The Journal is where Film & Time slows down to reflect — a space for stories, essays, and images that explore the art of seeing with intention. Each entry captures more than a photo; it’s a study in patience, light, and everyday beauty. Think of it as a quiet place to pause, observe, and rediscover the details time usually rushes past.

The Space Between: Notes on Composition and Patience
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

The Space Between: Notes on Composition and Patience

Most of photography happens long before the image is made. It begins in the way we notice, the way we align what we feel with what we frame. We talk about composition as a set of rules — thirds, balance, leading lines — but in truth, it’s more like posture. A quiet alignment between instinct and intention.

Read More
From ‘PhotoFick’ to ‘Film & Time’
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

From ‘PhotoFick’ to ‘Film & Time’

Film & Time is the natural evolution of that shift. It carries forward the foundation of PhotoFick, photography supported by storytelling, but narrows its focus toward craft, patience, and the pursuit of a personal art form.

Read More
Through the Leaves: Capturing Autumn in the Adirondacks
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

Through the Leaves: Capturing Autumn in the Adirondacks

From the overlooks, morning and evening light unfolded slowly across the mountains — soft gradients washing over ridge lines and valleys. The symmetry of reflections began to appear everywhere: the geometry of branches leaning over still water, circles of ripples meeting sharp lines of shadow, triangles of ridges descending toward

Read More
The Magic of Medium Format Film
Film Matthew Fickinger Film Matthew Fickinger

The Magic of Medium Format Film

There’s something special about shooting landscapes on medium format film. It’s not just about the gear—it’s about the experience. The slower pace, the richness of the images, and the satisfaction of seeing a well-executed shot come to life all make it worth exploring.

Read More
Thoughts on Kodak Gold
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

Thoughts on Kodak Gold

The vibrant colors with the warm tones is great for snapshots with a point and shoot. Gold combined with dreary cold days in the city makes for a perfect…

Read More
Learning to See in Motion
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

Learning to See in Motion

Street photography presents a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Unlike landscapes, street scenes are fleeting, requiring quick decisions and decisive action. There's a sense of urgency in capturing the moment as it happens, knowing that once it's gone, it's lost forever.

Read More
My Cameras
Gear Matthew Fickinger Gear Matthew Fickinger

My Cameras

I first learned about Hasselblads from my Dad after seeing one on a lunar landing TV special (I wanted to be an astronaut growing up!). Since that moment, they’ve always been in the back of my mind. So, a few months ago when a friend inspired me to search for a functional heirloom, I decided

Read More
Why I Shoot Film
Matthew Fickinger Matthew Fickinger

Why I Shoot Film

The photo scans I received from the lab were not especially notable; however, I loved them! The delayed gratification of seeing the photos I had shot weeks prior was immense. Being able to hold the physical negatives in my hand, I realized what the digital photos were missing—a tangible presence.

Read More
How I Develop Film
Tutorial Matthew Fickinger Tutorial Matthew Fickinger

How I Develop Film

Developing black and white film at home is very easy! I will go in depth on what equipment and chemicals I use as well as how to use them. For simplicity, I will concentrate on 35mm film. All the steps are the same for…

Read More