Why film photography?
I recently got this question from a couple of my clients. “Why film photography?” Here is my answer after giving it a good thought.
(My dear one and only sister, Hokkaido, Japan, 2010)
As a photographer who started my journey with film photography, I have a deep emotional attachment to this art form. To me, film photography is a handwritten letter in this era of everything digital.
(autumn day trip, Mauntauk, NY, USA, 2007)
One of the things I love about film photography is that every shutter count is precious. (Even more so as the price of films is rocketing high recently.) With a limited number of exposures on a roll of film, I have to think carefully about each shot and make the most of every opportunity. This sense of preciousness and attention to detail is a key part of what makes film photography so special to me.
(Stree cat awakening, Istanbul, Turkey, 2011)
Another aspect of film photography that I love is the element of surprise. Unlike digital photography, where you can immediately check the image on a screen, with film you have to wait until the film is developed to see the final product. This waiting game only adds to the excitement and appreciation of the final print.
I also love the organic, imperfect nature of film photos. Despite the advancement of digital technology, film look presets and various tweaks, I still believe that film photography has a unique quality that cannot be replicated. Film cameras are usually decades old, and do not have the high-tech features of modern digital cameras. They are not necessarily sharp, and they often have a unique graininess and texture that adds to their character and charm. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with perfectly-polished, airbrushed images, film photography offers the opposite respite. It's a reminder that true beauty lies in imperfection, and that sometimes the most memorable photos are the ones that are a little bit rough around the edges.
(You’re so fxxking special, Seoul, Korea, 2013)
It’s not just the look; it’s about the whole joyful process, from the moment you choose which film camera to use and which film stock to shoot, to the mindful press of the shutter, and finally, receiving the developed film scans.
I have incorporated a film photography add-on to my photography packages to maximise the joy of photography. I don't develop films by myself or print them in a darkroom anymore, they are developed and scanned into digital files by professional labs, allowing for partially digital convenience. I hope that my couples will consider trying this film photography, as it can provide a fun and unique experience that they may fall in love with, just as I have. :)
Check more film shots here.
