I’ve long admired several film photographers in the family/motherhood niche of photography. I always felt that photos captured on film, paired with the right lighting/wardrobe/etc., just had this “look” that I was in love with. The photos felt dreamy, soft, and graceful. I found myself trying to emulate a lot of that in my digital work, but never quite achieving the look I wanted.
A lot of people wonder why in the world, when technology and digital cameras are so advanced, would you shoot film?
There are certainly a lot of inconveniences to shooting film, however, I think the benefits outweigh the cons. I wouldn’t be shooting it if I didn’t think so! Also, it’s important to note, that I don’t fully rely on film for everything. There are certain situations when I pull out my trusty digital camera and I’m very thankful to have it. For example, in a low-lit situation, trying to photograph a rambunctious toddler, or personal photos when I don’t necessarily want the costs associated with film.
Some of benefits of shooting film are for me as the photographer, and some are benefits to you as the client. I wanted to explain in more details some of the benefits of shooting film photography.
Shooting film allows me to be more present.
By not having the settings and digital preview, I can be more present to my surroundings and interactions with my families. I’ve noticed that I take a little more time between each shot making sure the angle, light, subjects are exactly how I want them. After shooting a session with my digital camera, I could easily come away from a session with 500 images to cull through! It would leave me feeling overwhelmed and burned out. From taking more time with composition to having to reload film in between rolls, my sessions feel a little slower and more thoughtful.
Film photography evokes nostalgia.
You will come away with photographs that truly look timeless. A lot of photographers describe film as dreamy, and I think that’s the perfect word! There’s something special about being photographed in the same way that your great grandparents were photographed, and it shines through in the photographs.
Shooting film makes me a better photographer.
No longer can you snap a photo, look at the image, and then tweak your settings, angle, etc. Shooting film requires me to be more intentional with every shot by analyzing the light, paying attention to every detail, and envisioning what I aim to capture. Better photographer=better pictures!
Film creates the most dreamy, perfect colors and skintones!
It requires VERY little editing, if any! Film renders the most beautiful creamy skin tones and retains details in places that digital wouldn’t (like a bright sky). A lot of digital presets are designed to replicate the “film look” and you could spend hours trying to make your work have that film-like quality.
….To put it simply, film gives me the fine art look I love and believe others love too!
I hope this was helpful to those of you wondering why one would shoot film in this day and age. I plan to more posts about film including what the process is like from start to finish, as well as tips to get started shooting with film- so be on the lookout!
