I’ve been doing film photography for roughly a year now. I always loved the effect of old photos, and I’ve been editing pretty much all my photos to look like they’re really old, with a little bit of “shitty” quality anyway. So, last year I decided to try something new and started taking photos with an old familiar camera, which hadn’t been used in ages.
The first roll was pretty much a disaster, cause I didn’t know how to use the camera properly. Still I got some great shots, which made me go on with this new hobby. I still get some really bad and ruined captures, which is a pity, but I learn on my mistakes, making the new roll even better.
Some people would think, if you can take pics with your phone and edit them to look like film photos, why bother and use an old camera? It’s an indescribable feeling, but I’ll try my best. First of all, film cameras make you appreciate the moment you want to capture even more, because the amount of exposures is limited. So, if with a phone you can carelessly take photos of anything, knowing that you can choose between a hundreds of shots and delete the bad ones, with a camera, you become more attentive to the surroundings. It makes you value the little but important things you’ve got, sounds silly, but it changes your mindset a little bit.
Second of all, film camera is the perfect time capsule for nostalgic people like me. When you develop the roll after a few months of shooting, you then get to go back in time, get flooded with all the memories of the past, and feel, once again, grateful for those beautiful moments. I’ve been using the latest roll for almost a year, and even though I was always impatient to develop the photos asap, I’m glad that it took such a long time to finish this one, cause it became a great reminder of the past year.
And lastly, the photos of film camera turn out much more beautiful, meaningful and heartwarming. Maybe it’s because of the two previous factors, maybe not, I don’t really know. But one thing I know, is that no matter how hard I try to edit my phone photos to resemble camera ones, it’s by no means the same. Looking through my film photos, is like meeting an old dear friend and having a long cozy conversation with them. It gives you the feeling of home and warmth. Like getting a really good hug. Phone photos are beautiful as well, with a far better quality, but they never give the same feeling.
So, since it’s been a year of me taking film photos, I’ve decided to share some of my most favorite captures in collages, cause otherwise this post will never end.
annmary0723 
Very atmospheric photosβ€ I agree with you, it gives you the feeling of home and warmth.ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks a lot! glad you liked it!β₯οΈ
LikeLike
I am a PD person. Pre digital. Lol. I was taught film photography as that was all we had. In fact, I was taught to “look” at my subjects in black and white. I was one of my highschool’s newspaper and yearbook photographers and we only shot black and white and we developed all our own work. Yes, I am that old. Lol. I like digital photography as I can see my work instantly and can change or correct the shot. But since I started with film, knowing I may not have the chance to shoot it again, I usually don’t have extra shots to delete. Phone cameras are just point and shoot cameras and you don’t have much control over the outcome. Unlike “real” cameras where I can have more control of the shot. Film photography is at the mercy of the company that develops your roll of film unless you develop it yourself. Also, you cannot shoot at different ISOs. You are limited to one ISO. At least digital photography I can switch ISO and even change from color to black and white at any time and for any photo or even for the same photo. Digital photography, I can edit to my heart’s content. Did I shoot color and now want black and white for that one pic? I can do that. Being taught on film before going digital, makes me a better photographer, I feel.
Everything you said about film, I get with digital. If I messed up the shot on film, the moment is gone since I had to develop the film at a later date. If I messed up the shot with digital, I am still in the moment to have the chance to get the shot. But since I was taught on film? I usually capture the moment. βΊοΈ
On a different note… I have been a bit concerned about you since there has been some not so nice news coming from your country and I hope you and your family remain safe.
LikeLike
wow, that’s really interesting! I get that, learning film photography is way difficult, that’s why it’s easier with digital one,, I still enjoy the latter one and take lots and lots of photos, that’s why when it comes to film camera, I only want to capture the best moments and sceneries π thanks a lot for your concern, I appreciate it! yes, it has been quite a difficult and dark time for my country, as we lost a little part of it,, but me and my family are safe, for which I’m forever grateful π€ππ»
LikeLiked by 1 person
πβοΈβ€οΈ
LikeLike
Your photos are masterwork π
LikeLike
thanks so much!
LikeLike
I miss the days of film photography myself.
One felt more like an artist taking pictures with film.
LikeLike
that’s absolutely true!
LikeLiked by 1 person