Five Reasons to Rediscover Film Photography
In a world where digital photography dominates, it can seem counterintuitive to return to film. Yet more and more photographers are rediscovering the beauty, authenticity and artistic depth that only film can offer. Although digital photography offers undeniable convenience, the return to film photography allows us to reconnect with a more sensory and contemplative experience. This article presents five major reasons why every photographer, beginner or professional, should consider trying film photography at least once in their life. Each reason is a step toward a better understanding of light, composition, and the true art of photography.
1. Escape Instant Validation and Regain Patience
Digital photography has accustomed us to instant gratification: we take a photo, we look at it immediately and we decide if we like it. However, this speed can also lock us into a constant loop of validation, influencing our confidence as a photographer. With film, you don't know what your photo looks like until you develop it, which can take days or even weeks. This lack of immediate feedback pushes you to focus on the creative process rather than the end result. This “return to slowness” allows us to regain the patience lost in digital practice. You learn to let go and enjoy the act of photographing, without worrying about immediate perfection.
Additionally, this approach reinforces discipline. You learn to better anticipate your settings and compositions, to preview the final image in your mind before you even shoot. It's a way to hone your photographic instincts and develop greater confidence in your artistic vision. Photography then becomes an active meditation, a moment of full awareness where every shot counts.
2. Master the device settings for a better technical understanding
If you're used to letting your digital camera do the work in automatic mode, switching to a fully manual film camera requires you to understand every setting. Exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity: each parameter must be carefully adjusted to capture the desired image. By taking the time to compose each photo, you develop a deeper understanding of light, composition, and the technical nuances of photography.
This learning process is invaluable. It not only allows you to master your camera, but also to become a more intentional and thoughtful photographer. Film teaches you to be more rigorous and methodical, not to rely on digital gadgets to correct mistakes. This way, you take ownership of each stage of shooting, from choosing the film to manipulating the settings. This mastery then translates into your digital practices, making you more competent and creative.
3. Capture truly meaningful moments and create visual narratives
With a roll of film, you have a limited number of photos – usually 24 or 36 shots. Unlike digital where you can take hundreds of photos without a second thought, film requires a certain frugality. It makes you ask yourself: “Is this moment really worth a photo?” » This process encourages you to be more selective and actively seek out moments that truly resonate with you.
Over time, this practice can refine your style and help you identify the topics you're truly passionate about. You learn to tell stories with your images, to construct a coherent narrative rather than simply accumulating shots. This narrative approach to film photography is particularly rewarding when you return to your developed film and rediscover moments that you had captured with intention and sensitivity. Street, travel and even portrait photographers benefit greatly from this method which favors quality over quantity.
4. Unrivaled aesthetics and creative diversity
The colors and textures of the film are simply incomparable. Even with the best post-processing techniques, it's difficult to reproduce the warmth and depth of a film photo. Each type of film has its own personality: Kodak Portra excels at skin tones and portraits, Fujifilm Velvia delivers vibrant colors for landscapes, while Ilford HP5 produces contrast-rich black and white ideal for photojournalism or street photography.
This diversity is a playground for creatives looking to express their style authentically. In an age where most digital photos end up looking the same due to standardized filters and presets, film offers a rich, timeless aesthetic that stands out. Additionally, the film's distinct grain and small imperfections create a unique emotional connection with the image, a sensation that the clinical perfection of digital struggles to match.
5. Save time on post-production and find an organic approach
Digital photography can overwhelm you with thousands of images to sort, edit and export. This often takes hours or even days of post-processing. In comparison, once your films are developed and scanned, the adjustments required are minimal. You focus more on shooting than post-processing, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with editing. The film process pushes you to “do it right the first time,” and to use your photographer’s eye rather than software to adjust your images.
Additionally, the tangible aspect of film photography, with its films, chemistries and prints, offers a satisfaction that digital photography cannot. When you hold a silver print in your hands, you feel the effort and thought that went into its creation. This return to a more organic and artisanal approach is particularly rewarding for photographers who wish to reconnect with the very essence of their art.
