Filmomania

Out of nowhere, out of the dark room, they returned. Straight from the old basements into the third-wave shops, their destination was unknown for many years. Illuminescent and almost transparent, film photography is back, and its market dominance is undeniable. The hunt has begun, as the love for digital cameras has shifted to the other side of the spectrum. Can one escape the digital cage and evoke the feelings lost long ago?

“Mock 90’s Advertisement” 35 mm Film photo/ via @joshaikin

Just like the resurrection of vinyl in the era of Spotify subscriptions, the return of film photography wasn’t evident at first sight. If you have a bunch of hyper-realistic models aimed at top-class photography, would you bother to hunt for the treasures of the 2000s or even the 90s/80s? And surprisingly, the answer is—yes. As Gen-Z, we indeed have this bond to the culture of previous decades. Feeling lost in the modern age, we always seek the comfort of already known, experienced times. And here we are on the verge of a new beginning where one can easily travel in time and approach their nostalgia on a new, quietly physical level.

The question remains: Why is film back on track after the long-lasting race for the cameras of the future? How did we switch from professional photo shoots all over Instagram feeds into a brand-new era of edgy, artistic collages and film-developed photos?

Firstly, the film is just wonderful. It adds a unique touch to every photo taken on it. The essence of film photography is indeed picturesque in its unpredictability. You never know how colors will turn out or whether a sudden light leak will blur your photo with a red flare. Either way, we love the bizarre nature of film and its chaotic wonders.

The unedited nature of film photography also adds up to its charm. It ain't a secret that the "clean girl" era is gone, and we all suddenly fell in love with grunge and slightly edgy stories and aesthetics. Film, indeed, is one of those things that can depict the true colors of life. Without direct control over the facial features or figure or color correction and saturation levels, you have only one chance, here and now, to turn that moment into a full-scale captured momentum.

Another “Mock 90’s Advertisement” Film Photo on 35mm/ via @joshaikin

Something from the other side, that's how one can describe the film. It just screams—explore. The overall allure of film lies behind its vintage roots, the magic of old good times. Who would mind having a bit of retro in their bare hands? Film photography is all about the culture, the romanticized process of film development and the excitement you get while waiting for your pieces to be developed. The film feels richer and more expensive than classy iPhone photos, which can be seen and deleted in one tap.

And last but not least—it's a cure. A cure for those sick of digital photography. Refreshing back to the future moment. Film photography is a chance to learn and see a new side to photography, a side that was once forgotten. We shouldn't underestimate it under the title of a nostalgic throwback. It's a remedy for those overwhelmed by the digital age, willing to slow down time and craving for connection. In a world where every moment is captured and shared instantly, the film offers a refreshing return to the fundamentals. Film photography is an opportunity to understand the nuances of light, composition, and timing in a way that digital often bypasses.

As the film wave takes over, one should guard its guts and know the basics not to feel lost or overwhelmed by the sudden resurrection. So here are the basics one has to know before getting started.

The cameras

One of the easiest ways to describe film cameras is to divide them into two main types: point-and-shoot cameras and SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) cameras. While point-and-shoot cameras are designed for simplicity and ease of use, SLR cameras offer greater control and spectrum for the photographer.

Point-and-shoot cameras are compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, making them ideal for casual photographers or those new to film photography. These cameras are typically equipped with automatic settings, which handle most of the technical aspects like focus, exposure, and shutter speed. This allows the user to simply point the camera at the subject and press the shutter button. The ease of point-and-shoot cameras makes them perfect for spontaneous photography, where capturing the moment is more important than adjusting settings.

On the other hand, SLR cameras provide a more hands-on experience. They offer the photographer the ability to manually control focus, aperture, and shutter speed, allowing for more creative flexibility. SLR cameras use a mirror and prism system that lets you see exactly what the lens sees through the viewfinder, which is particularly useful for precise framing and focusing. This type of camera is favored by professionals who want to have full control over their images. With changeable lenses, SLRs are also more versatile, allowing us to adapt to different types of photography, from portraits to landscapes.

“The Girls Are Girling” 35mm Film Photoshoot/ via @joshaikin

The film

One of the main aspects of film photography is indeed quite a straightforward one—film. No matter for which camera you would go—easy and spontaneous point-and-shoot or complex and detailed SLR cameras, the film is undoubtedly something you should consider carefully before choosing one. Your choice of film is as important as the camera you load it into as each type brings its own touch to the process. First, there’s the classic 35mm film known to many. Its grain can be fine or pronounced, colors—muted or vibrant, depending on the brand and type you choose. There's also black-and-white film to strip away the color to reveal the raw essence of light and shadow. And surely, color negative film. With its wide dynamic range, it handles overexposure, preserving details in both highlights and shadows. This makes it ideal for everyday shooting, where conditions aren’t always perfect, but the moment is. Color negative film has a softer, more nostalgic feel, with colors that are often warm and slightly muted, giving your photos a timeless, almost dreamlike quality.

Being with us for a long time and always coming back, the film has earned a reputation as an eager fighter. Making a huge return, we couldn’t help but wait to see the instant switch of social media imagination. In the times when one has to choose the medium, why not go for some heartwarming and classy options? It can be hard to say whether our love for film is just a switch, a slight breeze on the shore to be washed away by another trendy outlier. Maybe this is something more profound, more sincere than a trend? A lost touch of memory in a time where everything is rushing and fleeting around. Perhaps our renewed hobby is nothing but a response to the overwhelming speed of modern life—a way to slow down and see the perfect in imperfect. We will see it for sure as time passes, but for now, let’s enjoy the moment. Or not just enjoy it but capture one on film.