Due to last minute adding of classes last semester, I found myself sitting in Basic Film Photography. It wasn't where I had planned on being and I didn't exactly know what to expect of the course. But despite that, it ended up being one of my favorite classes that I've taken so far and something I suggest that you try for yourself. Here's why:
Film photography requires time and attention. And because of that you see photos and the life around you more appreciatively. Before you take each photo, you have to adjust settings on your camera. When printing photos and developing film, you use all sorts of chemicals with very specific instructions. Not to mention you work through those tasks with little to no light at all. These are just a few of the aspects that really stand out. And I'll admit, it can be exhausting at times and very frustrating if you make mistakes of which I made plenty. Sometimes you have to start all over again and shoot another roll of photos and that's the worst of all. But when you're finally successful and all is done, it's truly worth it.
When you finally hold that photo, you breathe a sigh of relief and know everything it took to get there. That photo is something you saw, something you decided exactly when to capture, and something you carefully created all on your own. It's an amazing feeling and it was certainly something I didn't feel before with photography. This gave me a much needed and new perspective.
In today's world, almost everything is instant. It's partly why we take so many thing for granted. And instant photography, while a time saver, has made photos something quick, easy and common. I used to take a photo without giving a second thought. And I didn't need to because I got to see it right away. If I wasn't happy with it for any reason, it was deleted in a blink of an eye and I could take another right after. In addition, these photos are often filtered or altered in many ways. You have to wonder what the photo truly looked like to begin with.
But film photography is different. It's careful, thoughtful, and genuine; not rushed, mindless, or fake.
If you let it, shooting with film slows you down in a life that's so fast. It opens your eyes to what's around you. It brings your attention to what people are really doing. You focus on the sun shining and rain falling. The still things and the moving things in life are seen more closely. Nature, buildings and everyday objects aren't missed as easily. Even down to a person's smile that you see so often becomes appreciated like new. It's really a beautiful thing and I'm so happy I fell into this class when I did.
Without a doubt, film photography requires a lot of time and focus. It's a sincere art and it's something I want to continue soon. I hope you'll consider trying it for yourself. And if you do decide to try it, remember to simply slow down and the rest should fall into place.
