Some of you may wonder why I choose film photography instead of using an iPhone or digital camera. With all the advanced technology available, why go for something older and slower? For me, film is more than just taking pictures, it’s about capturing moments in a way that feels more intentional, artistic, and full of character. I love the classic, vintage aesthetic of film. The colours feel richer and more vibrant, especially when photographing nature. Blues are deeper, greens feel more organic, and golden-hour light glows in a way digital can’t quite replicate. Film also adds a beautiful grainy texture that gives photos a timeless, nostalgic feel. Instead of capturing every tiny detail with sharp perfection, film embraces softness and imperfection, making images feel more like memories. The process itself is another reason I love film. Unlike digital, where you can take hundreds of shots and delete what you don’t like, film forces you to slow down. You have to think about lighting, composition, and framing before pressing the shutter. There’s also the anticipation waiting to develop the film, not knowing exactly how the photos will turn out. That element of surprise makes it even more rewarding. While digital photography is fast and convenient, film offers something deeper. It captures not just an image but a feeling, a moment frozen in time with warmth and character.
When I take photos, I simply prefer the look of film over digital. I will show you the difference in a photo I took using a film camera versus my iPhone camera. As you can see in this photo below, it is almost like it is sparkling. I found that this photo is one of my favourite that my film camera produces as it almost feels like you can feel the ocean and the warm fresh air as almost like you are there in the photo. When I look at it it calms me, and makes me feel reminded of that time I was on the boat.Another huge reason why I enjoy using film is because of the anticipation and excitement I get while waiting for the film to be developed. When I take a photo, I can’t immediately look at it and think, “Oh, I don’t like the way I look,” and no one can criticize the photo until it has been developed. Even if the photo doesn’t turn out the best, it still reminds me of the memory and the moment I wanted to capture. Most film cameras I have used have 27 photos, so I save them for the right moment, only taking one when I truly feel it’s worth capturing. This is different from using my phone, where I can take multiple shots and always have it accessible. Something about film makes it feel more personal and special to me. Whenever I go on a trip or a little getaway, I always find myself saying I want to get a film camera. It has become a tradition to get them developed at the end of the trip and then share the photos with my friends or family.
Film Photo
Disposable camera quality
Digital Camera
iPhone Quality
These two photos were taken on the same day, and within the same minute of the same boat. This really shows the difference in film versus digital quality. The first second image (iPhone) has a sharper, more detailed look with crisp lines and deep blues, while the second image (film) has a softer, more nostalgic feel with warmer tones and natural grain. The film shot also has that dreamy, slightly hazy quality, making it feel more timeless. Whereas the iPhone has a darker look and dosen’t really enhance anything about the scenery.