Analog isn't dead. And if it was before, the hipsters have made sure it isn't anymore. However, I promise you there are multiple reasons people do still use analog photographic methods, and it's not just to look cool or different. Let's run through the list of why I think film is worth a try, at least from an artist's perspective.
1. It looks better.
This is more of an opinion, but personally I think film photography just looks better. In digital photography you run the risk of getting noise (you know those ugly dots that show up on a picture that doesn't have enough light). Well, with film you get none of that. The only risk you run is getting a picture full of grain (a similar kind of dotty look). However, as long as it's not too much, a certain amount of grain is really quite nice looking and gives a photo some character. Grain creates a picture, noise destroys it (see below). Furthermore, I find that the look of the black/white/gray or colors (depending on Black and White or Color film) is much deeper and more distinct with film. No Instagram filter can even come close to the look and feel of a real film photograph.
Film on the left, digital on the right. See the difference?
2. It forces you to think.
Unlike digital, film only gives you a certain number of exposures before you run out and have to reload. You get about 36 exposures (or pictures) on 35mm film, and 16 exposures on 120mm film. Because of this, one has to really think about the photo they are about to take before they take it. You can't just shoot willy-nilly. I personally think that this has a positive effect on the artistry of the photographer's work. You think more of the subject, composition, lighting, etc., etc. Unfortunately, film has become expensive. And so has the processing. This is just another reason to be thoughtful about what you shoot. Again, this may not necessarily be a bad thing.
3. There are so many options.
With film you have so many options of what you can do. Sure, there are lots of digital cameras you can buy, but in reality they all do the same exact thing just at different quality levels. With film you get to choose between black and white or color, 120mm film or 35mm, slide film or negative film, and more! In addition, there has been a new trend of specially tinted films and specially made cameras that do all kinds of funky stuff. Then, when it comes to developing, you still have options. You can get your film cross-processed! It's just a very flexible medium.
4. It's so personal.
To me, film photography is personal in a way digital can never be. Put together the fact that I've just hand loaded this roll into the camera and that I only have 35 chances to get the perfect photo and I feel a special connection with the camera. If you develop your own negatives and make your own prints it takes on a whole new dimension. I fill up rolls of film, run them through all kinds of chemicals in just the right way to get a proper negative. Then I set up an enlarger with all kinds of settings to get a good print which requires more chemicals done right. It easily takes 5 tries to get the perfect print (not including making the contact sheet) and way more for color. After all of that, how could I not feel a personal attachment to every photo printed.
5. It's super artsy.
I know I said I didn't like film photography just because it looks cool, but come on! It does look so cool! A lot of film cameras look like pieces of art themselves. Even better, just by using film you look like a seasoned artist right off the bat. You get to bypass the whole 'Instagram photographer' phase and jump straight to 'real artist'. The photos you get just emanate coolness. "Yeah, I shoot on film. It's pretty cool I guess." Sure, the hipsters may act all chill about it. But analog photography is pretty much my life. I love it so much and would probably die without my film cameras. Which brings me to my warning: this hobby is addicting and expensive. But if you're willing to invest some time and money, I promise it is worth every second and cent.
