Every Photographer Should Try Film Once
While digital photography offers a multitude of advantages like the ability to instantly review images, easily correct mistakes, and manipulate images extensively in post-production, there's something inherently charming about the analog process.
Film photography, often seen as time-consuming and technically challenging, offers a unique experience that expands a photographer's skill set while deepening their understanding and appreciation of the art of photography.
Beyond the nostalgic allure of the format, shooting on film can impart invaluable lessons, improve your skills as a digital photographer, and introduce you to the almost magical process of developing your own prints. In this blog post, we will explore why every photographer should dabble in film photography at least once, and how this seemingly old-fashioned medium can dramatically transform your approach to capturing images.
The Uniqueness of Film Photography:
Film photography is a different beast compared to its digital. It’s a format that creates patience, precision, and a certain degree of unpredictability.
The first thing that draws many to film is its unique aesthetic. The soft graininess of the film gives images a timeless, almost dreamlike quality. The vibrant colors or deep monochromes, depending on the film used, resonate with a warmth and depth that is often hard to replicate digitally. It’s not just about the final image, but it's also about the texture, the color rendition, and the overall mood that film imparts to a photo.
Holding a film camera, manually focusing the lens, and advancing the film after each shot - The mechanical nature of film cameras, slow you down and think more about each shot, making the process more mindful and deliberate.
Also, unlike digital photography where you can immediately review your shot, film photography is all about anticipation. You never truly know what you've got until the film is developed. This element of surprise can lead to incredible, unexpected results, or 'happy accidents,' that can add an extra layer of excitement and creativity to your work.
The Discipline Film Photography Teaches:
With a limited number of exposures on each roll of film, every shot matters, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to photography. In digital photography, it's easy to fall into the trap of overshooting, relying on the fact that you can take hundreds, if not thousands, of photos without worrying about running out of space. Film photography, on the other hand, with its limited exposure, teaches you to be more selective and intentional about every shot you take. It forces you to pause, think, and compose your shot carefully, making every press of the shutter button a deliberate act.
It also gives you an understanding of Exposure and Manual Settings. With no immediate feedback or auto modes to rely on, shooting film forces us to have a solid understanding of exposure principles. You must comprehend the relationships between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to successfully capture your vision on film. This deep dive into the technical aspects of photography can significantly enhance your knowledge and make you a more confident and competent photographer, even when you switch back to digital.
Patience and Planning: Film photography requires a level of patience that digital photography often bypasses. From carefully loading the film to waiting for it to be developed, the process slows you down and makes you appreciate the journey of creating an image. This patience often translates into better planning and more attention to detail, which can elevate the quality of your work.
The Impact on Digital Photography Skills:
While it might seem like stepping back in time, shooting with film can have a profound impact on your digital photography skills. The lessons learned from film can translate into improved technique, a better understanding of light and exposure, and a thoughtful approach to composing shots.
With the discipline of film photography, where every shot counts, you will become a more selective and purposeful digital photographer. The practice of carefully composing each shot, understanding lighting conditions, and manually adjusting settings based on the demands of the scene can improve the quality of your digital images. Film photography demands a deep understanding of light and how it interacts with your subject. It requires a thorough grasp of exposure, and an understanding of how to manipulate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create the desired effect. This knowledge is directly applicable to digital photography and can significantly enhance your ability to control the look of your images.
With the cost of each shot, film photographers often spend more time contemplating their composition before pressing the shutter button. This thoughtful approach can translate into your digital work, leading to more compelling and visually pleasing images.
Getting Started with Film Photography:
If you're inspired to explore film photography, here are some essential tips and resources to help you get started on this exciting journey. Remember, the process might seem slow and challenging at first, but the rewards it offers in terms of skill development and personal satisfaction are truly worth the effort.
The first thing you'll need is a film camera. There are plenty of affordable options available, from SLRs to point-and-shoots. Next, you'll need film stock in order to take photographs. There are a variety of films to choose from, each offering its own unique color and contrast characteristics. Finally, if you're keen on developing your photos at home, you'll need a basic darkroom setup. This includes developing chemicals, a developing tank, and, if printing, an enlarger.
Start with a simple camera and don't worry too much about getting the perfect shot right away. Learn to understand and appreciate the process of shooting on film. Experiment with different types of films to discover which ones you prefer. Be patient with yourself, and remember that each mistake is an opportunity to learn.
The journey of shooting with film can be a transformative experience for any photographer. The discipline and precision required, the tangible connection with the medium, the unique aesthetic, and the joy of seeing your images materialize in the darkroom are just some of the reasons why every photographer should try film photography at least once.
While digital photography offers convenience and immediacy, the slower and more deliberate process of film photography can truly deepen your understanding of the craft. It's a journey that harks back to the roots of photography, offering a tangible link to the past while enriching your skills in the present.
Don't let the initial challenges prevent you from exploring film. Embrace the learning curve, enjoy the process, and let the anticipation of the final image fuel your creativity. Whether you decide to continue with film or apply the lessons learned to your digital work, this journey will undoubtedly add a new layer of depth to your photographic skills and vision.
As you begin your film photography adventure, remember that the true essence of photography lies not in the medium used, but in the power of the image to tell a story, evoke an emotion, and capture a moment in time. So load up that film, venture out, and start creating your own unique photographic stories. Enjoy the journey!
