Five Reasons to Rediscover Film Photography
In a world dominated by digital photography, it may seem counterintuitive to return to film. Yet, more and more photographers are rediscovering the beauty, authenticity, and artistic depth that only film can provide. While digital photography offers undeniable convenience, returning to film photography allows for 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, look at it immediately, and decide if we like it. However, this speed can also lock us into a constant validation loop, affecting our confidence as a photographer. With film, you don’t know what your photo will look like until it’s developed, which can take days or even weeks. This lack of immediate feedback forces you to focus on the creative process rather than the end result. This “return to slowness” allows you to regain the patience lost in digital photography. You learn to let go and enjoy the act of photographing, without worrying about instant perfection.
Additionally, this approach builds discipline. You learn to better anticipate your settings and compositions, to preview the final image in your mind before even shooting. It’s a way to sharpen your photographic instincts and develop greater confidence in your artistic vision. Photography then becomes an active meditation, a moment of mindfulness 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—each parameter must be carefully adjusted to capture the image you want. By taking the time to compose each shot, you develop a deeper understanding of light, composition, and the technical nuances of photography.
This learning process is invaluable. Not only does it help you master your camera, it also helps you become a more intentional and thoughtful photographer. Film teaches you to be more rigorous and methodical, not relying on digital gadgets to correct mistakes. In this way, you take ownership of every step of the shoot, from choosing the film to manipulating the settings. This mastery then carries over into your digital practices, making you more competent and creative.
3. Capture truly meaningful moments and create visual stories
With a roll of film, you have a limited number of photos—usually 24 or 36. Unlike digital, where you can take hundreds of photos without thinking twice, film requires a certain frugality. It forces you to 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 subjects 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 especially rewarding when you look back at your developed film and rediscover moments you captured with intention and sensitivity. Street, travel, and even portrait photographers benefit greatly from this quality-over-quantity method.
4. Unparalleled aesthetics and creative diversity
The colours and textures of the film are simply incomparable. Even with the best post-processing techniques, it is 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 offers vibrant colours for landscapes, while Ilford HP5 produces a contrast-rich black and white, ideal for photojournalism or street photography.
This diversity is a playground for creatives looking to express their style in an authentic way. 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 feeling 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 through, edit, and export. This often takes hours or even days of post-processing. In comparison, once your film is developed and scanned, the adjustments needed are minimal. You focus more on shooting than on post-processing, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with editing. The film process pushes you to “get 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 film print in your hands, you can feel the effort and thought that went into its creation. This return to a more organic, artisanal approach is particularly rewarding for photographers who want to reconnect with the very essence of their art.
