A portrait of Fred Ostrovskis-Wilkes smiling whilst in Citta Alta, Bergamo in Italy.

When I am not writing, I take photos. When I am not taking photos, I write.

If I don’t write or take photos for an extended period of time, my brain feels like it’s going to collapse. In this respect, I am a very simple man.

Both of these creative processes have had a tremendous impact on how I engage with the world around me. They help me maintain a focus on being present and observant, whilst also encouraging my wandering thoughts to work creatively and not destructively.

My intention with my photography is to try and do justice to the reality of what is in front of me in an attempt to preserve, to honour, and to share.

My intention with my writing differs every time I sit down to write, and sometimes doesn’t exist at all.

When I am not engaged in one of these activities, I am likely out of breath somewhere craggy and bleak or working on Wilkes Wood, a design agency I co-founded in 2018.

I live in Sheffield with Amelia, my incredible partner of many years.

I’m always up for meeting new people and working on creative projects – if that’s something that interests you, get in touch.

Gear, Recommendations, and Features 😊

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, just let me know.

Contact Me

I’m not a massive fan of gear lists as I think they can sometimes be reductive and encourage people to buy gear they don’t need.

However, I am often asked what I shoot with. Rather than list the random bits and bobs in my camera collection, I’ll just keep it simple and share what I use day-to-day…

Cameras & Lenses:

Rollei 35 with Zeiss Tessar 40mm F3.5

Pentax SFXn with Pentax SMC DA 50mm F1.8 & SMC Pentax-F 28-80mm F3.5-4.5

Canon Sureshot Sleek

Zenit 12 XP (AKA ‘The Tank’) with Helios 44M-4 58mm F2

Film Stocks:

I primarily use Kodak Gold 200 for colour, and Ilford HP5 Plus for monochrome.

To support me buying film, getting it processed, travelling to take shots, or justifying spending yet another weekend writing at my desk, you can contribute via buymeacoffee.

If you’re in the UK/Europe and want to buy a print from me directly, just drop me an email or DM and I’ll sort it for you!

If you’re in the US, you can buy prints easily on my Darkroom Print Store.

This is just a place for me to share some recommendations for companies, products and services I have first-hand experience with and use regularly.

None of these are paid promotions, and I don’t get anything for sharing them…

Film Processing:

J&A Photography, Sheffield

Analogue Films, London

Camera Repairs:

Dan Ho, UK based

Buying Film Stock:

Analogue Wonderland, Online

J&A Photography, Sheffield

Equipment:

Harrison’s Cameras, Sheffield.

Want to read more about film photography?

Head to the blog.