I’m passionate about photography for a number of years now but I reached the point where I’ve noticed that I spend more and more time on a PC in photo editing programs, I watched my photos only in digital format and had a GAS for latest and greatest additions to my DSLR set up.

I was so glued to a PC screen that I even stopped shooting outdoor, like I use to.

I needed to think again about what’s really important to me in my passion.

I carefully analysed my work flow and I’ve noticed that there was a pattern in my digital process:

  • I always applied “film simulating filters” to my pictures for a more “vintage look and feel” or for Black&White and grainy effect.
  • I struggled to carry my heavy gear for the period of time I’d like to spend outside.

 

And then I thought: why not to cut off half of the work and simply use film instead? It will bring even more benefits, such as:

  • Reduce my camera bag size and weight (old manual cameras and lenses are much smaller and lighter than modern Full Frame DSLR bodies and glass);
  • It’s a great learning curve – I’ll need to make sure I’ll get everything right in the camera (horizon level, exposure, shutter speed, focus and so on) – once the shutter is pressed, corrections cannot be made;
  • To see my photos, I will need to print them first (I don’t have a negative scanner yet) – so I will have lots of prints
  • I will spend more time on fresh air, outdoors, walking, meeting people, seeing interesting places, travel and learn about new locations.
  • The variety of film types (colour and b&w) is so big that just to try one roll of each will keep me busy (motivated and challenged) for a long time; and once I decide on one style, my results will always be consistent (at least in regards to colours, dynamic range and grain, and regardless from my screen calibration or other factors).
  • Negatives are long lasting – my photographs will be secured in this format – I won’t need to worry about fail of my hard drives.

So what are the downsides then?

  • Cost – film is not cheap. Digital photography is taking more and more people away from film, and companies like Fujifilm are closing production lines of the least popular films nearly each year;
  • Patience – from the first shot to holding fresh prints sometimes takes 3 to 4 weeks (I’m not a heavy shooter);
  • Attention to details – once the shutter is pressed, horizon will stay off level, picture under/overexposed, subject out of focus or whole photo blurry – I’ll need to make sure all settings are spot on before pressing the shutter button;
  • Slows me down – I’ll need to remember to record camera settings for each photo, so I can compare results once prints are done (few weeks later); and I need to be consistent in doing that, because once I miss a record, data will be lost.
  • Creativity on the spot – the only filters I can apply are ‘screwed in’ ones at the end of the lens (no Photoshop/Lightroom allowed) so if I want to achieve a particular effect I need to be creative at the time of making the picture.
  • Cost again – development and prints cost. I will move to self-developing and scanning negatives in the future, but even then it will be more expensive than shooting digitally and keeping all pictures on the hard drive.

But are these really down sides? Apart from costs involved (which hobby does not include expenses?) all above in long term will bring more benefits than damage. Being more conscious about my shot, pre-visualize it, prepare my equipment, understand its abilities and limitations (the same for myself) and learn to ‘see’ the light. Are any of those useless?

When I considered all of above I knew what to do next. And to be more self-motivated I decided to record my progress – all of it, even mistakes, every photo from each roll – in a YouTube series. So far I’ve done 5 different rolls: Ektar 100, Portra 160, Fujicolor 200, HP5+ 400 and Delta 400. Link to playlist is here and to my channel is here (link opens a new window).

This will give others an opportunity to compare different films in variety of situations, give place to share their experience and some tips for best use of film or just to watch for fun. And for all new to photography – not every shot is perfect, even if you’re a professional or amateur with years of experience. Sometimes there is 1x keeper out 36 frames (if you lucky), and sometimes there isn’t. Tuff.

And I love the film photography community  just like coffee lovers (unfortunately I don’t drink coffee) there is this mutual understanding between them, this ritual and appreciation of time spent with their bellowed addiction. Everyone wants to help, everyone is excited about other’s experience, and everyone knows the feeling and wants to share it. There is no race for latest and grates and most expensive, but searching for unique, stylish, personal and fun. And if this old and broken? – Lets fix it! And then lets shoot some film on it! Lets be creative with it!

This is the mind set I love and adore.

And that’s the reason why I started shooting film.

 

What about digital photography? Should I sell my DSLR? That’s the topic for another day…