If you follow me on instagram (@jimellgreene), you’ll notice that I post a lot of film photographs. I started shooting film a few years ago with no expectations. It was just something new and exciting to me. I really didn’t think I would learn anything from it when I started, but over time, I think there are a few things I’ve picked up that have helped me grow as a photographer.
Film forces you to slow down. With 35mm film, you either have 24 or 36 exposures per roll and each exposure costs money. The cost comes from purchasing the film, developing, scanning, and even having to buy batteries for your camera. The number of exposures is even lower if you’re talking about medium format film. Because each image has a cost, it makes you think twice about what you’re taking photographs of and how many images of each subject you’re taking.
Film is limiting. Some may think being limited is a hindrance, but on the contrary, I think it forces you to be more creative. You have to think about things a little differently. A great benefit of digital is that it’s so flexible and forgiving. You can shoot almost anytime of the day, over or under expose your image, and then fix it in post. That simply isn’t the case with film. You’re locked into an ISO and have to make the most of it.
Film tests your knowledge. With film, there is no instant feedback; you can’t just look at the back of the camera to see your image. You are required to use your knowledge as a photographer to imagine what the photograph will look like before you can actually see it. You need to understand the way your aperture and shutter speed affect an image to get your desired results. You also need to be able to see light and understand how it’s distributed throughout an environment. After a while, it will become second nature and will translate well when shooting digital.
Film keeps you present and more engaged. This harkens back to the previous items I listed. I tend to be more present when taking images and not as concerned with making sure everything is perfect. Since I’m limited in how many images I can take, I shoot a few frames and go on about my business.
Film delivers a sense of delayed gratification. Unless you’re immediately getting your film developed, which I don’t, you tend to forget what you took photos of. So, when you get the images back it’s quite a nice surprise. It’s like a trip down memory lane, especially when your intended vision comes to fruition.
Film makes you realize it’s not all about the camera. To think that most of the iconic, world-renowned photographs were shot on film, on cameras that aren’t nearly as advanced as the cameras we have today, is mind-blowing. It makes you realize it's not necessarily the equipment but the photographer and their vision.
Now, I don’t think you need to shoot film to become a better photographer. You may not even feel there are any benefits to shooting film. After all, it’s an outdated technology and tends to be expensive. But, personally, I couldn’t be happier that I discovered film photography. It has changed the way I approach my craft and made me think differently before I take a photograph. So, after reading this, maybe you’ll dust off your old camera, or ask your parents to borrow theirs, and pick up a few rolls of film.
