Although the people of the modern world churn out a million photographs a day from mobile gadgets, the art of film photography remains alive. The influence of traditional photography is evident in modern filter applications that try to mimic the look of film using new digital cameras. For instance, their vintage sepia portraits that emulate film developing techniques.
Even if film photography is no longer as popular, how you take your photos is still influenced by film. If you are thinking of throwing away that old analog camera, think again. Consider the following reasons why there is room for film photography in your modern lifestyle.
Old Cameras are Fun Statement Pieces/Collectibles
Collecting old cameras is now a very cheap hobby because the prices of these film cameras have dropped tremendously. You can even buy them in thrift shops, second-hand stores, flea markets, consignment stores, or garage sales.
There is a broad range of styles that come in all sorts of exciting shapes, brands, and specifications. High-tech equipment is even sold for rock bottom prices. Owning an old film style camera owns a historical artifact. It is a statement piece that tells a story. Since analog cameras are made of durable mechanical parts, most of them even work well.
Traditional Cameras Help You Take Better Photos
If you observe the mechanism of older film cameras, you will understand how they capture photographs, which will help in improving your photography skills. It shows the shutter speed, the aperture ring, and the concept of lighting. This is something that you cannot do in a digital camera. Although the latter will display your captured scene, it will not show you how that scene is morphed into a beautiful image. This is something that cannot be done with digital circuit boards.
Photograph with Film Pushes You to Be More Precise
Many people who rely on digital cameras take advantage of their efficiency in taking good photos, which is why people just love to point and shoot. As a result, their photo composition takes a nosedive. Those who want to improve their picture-taking skills need to practice with an old camera because this forces you to be more meticulous.
You don’t want to waste your film or negative roll, which comes with 24 or 36 shots only, so you are more conscious of taking quality photos. Before you press the button, you study every angle to inspect if the shot will work. Because of this, you don’t waste time and effort in film developing for a questionable subject.
Developing Photographs is Rewarding
There is something very satisfying about developing photos in a darkroom. It may be an old school style to process film with chemicals in a special room. However, every budding photographer must have a darkroom experience at least once in their lives. It is incredible to witness the magic of developing and printing your own photos. These old prints turn out to be more valuable than digital editions because you were involved in the process every step of the way.
Vintage Cameras Ensure Your Photography is Authentic
Because you are immortalizing something in a film, you only have one chance to take a decent snap to get things right. There are also no filters in the camera itself that will distort the colors of your surroundings. As a result, you come out with more authentic and honest photographs that depict the moment as it is happening. Your pictures have more personality than that of digital ones.
Final Word
If you want to try something different or hone your photography skills, do not discount the value of using classic film rolls. People who get into film photography are more invested in the project because they rely on their hands and their minds to analyze a scene. This method teaches the essential skills needed to become a better digital photographer.
