Film photography will survive the test of time, solely because digital photography cannot match the quality of an image taken on film. It may have fallen under the radar the past few decades, but film is still used by many different people. Many are surprised that I still use my 35 mm SLR (Single Lens Reflective) camera while I have a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflective). I enjoy using both cameras and take both almost everywhere when I know pictures will be taken. Both types have their perks, but film has this feeling that is different.
1. The Dark Room.
The dark room is where you become one with your creation. The safe light saves the film from being over exposed and helps you see. But once you develop film enough, the room will be navigable when neither the safe lights or the main lights are on. The feeling of being there makes your image more intimate and you get to see it gradually appear on the light sensitive paper.
2. The Trial and Error.
Not every picture will come out the way it was intended, but that is okay. Film is a hobby that takes time to master. Sometimes the mistakes could be from an accidental exposure to light or a strange error in the camera. Not every roll of film will develop, nor will every image. It takes patience and take the time to learn from the mistakes made. Make these mistakes into something you never imagined of doing.
3. The Surprises
The images can not be seen until the film is developed. The negatives will appear after the film is placed in the three different chemicals. First the developer, the stop bath, and finally the fixer. The light safe container will prevent you from seeing the images appearing, but after the film is developed, you can see what developed and what didn't. The suspense is worth it.
4. The Quality
Film has a different quality than digital that can be heavily noticeable. The image above is in the same lighting and the lengths are different because of the difference in film and digital files. Film can be more clear than digital images because it is captured differently. The difference can be up to the reader, but I highly believe that there is an extreme difference in quality.
5. The Image is Special
Taking an image on film makes the picture more special. When it actually develops into that image, it has a better sentimental feeling. You savor the limit of exposures the film has, and must be patient to wait until the image is in your hands. Photographs are more important since you save the space for the image that appears from a mixture between chemicals and light sensitive materials.
Some may not agree that film is superior than digital images, but it could be taken as a personal preference. There is a difference between the mediums of imagery, but both are different in the right way. Film takes patience and the willingness to learn how to personally develop the images. It is worth taking the time and effort into this form of art.
