In my research on film photography, I’ve been focusing on how light plays a critical role in shaping the final image. Unlike digital cameras, film reacts to light in a more organic way. The quality of light, whether soft or harsh, affects the color rendering, contrast, and overall feel of the image. For example, Kodak Portra film tends to have a warm, soft rendering of light, while Ilford HP5 gives a more classic black-and-white contrast. I used Kodak to produce this photo:
This photo has the signature look of Kodak film, likely from a disposable or point-and-shoot 35mm camera. Here’s how the Kodak film and camera affected the image in terms of light:
Soft Focus & Slight Blur – Disposable Kodak cameras have fixed-focus lenses, which can create a dreamy, slightly out-of-focus effect, especially in landscapes where depth is a factor. This is noticeable in the trees and background mountains.
Warm Tones & Film Grain – Kodak film is known for its warm, nostalgic color palette. The greens, blues, and earth tones here have a slightly warm tint, enhancing the natural look. There’s also some visible grain, which adds texture and character.
Light Leaks & Overexposure – The bottom left corner glows, possibly a small light leak or reflection from the sun hitting the lens. Kodak disposable cameras don’t have strong lens coatings, so bright light can create flares or hazy spots.
