GET STARTED WITH FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
Are you looking to get into film photography? Despite the rise of digital photography, many people still prefer the look and feel of film, myself included. If you're interested in trying it out, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Here are some things you’ll need to help you get started!
CHOOSING YOUR CAMERA & FILMOne of the first things you'll need to do is choose a camera and film. The good news is that you can find great film cameras for relatively cheap prices. Look for a camera that is in good condition, and make sure it's compatible with the type of film you want to use. When it comes to choosing film, there are many options available, each with its own unique look. Some popular films include Kodak Portra, Ilford HP5, and Fujifilm Superia. It's a good idea to experiment with different films to find one that you like best. Personally, I think starting out with black and white film is a fun way to get started, and is a little bit cheaper than shooting in color!
Another thing to think about is that if you aren’t very comfortable with a camera, that is totally okay! Disposable cameras are fairly simple to understand, and can be a great way to get used to shooting on film.
UNDERSTANDING EXPOSUREExposure is one of the most important aspects of photography, and it's especially important when shooting with film. Unlike digital photography, you can't simply adjust the ISO on a film camera. Instead, you'll need to choose the right film speed for the lighting conditions you'll be shooting in. It's also important to understand aperture and shutter speed, as these will determine how much light enters the camera. Make sure to do some research and practice with different exposure settings to get the hang of it. A good place to start is 400 speed films as these are versatile and can be shot during most daylight hours, and if you have a flash on your camera, you can even shoot at night! My favorite is Portra 400 due to its true to life color profiles and skin-tone balanced hues.
Here, I was shooting in a dark environment so I used a high ISO of 3200 to capture my image!
DEVELOPING & SCANNING YOUR FILMYou’ve filled up your roll with all of these great pictures! What now? Once you've taken your photos, you'll need to develop and scan your film. You can either do this yourself or bring it to a lab. If you're developing your film at home, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the right chemicals. When it comes to scanning your film, there are many options available. Some labs offer scanning services, or you can invest in a scanner yourself. Make sure to do some research and choose a scanner that will produce high-quality scans. Taking it to a lab is a tried and true way to get consistent results. You can either take it in to a local shop, or mail it to a photo lab! The Darkroom Lab and The FIND Lab are great options to start out with.
NOW GO GET STARTED!Starting out with film photography can be a bit intimidating, but it's definitely worth it. By choosing the right camera and film, understanding exposure, and learning how to develop and scan your film, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful images. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Happy shooting!
I would love to see your images! Get connected with me on Instagram to share your photos <3
