In a world where digital photography and having instant gratification, choosing to shoot film might seem like a step backward. Shooting film has sharpened my skills, deepened my understanding of photography, and made the entire process more meaningful.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is how much better I understand color. When shooting film, I have to think carefully about how different film stocks render tones and how lighting affects the final image. I’m not relying on checking the back of my camera or “we’ll fix it in post!”. That awareness has carried over into my digital editing too and I now approach color grading with more intention and clarity instead of guessing my way through it.

Film has also taken the guesswork out of my camera settings. Because every shot costs something, I’ve become more deliberate about choosing the right exposure, lighting, and composition before pressing my shutter. I’m not just experimenting endlessly and hoping something works I’m making informed decisions in pre planning and while shooting.

That naturally leads to another big shift: intentionality. Shooting film forces me to slow down. I can’t overshoot the way I might with digital, where hundreds of photos can be taken without a second thought. Even though I still catch myself doing it occasionally, I’m much more mindful now. Each frame matters, and that mindset has made my work stronger overall.

At the same time, film has reignited my creativity. Exploring different film stocks, each with its own personality, keeps photography exciting. It feels less like a technical routine and more like an artistic experiment every time I load a new roll. That sense of discovery has helped me stay inspired and connected to the craft.

Kodak Gold 200 120 on Mamiya 645E

Kodak Portra 800 120 on Mamiya 645E

Interestingly, shooting film has also made me more confident both with film and digital cameras. Because I trust my understanding of light, settings, and composition more, I don’t second-guess myself as much. That confidence shows up in my work, no matter what camera I’m using.

At the end of the day, cameras and film are built on chemistry and math, but photography itself is art. It’s a cliché, sure but it’s true lol. Film has helped me embrace that balance. It’s taught me the technical discipline while reminding me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.