1. Understand Your Equipment: Cameras and Lenses
The heart of film photography lies in its simplicity. Start with a reliable 35mm film camera—models like the Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, or Pentax K1000 are great for beginners. Each has manual settings, allowing you to learn the fundamentals of exposure.
Choose a versatile lens, such as a 50mm f/1.8, often called the "nifty fifty". It mimics the human eye's perspective and performs well in various lighting conditions.
2. Know Your Film Stocks
Film stock is to photography what paint is to a canvas. Each film type offers a unique aesthetic:
- Colour Negative (e.g., Kodak Portra 400): Known for its soft tones and forgiving nature, ideal for portraits and landscapes.
- Black and White (e.g., Ilford HP5+): Great for dramatic, timeless shots with rich contrast.
- Slide Film (e.g., Fujifilm Velvia): Offers vivid colours but requires precise exposure.
Experiment with different stocks to discover your preferred style.
3. Master the Exposure Triangle
Film cameras require manual control of three settings:
- Shutter Speed: Determines how long light hits the film. Use slower speeds (e.g., 1/30) for low light and faster speeds (e.g., 1/500) to freeze motion.
- Aperture (f-stop): Controls the depth of field. A wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) creates a blurry background, while a narrow aperture (e.g., f/16) keeps the whole scene in focus.
- ISO: Film ISO is fixed, so choose your roll carefully (e.g., ISO 100 for bright conditions, ISO 800 for low light).
Learn to balance these elements to achieve properly exposed shots.
4. Focus on Composition
Composition in film photography is crucial—every frame counts. Apply these principles:
- Rule of Thirds: Place your subject off-centre for a balanced look.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines like roads or fences to guide the viewer’s eye.
- Framing: Include objects in the foreground to create depth.
Unlike digital, you can’t delete and retry, so think carefully before pressing the shutter.
5. Understand Light
Light can make or break your photograph. Early morning and late afternoon provide soft, warm tones (the “golden hour”), while midday sun creates harsh shadows.
For indoor shots, consider natural light from windows. If shooting at night, embrace the moody aesthetic of film grain or use a flash sparingly.
6. Learn to Develop Your Film
One of the joys of film photography is the tactile experience of developing your negatives. Start with black-and-white film—it’s simpler and more forgiving than colour. You’ll need:
- A developing tank and reels.
- Developer, stop bath, and fixer chemicals.
- A darkroom or changing bag to load the film.
The process is surprisingly straightforward and adds a personal touch to your images.
7. Digitising and Sharing Your Work
Once developed, your negatives can be scanned to share online. Affordable film scanners, such as the Epson V600, produce high-quality results. Alternatively, local photo labs often offer scanning services.
8. Embrace Imperfection
Film photography is beautifully unpredictable. Light leaks, grain, and occasional blur add character to your shots. Don’t stress over perfection—embrace the quirks that make each frame unique.
9. Experiment and Practice
Try different techniques:
- Double Exposures: Layer two images on the same frame for creative effects.
- Pushing and Pulling: Shoot film at higher or lower ISOs than rated to explore different looks.
- Different Formats: Explore medium format or instant film for variety.
The more you shoot, the better you’ll understand your camera and develop your own style.
Conclusion
Film photography is as much about the process as the results. It teaches patience, sharpens your eye, and rewards you with tangible, timeless images. So, grab a roll of film, load your camera, and step into a world where every click is an adventure.
