Today, I wanna talk about something that’s been a big part of my life lately – film photography. I’ve always been into taking pictures, but there’s something about film that just hits different. So, I picked up an old film camera and started shooting. And let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride.
Getting Started
First off, I had to get my hands on some film. I did some digging online, asked around, you know, the usual. I found out there are tons of different types of film, each with its own look and feel. It’s kinda overwhelming at first, but that’s part of the fun.
I decided to start simple. I grabbed some 100 ISO film ’cause I mostly shoot outdoors when the sun’s blazing. And also picked up some 400 ISO for those times when I’m not sure what I’ll be shooting. You gotta be prepared, right?
The First Roll
Loading the film into the camera was a bit of a challenge. It’s not like digital where you just pop in an SD card. You gotta be careful not to expose the film to light. But after a few tries, I got it. There’s something really satisfying about that mechanical ‘click’ when you advance the film.
Then came the shooting. With film, you don’t just snap away like you do with your phone. Every shot counts ’cause you’ve only got, like, 36 shots per roll. You start thinking more about what you’re shooting, the light, the composition, all that jazz.
- I started just walking around my neighborhood, taking pictures of anything that caught my eye.
- A cool-looking building, a funny sign, my dog being a goofball in the park.
- You name it, I shot it.
Developing and Scanning
Once I finished the roll, it was time to get it developed. I found a local lab that still does film. It’s getting harder to find these places, but they’re still out there. You can also send your film off to online labs, but I like the idea of supporting a local business.
Waiting for the negatives to come back is like waiting for Christmas morning when you were a kid. That anticipation is killer. And then, when you finally see your pictures, it’s magic. Even the ones that didn’t turn out perfect, they’ve got this charm to them.
I also got my negatives scanned so I could share them online. Seeing my film photos on a computer screen, it’s like the best of both worlds. You’ve got that classic film look with the convenience of digital.
It’s a Journey
Film photography is definitely not the easiest or the cheapest way to take pictures. But for me, it’s been totally worth it. It’s slowed me down, made me more mindful of my surroundings, and helped me see the world in a new way.
And I’m still learning. Every roll of film is a new adventure. I’m experimenting with different types of film, different cameras, different techniques. It’s like a never-ending rabbit hole, but in the best way possible.
So, if you’re thinking about getting into film photography, I say go for it. It’s not about being perfect or following some rules. Just shoot what you love, have fun, and see where it takes you. Trust me, you might just surprise yourself.
