When I first started photography in 2009, I learned with an old borrowed 35mm film camera. Everyone told me I needed to make the jump into digital if I was really going to go anywhere with photography. So I listened to everyone else and got my first digital camera within the year. Since then, I have spent years replicating the look that I was getting with that old borrowed camera.

About four years ago I decided that I wanted to bring film back into my work. To breathe new life into my art. I mean… I had spent so long trying to make my work look like film, so why not just shoot film again!

“I wish I could describe what it is exactly that draws me to film, but I just can’t. It’s the way it makes me feel when I see an image shot on film.”

2018 was the year where I allowed myself to dabble in film again. Trying a roll or two at a session here and there. I attended a workshop where I shot mostly film and even shot a few editorials where I also shot mostly in film. I was hooked again!

In slowing working my way back into film, I thought I would share with you some of the simple and quick tips that I have found very helpful as I dive back into film.

6 Quick Tips for Beginning to Shoot Film

1. Use an external light meter- This is the exact one that I have.
2. Film loves light!- Like a lot of light!
3. Film isn’t cheap! So take your time and really shoot with intent.
4. Start small- I started in 2018 with the Canon 1v 35mm. It was fairly inexpensive and it allowed me to use the Canon lens that I was already using with my digital bodies. I wasn’t ready to dive all in and purchase an expensive film camera when I wasn’t sure how if film was going to be a good fit for me and my clients.
5. Try different film labs until you find the one that works for you- I have been using The FIND Lab and PhotoVision. I love that The FINDLab offers a service that will give me feedback on my film. This has been really helpful in learning to get the look that I want. PhotoVision is based about an hour away from me and typically has a very fast turn around time, which is great for someone like me who is super impatient ahah.
6. Shoot different film stocks in the same session or setting.- This allowed me to see how each stock will react for that setting and light. Some film stocks will read green differently. I personally have quickly fallen in love with Fuji 400h.

Obviously, there is wayyyy more to film than this. But these are just some starting points to get you going. If you’re really wanting to dive all in to film, I suggest investing in some online classes, Booking a One on One sessions or investing in a Workshop geared towards film shooters.