KODAK TRI-X 400

During a recent trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, I brought along my trusty Nikon F2 and a roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 – a film I absolutely adore! We arrived at noon and wasted no time; by 4 pm, my crew and I were already on our way up to Lake Alta, a stunning glacial lake nestled in The Remarkables. The hike was short but sweet, with the option to push on to the peak for those feeling adventurous.

I used up the entire roll of film during our four-day stay, capturing every bit of the mesmerizing scenery. Then came the dreaded warning signs at the airport: "Do not X-ray film! Please request a hand check." Did I listen? Nope! I confidently sent my camera, film still inside, through the machine.

Of course, when I got my film back, it was all fogged up – a classic case of "I should have known better." But here's the funny thing: that foggy effect actually gave my photos a nice effect, making them even more special.

Lesson learned: Sometimes, it pays off to play by your own rules!