In an era of instant gratification and digital snapshots, bobservational.com still has its allure. Its almost magical fusion of light with chemistry is a draw for enthusiasts. This tactile art forms requires a patience, and an involvement that digital can often avoid.
Imagine the sound made by a film camera shutter. A crisp, mechanical click that signals the birth of something tangible. Film cameras are not instantaneous, but instead encapsulate moments and make them wait. This creates an atmosphere of anticipation as the images slowly appear on paper, submerged into developer fluid.
Film photography doesn’t just involve capturing light, but also mastering it. Photographers can learn to read different light, and how films react under various lighting conditions. ISO 400 film is versatile in many lighting scenarios, but it doesn’t sacrifice the detail of lower ISO films in strong sunlight.
The type of film can change the mood of a photo. Black andwhite films such as Kodak Tri-X & Ilford HP5 plus create timeless images and stark contrasts. They seem to strip the layers of reality away to reveal their subjects’ underlying truths. Color films such Fujifilm Velvia, or Kodak Portra bring life to vibrant colors and pastel shades. Each brand brings out its unique color palettes and grain textures.
The inherent imperfections of film photography may be one of its most attractive features. Light leaks, grain textures, and even the occasional thumbprint add character to photographs–elements that many digital photographers spend hours trying to emulate with filters and editing software. These “flaws”, which aren’t just mistakes, can be celebrated as artful contributions that make every frame unique.
A mindful approach is also encouraged by the process. The limited number exposures per roll of film – usually 24 or 36 – encourages photographers to take their time and carefully plan each shot, instead of rushing through them like they do with digital cameras that have seemingly unlimited memory. This deliberateness encourages photographers and videographers to be more attentive to their surroundings. They can then create more meaningful images.
A film’s development can also be a very personal experience. Many photographers build their own darkrooms to allow them complete control over the film development process. Watching an object come to life is a truly magical experience.
Film photography encourages community as well through knowledge sharing and shared experiences among enthusiasts, who continue to cherish this tradition technique despite — or perhaps because of — the dominance by digital technology. Online forums buzzing with discussions about best practices to develop techniques or recommendations on vintage gear repairs – proving this old school method still sparks a passion among its practitioners.
Not to be forgotten are the vintage cameras. A collection of elegantly simple manual cameras, quirky rangefinders, and even Holgas toys that provide a unique lo-fi appeal impossible to recreate digitally.
Although some may argue that film has become obsolete in our fast-paced, digital world where anything from a phone to a fridge can take pictures, for those who find its slow-burning romance irreplaceable. This is because of its process-oriented quality which no pixel perfect photograph could ever replace.
If you want to be more authentic in your creative endeavors or simply need a break, then consider loading a film roll into an antique camera. You can have an adventure that is governed by silver halides and not algorithms.
