@dontshootphotos

1. Introduce yourself

My name is Jose Rizal Mills. I am a twenty-five years old photographer from San Diego, California and I have been shooting photographs for ten years. I’ve been shooting professionally for about six years and I am about to graduate university with a Bachelors in Television, Film and Media Production.

2. What’s the first photo you ever shot on film?

The first film photograph I ever shot was back in 2012 on a Kodak PowerFlash disposable camera going to Camp Marston for a sixth grade camp in Julian, California. I remember photographing the lake, the cabins we were staying at and a bunch of my friends having a fun time exploring the outdoors. Unfortunately, I don’t remember where I placed the photographs so
they are lost to time.

3. How does shooting film make you see the world differently?

To me there is a simple answer to this? Shooting film lets me see the world differently because it allows me to be more critical and creative when I shoot with a limited amount of shots. It also lets me have the most fun in moments where I don’t need to feel like a serious
photographer and can lay back a little.

4. What’s the most challenging shot you’ve taken?

There are a couple of shots that come to mind, but if I had to nail down one that was the most challenging it would probably be my unit stills photography work from the films: Underbelly. It was challenging because the actual set was quite small, so I really had to push myself to get these shots and I was close to getting kicked off the set. The results on the other hand, turned out to be extremely amazing and feel almost street/documentary like for unit stills photography.

5. What do you hope people feel or take away when they view your photography?

With my photographs, regardless of who sees them I hope that it compels them to explore the world and the places around them. To those who used to live in my city, I hope my photographs always remind you of where you came from.

@Dontshootphotos