I traveled to Banff and Jasper in Alberta, Canada this Thanksgiving. I don’t know about you, but I love Banff in the winter. Fewer people. The only thing you miss out on is the bright blue lakes. But if I was there a couple weeks earlier I couldn’t have had the best of both worlds.
Film camera used – Contax T3 (My current favorite. I have been shooting with this camera for a year and a half now and it has been worth every penny!)
For this trip I shot the camera on automatic the entire time. I did not change or adjust any settings.
My favorite film stock I used in Banff – Portra 400 (It is expensive but worth it because it takes such beautiful photos in almost every condition.) I also used a roll of Portra 800 and those pictures also turned out well, although I do think I prefer the creaminess of Portra 400 over the added grain of Portra 800.
Where we stayed in Banff– We stayed at the Moxy Hotel in Banff National Park and loved it. Highly recommend. They have a hot tub, bar, and the overall vibes there were awesome. Lots of spaces to work in the lobby. The whole hotel was very aesthetic and the location was perfect! We were just a 5 minutes drive away from the Fairmont Hotel.
Shop my travel carry-on bag here.
In order to take this photo you will have to stand in the center console of the street. It can be a little awkward but it’s nice there is a sidewalk down the middle.
I wasn’t sure how the photos I took out the front window would turn out since we were moving so fast. But honestly, I was shocked—every single one of them came out perfectly!
This was my first time visiting Peyto Lake, and I have to say—it totally lived up to the hype. Since it was right on the way to Jasper, we didn’t have to go out of our way, but honestly, even if you’re only exploring Banff, I’d still recommend making the drive. It’s so worth it!
Probably one of the most picturesque gas stations I have ever seen.
A few film photos I took at Morant’s curve. We did not wait for the train to pass but even without the train this spot is definitely worth visiting. I think the train rides by once every hour.
I must have a thing for gas stations in Banff. I took quite a few photos of them.
Digital photography equipment I’m currently using:
My favorite lens is easily the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM. Expensive but worth it. I bring it on every trip with me.
Goals going forward
One of my goals with film photography moving forward is to take more photos of me.
Aside from the occasional mirror film selfie, I still feel super uncomfortable in front of the camera. And with film being so pricey to buy and develop, I don’t always feel confident I’ll even like how the photos turn out. But it’s something I really want to work on, so I’m going to give it a shot (pun intended) and see where it takes me.