I thought it might be good to write a bit about why I’ve chosen to be a film photographer, especially in this digital-era we’re living in. I started my career as a film photographer back in 2005 and continued with film photography through college, where I graduated with a degree in Fine Art Photography.
Everything about film photography gets me excited: the sound of the shutter clicking (you know, that sound your iPhone makes when you take a photo), the square shape of medium format film (familiar with Instagram?), standing in complete darkness opening a film canister, the smell of developing chemicals, unrolling the film and getting a first-glimpse at the photos.
There’s no checking the back of the camera to see if everything’s set correctly. There’s no spray-and-pray method, shooting 10 photos in a row and hoping one turned out right. Film photography is all about knowledge and understanding. I meter light and I focus accurately because each image taken with film costs about $1.
Another very important component of film photography is teaming up with the right lab. The 1-hour photo places can certainly develop and scan film, but the quality isn’t there. I have tried several labs but fell in love with Indie Film Lab out of Montgomery, Alabama.
I love everything about film photography. It’s beautiful, grainy and yummy. It makes skin look flawless, colors have this bold pop and photos have this touch of romantic nostalgia we all crave.
If you’re under the impression that film is old, outdated or inferior to digital, I suggest you take a second look.
