Immersive and Wide with Samuel Beer and the Sprocket Rocket
Dedicated analogue photographer Samuel Beer regularly travels between France and Scotland, creating compelling and understated photographs that give a feeling of calmness through his careful observations of everyday life. Samuel recently explored shooting with the Sprocket Rocket 35 mm Panoramic Camera and managed to capture the beauty in his surroundings. We talked to Sam about the results and how shooting in panoramic shifted his photographic perspective.
Hi Sam, please tell us about yourself?
My name is Samuel Beer. I’m a French-British photographer based in Scotland. I spent most of my life in the South of France, but in the last year I decided to move up to Edinburgh. I started out doing videography, making short films from the age of nine, but on my fifteenth birthday, I was given a Canon AE-1, and that kick-started my film photography journey. I enjoy using quirky cameras, from Soviet spy cameras to hundred-year-old Kodaks, I always find a thrill in the process. In my professional work, I mainly shoot 35 mm film and cover everything from portraits to sport. My work is driven by storytelling and atmosphere, and I love capturing moments that feel cinematic and grounded in real life.
Tell us about these photos and what you chose to shoot.
These photos are a collection of scenes from my daily life here in Scotland. At first, I wanted to find compositions that would really showcase the camera’s capabilities, so I started taking it with me everywhere I went.
I ended up capturing moments I might have struggled to do justice with a standard 35 mm camera. I began imagining these images as film scenes shot on 70mm, immersive and wide, where the frame pulls you in. The panoramic feature of the Sprocket Rocket really allowed me to explore that. I shot everything from landscapes to portraits, and even a couple of football matches.
How did you find shooting with the Sprocket Rocket?
It’s a really fun camera to shoot with. The viewfinder is bright, and the simplicity of the design means you can just focus on making great images. It’s also super lightweight, which makes it easy to carry everywhere, I appreciated not being weighed down. Loading and unloading the film was incredibly straightforward too. The whole experience felt very intuitive and engaging.
How did you find the results?
Honestly, I was blown away. The sharpness of the lens and the amount of detail it captures across such a wide frame is impressive. I was especially pleased with the shots taken using a flash and the portraits of my girlfriend, Natalie. I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but they’re some of my favorites. What I love most is how unique these photos feel, the panoramic format makes them stand out immediately in my portfolio.
What tips would you give to others wanting to try this camera out?
I’d suggest double-checking your composition before you shoot, it’s easy to get more in the frame than you expect. Pay attention to the edges and corners of the viewfinder so you’re confident about what you’re including. I’d also recommend shooting in good natural light with at least 400 ISO film, especially when you’re getting to know the camera. It performs really well in those conditions. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’re comfortable with it, try double exposures or long exposures, the panoramic frame opens up some really creative possibilities that I look forward to exploring further in the future.
To see more of Samuel's work, visit his Instagram page.
2025-08-20
#people #football #panoramic #edinburgh #scotland
No Comments