to create, do you ever suffer artistic burnout? Do you have any methods to combat creative blockage?
I think taking breaks to become inspired again, and connect to your passion is essential when you are experiencing burn out. I have been through it a lot, especially if I have had some misfortunes with film, but I just have to remind myself the mistakes are part of the process! Remembering why I love to create, and what truly inspires me always puts me back on track.
When did you know it was time to turn photography into a career and professionalise the passion?
Honestly, to combat film prices! I, of course, would love to do this as a full time career, and live off the funds to constantly create, but it is extremely difficult. I would also love to be able to take photos without any consequence, but with the high costs of films and developments, it isn’t possible. Hopefully exploring photography as a career would also open up my life to even more creative opportunities, and to travel the world doing it!
Are there any tools and techniques which you love to use and experiment with in your photography?
I am constantly learning more about light and how to use it in different ways, which can really transform a photo. Usually I have only ever used the natural light and a reflector, but I am trying to use new tools to experiment more! This also applies with the editing process, which has always been intimidating and of not much interest to me, but in recent shoots following the direction of the creatives, I have been able to try new techniques that I have come to love!
When did you know it was time to turn photography into a career and professionalise the passion?
Honestly, to combat film prices! I, of course, would love to do this as a full time career, and live off the funds to constantly create, but it is extremely difficult. I would also love to be able to take photos without any consequence, but with the high costs of films and developments, it isn’t possible. Hopefully exploring photography as a career would also open up my life to even more creative opportunities, and to travel the world doing it!
In relation, do you have a camera/s which you have a tendency to drift towards in your photography?
I am only ever using one camera at a time usually, and at the moment I am using the Canon AE-1! Sometimes I use random point and shoot cameras for flash purposes, but I always come back to manual cameras.
Do you ever think or plan to experiment in terms of cinematography, or will you just continue with film?
Previously I wanted to go into film school, and loved cinema deeply, but it has faded a lot as my love for photography has grown. It seems like a different path to me and I am too far into this one to turn around (in a good way!)
In the new year, what are your aims and goals in terms of photography?
Quantity! I want to do so many more photoshoots, with as much variety possible. I want to build my portfolio up, as I want to move to Paris in 2026, and would dream of continuing photography there. I don't doubt during this process I am going to continue to learn so much and experiment with different styles.
Do you find that sourcing compositions of a set is difficult? With the factors of models and pursuing locations?’
For personal projects, I am very lucky to be surrounded with so many beautiful friends who are just as creative, who are always willing to model for me! If a brand has reached out to me, they usually will have the models already sourced. Locations can be difficult, and sometimes uninspiring when you have been in the same city your whole life, but again, with the help of friends and a new set of eyes, you can really make use of even mundane backgrounds.
Is there a competitive nature in photography through being based in Naarm/Melbourne- a city vast with creatives? Such as booking shoots or individualising?
I feel a little on the outside of the photography business in Naarm, as I am still considering myself a developing photographer, I personally haven’t felt the competitiveness! I would love to connect with more photographers to learn from each other, but I can feel that hesitance.
In turn, what can an art-rich city offer young artists? How has it informed your work?
The wide variety of creatives is what fuels my photography, so I am very lucky to be living in an art rich city. Connecting with my community has opened up so many doors, and almost everyone is very eager to create together. Especially when you are just beginning as a creative, it is really inspiring when there is no mention of profits, just collaboration, and everyone is doing it purely for the art and experience.
For a community eager to deepen a connection to art- what are the ways in which those can support photographers and how would you describe its importance to do so?
Keeping your eyes out for photography exhibitions, and showing up in person is always going to be beautiful! Purchasing art directly such as prints will help photographers continue to fund their creations. Sharing and creating opportunities for photographers, and taking chances on young/underdeveloped creatives will always be important. Creatives are in a lot of ways reliant on their community, and these days it can take place on social media, whereby sharing their art online is a very important part of supporting artists. My photography only exists when other creatives exist, so I love the art community and can really see the importance of uplifting all forms of art to keep it alive.