Why I Shoot Film?

Pin It Now!

Since I started shooting film, I’ve been having a problem explaining to people why I like it better compared to digital photography. Most of them think I’m crazy for going backwards. It’s really difficult to explain to some people why I see magic with film and why I’m letting go of shooting digital (not entirely though).

Using film forces me to be a disciplined photographer. You really have to take your time and compensate your shots properly or else it will look awful. You also have to be sure of your framing. If not, this will just waste your shots. You have to keep in mind that certain “moments” just happen once and you’re either getting it or not. You also have to properly budget your shots since you only have 36 shots in a roll or 24, depending on your film.

UP Cebu Oblation (taken with CDR-King 35mm x expired Kodak Ultra 100)

Cathedral on Film (Minolta Maxxum 3 x Lucky Super 200)

Bubble Tea (Minolta Maxxum 3 x expired Centuria DNP 400)

There’s also a level of excitement with having your rolls processed. It’s never like digital where you can see the photo right away. Having to wait to see your finished shoots is an interesting factor with shooting film. I get all jittery when that guy behind the counter develops my roll and scans it.

To be honest, I’m too lazy to edit my shots. With film, I can already get instant photo effects that I like such as grains, vignette, chrome, or red scale photos depending on the film and camera I’m using. I’m in love with grainy photos and film lets me get the effect without spending time on Photoshop.

I have to admit though that I sometimes get frustrated with film. You can’t really reshoot everything and you’ve got to be really sure with your shots. The limited shots in every roll  also stops you from being trigger-happy. Sometimes, you have to wait until you finish the entire roll before you can get that one photo that you need.  

Waiting for the Smile (taken with Canon 500D)

Realities (taken with Kodak point and shoot)

Nevertheless, using film is a sort of redemption for my love of photography. There came a time when I was too lazy to shoot. When I started this affair with film, I got hooked. After every film and camera that I purchased, I’ve been wanting more and more. It’s like an addiction. But, I’ve never been this fulfilled in all-consuming addiction. And, I’m happy.