One of the most distinct aspects of film photography is the waiting process—loading the roll, carefully composing each shot, finishing the film, and then finally sending it off for development. Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly review, delete, or edit a shot, film demands patience. The anticipation of waiting for my film to be developed has become one of my favourite parts of the process. There’s an element of surprise in not knowing exactly how the images will turn out, whether the lighting was right, if the focus was sharp, or if an unexpected light leak created something unique. This uncertainty used to make me anxious, but over time, I’ve come to appreciate the excitement and the lessons it teaches. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, film photography slows things down. It forces me to be intentional with each frame, knowing that every shot counts. Instead of taking hundreds of photos and sorting through them later, I compose with care, trusting my instincts and the moment. When I finally see my developed photos, they feel more meaningful because they hold the memories of not just the subject, but the process itself. Film photography has taught me patience, trust, and a deeper appreciation for imperfection. The beauty isn’t just in the final image but in the experience of creating it, something that’s often lost in the fast-paced, instantly editable world of digital photography.
The article on Psychology Today discusses delayed gratification and how the instant nature of digital experiences impacts our ability to wait for rewards. This concept connects to film photography because, like delayed gratification, shooting on film requires patience. You can’t see the results immediately, which mirrors the process of delaying the satisfaction of seeing the final product. This anticipation can enhance the appreciation for the work put into the photo, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection to the process, much like delaying gratification in life.
“To attain such happiness, we must develop and exercise an ability to delay gratification. In doing so, we set aside the near-term enjoyment of satisfying empty desires in favour of developing the capacity for longer-lasting pleasures in life.“
