In an age where digital images are captured, edited, and shared within seconds, there's something beautifully deliberate about the process of film photography. At Sprat Dorre Photography, we've maintained our love for film even as we've embraced digital technologies, and we're not alone in this appreciation for analog methods.
The Resurgence of Film
Over the past decade, we've witnessed a remarkable resurgence in film photography. What was once considered obsolete has become desirable again, particularly among younger photographers who grew up in the digital era but are drawn to the tactile, thoughtful process that film requires.
This renaissance isn't merely nostalgia—it's a recognition of film's distinctive qualities that digital, for all its advantages, hasn't fully replicated. The grain structure, color rendition, and dynamic range of film create images with a character that many find more pleasing than their digital counterparts.
"The limitation of 36 exposures on a roll of 35mm film teaches you to be more disciplined in your shooting. Every frame matters when you can't instantly delete and reshoot."
Why Film Still Matters
What is it about film that continues to captivate photographers in the 21st century? Here are some of the qualities that keep us reaching for our film cameras:
Intentionality
Film photography enforces a slower, more deliberate approach. With limited exposures per roll and no immediate preview, photographers must carefully consider composition, lighting, and exposure before pressing the shutter. This methodical process often results in more thoughtful images.
Unique Aesthetic
Each film stock has distinctive characteristics—Kodak Portra's warm tones, Fuji Velvia's saturated colors, Ilford's rich blacks in monochrome. These aren't simply "filters" but the result of complex chemical processes that render light in ways digital sensors don't replicate exactly.
Tangibility
There's something magical about the physical process of film—loading the camera, the mechanical sound of the shutter, and especially the anticipation of developing. In a world where so much is virtual, the tactile nature of film photography provides a refreshing connection to the physical world.
Getting Started with Film Photography
If you're intrigued by film photography, here's how to begin your journey:
Choose Your Camera
You don't need to invest heavily to start. Many excellent film cameras are available at reasonable prices:
- 35mm SLRs like the Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000, or Nikon FM2 are versatile and user-friendly
- Point-and-shoot cameras such as the Olympus Stylus or Yashica T4 offer simplicity and portability
- Medium format cameras like the Mamiya 645 or Hasselblad 500C provide larger negatives for exceptional detail (though at a higher cost)
Select Your Film
For beginners, we recommend:
- Color negative film: Kodak Portra 400 is forgiving and produces beautiful skin tones
- Black and white: Ilford HP5 Plus has excellent latitude and is easy to develop
- Color slide film: Fujifilm Velvia 50 offers stunning colors (though with less exposure latitude)
Learn the Fundamentals
Understanding exposure is crucial for film photography. Unlike digital, you can't check your results immediately, so having a solid grasp of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is essential. Many film cameras have light meters, but a separate handheld light meter can be invaluable.
"Remember the 'Sunny 16' rule: On a sunny day, set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to the reciprocal of your film's ISO (e.g., 1/400 second for ISO 400 film)."
Find a Development Process
You have several options for developing your film:
- Local photo labs offer convenient processing and scanning services
- Mail-in services like The Darkroom or Richard Photo Lab provide high-quality development
- Home development is rewarding and more affordable in the long run, particularly for black and white film
Our Film Photography Services
At Sprat Dorre Photography, we continue to offer film as an option for select services. Many of our clients choose a hybrid approach—digital photography for the majority of their needs, with a roll or two of film for that special vintage quality.
We particularly recommend film for:
- Portrait sessions where the soft, flattering qualities of film shine
- Wedding photography, where film's dreamy aesthetic captures romantic moments beautifully
- Fine art prints, where the distinctive look of film can elevate an image
Conclusion
Film photography isn't merely a relic of the past—it's a vibrant, expressive medium that continues to inspire photographers worldwide. While digital certainly offers convenience and flexibility, film provides a different approach to image-making that many find deeply satisfying.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to explore new creative avenues or a complete beginner intrigued by analog processes, film photography offers rewards that go beyond the final image. The process itself—thoughtful, tactile, and unhurried—can transform how you see and capture the world around you.
