Why Film?
1. Intentionality: Every Frame Counts
With film, you don’t have the luxury of unlimited shots. A standard roll of 35mm film gives you 24 or 36 exposures, and each one feels precious. In medium format this jumps down further to 15 at the most down to 8 even 4 with some cameras based on aspect ration of the format. This limitation forces you to slow down, think critically, and truly consider your composition before pressing the shutter. You can’t just “spray and pray” like you might with a digital camera (though I still do love shooting digitally). Instead, you learn to observe light, shadow, and form with a heightened sense of awareness. Every frame becomes a deliberate decision, a moment of connection between you and your subject This intentionality extends beyond the act of shooting. It influences how you approach your entire process. You become more selective about what you photograph, more thoughtful about how you frame your shots, and more present in the moment. Film teaches you to see the world not as a series of disposable snapshots, but as a collection of meaningful, carefully chosen images.
2. The Artistic Process: A Hands-On Journey
Film photography is a tactile, immersive experience. From loading the film into the camera to developing it in a darkroom, every step requires your active participation. This hands-on process fosters a deeper connection to your work. You’re not just a photographer; you’re a chemist, and a curator all at once. I have the deep pleasure of working for a film lab and have access to the joys of darkroom printing. Developing your own film, for example, is a transformative experience. Watching an image emerge on paper in the darkroom feels almost magical. It’s a reminder that photography is as much about craftsmanship as it is about vision. The imperfections—light leaks, grain, or unexpected color shifts—aren’t flaws; they’re part of the medium’s charm. They remind you that art is alive, unpredictable, and deeply human.
3. Curating an Image: From Concept to Print
Film photography encourages you to think holistically about your work. Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly review and delete images, film requires patience and trust. You won’t see the results of your efforts until the film is developed, which means you have to rely on your instincts and technical skills. This delayed gratification forces you to be more intentional about every decision, from the type of film you choose to the way you meter your light. While this is a daunting process especially coming from digital its highly rewarding and after 5 years of mainly shooting film the resultts become extremely reliable (though certainly not able to beat the quick proofing ability of digital). Once your film is developed, the process of curating begins. You’re not just selecting the “best” shots; you’re telling a story. Each image is a piece of a larger narrative, and the act of editing—whether in the darkroom or in Lightroom—becomes a deeply personal and creative endeavor. You’re not just cropping and adjusting; you’re refining your vision, honing your voice, and creating something that feels uniquely yours.
4. The Beauty of Slowness
In a fast-paced, digital-first world, film photography is a reminder to slow down. It’s a practice in mindfulness, a way to reconnect with the joy of creating something tangible and enduring. The process of shooting film encourages you to be present, to savor the act of creation, and to appreciate the beauty of imperfection. This slowness also extends to how you share your work. With film, there’s no instant upload to social media. Instead, you take the time to reflect on your images, to sit with them, and to decide which ones deserve to be seen. This deliberate approach to sharing fosters a deeper appreciation for your work—and for the art of photography itself.
Film photography isn’t just a way to take pictures; it’s a way of seeing the world. It’s a practice in intentionality, a celebration of the artistic process, and a testament to the power of curation. By embracing the limitations and rituals of film, you learn to create with purpose, to see with clarity, and to appreciate the beauty of the journey as much as the final result. So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the speed and disposability of digital photography, consider picking up a film camera. It might just change the way you see—and create—forever it sure did for me.
