This March, I found myself behind the AV table at Bewhiskered in Durham, North Carolina—a cozy and welcoming furry convention that turned out to be one of the more rewarding events I’ve worked in a while.
Between running video feeds, I managed to steal away with my Canon AE-1, loaded up with a roll of CineStill 800T. Normally, I don’t reach for film faster than 400 ASA—grain and I have a complicated relationship—but I wanted something that could handle the mix of dim hallways, glowing signage, and the occasional LED-covered fursuit. I’m really glad I gave it a shot. CineStill 800T delivered results that were moody, colorful, and surprisingly clean. I’ll definitely be using it again.
One of the highlights of the weekend was an analog photography meetup listed in the con schedule. It was a small but passionate group—folks carrying everything from Olympus Styluses to full-blown large format setups. We swapped film tips, shared a few test shots, and geeked out over light leaks like it was 1996. I even ran into a couple of subscribers of Channel 37, my YouTube channel where I upload old TV commercials and local promos. Always a surreal moment when the internet shows up in real life.
It was great to connect with other photographers who appreciate the tactile, deliberate nature of shooting on film. CineStill’s halation glow added something special to the scenes—especially in the low-lit convention spaces. There’s a cinematic softness to it that suited the setting really well.
Events like this are a good reminder that community can come from the most unexpected intersections—whether it’s through shared interests in costuming, photography, or obscure late-night infomercials. I’m glad I brought a camera, and even more glad I brought film.
More CineStill rolls are definitely in my future.
