Film Photography

Reasons why we believe film photography is superior to digital photography

EDITORIAL

All photos:

FacePhoto77 copyright 2023, in perpetuity

Camera: Leica R9

Film type: Fujifilm 400 & Ilford HP5 400

Whether film photography is "superior" to digital photography is ultimately subjective and will depend largely on one's personal preferences, needs, and aesthetic sensibilities. There are, however, several reasons why we believe film photography is superior:

1. Unique Aesthetic: Film can produce unique and beautiful images with an organic, grainy texture that many find appealing. The colors and tonal gradations produced by different types of film can also be difficult to replicate with digital cameras.

2. Craft and Physicality: Shooting with film often requires more thought and intentionality, which can be seen as an exercise in mindfulness and patience. It also offers a tangible, physical product - the negatives and the prints. This tangibility can bring a sense of satisfaction that some find missing in digital photography.

3. Dynamic Range: Film generally has a better dynamic range than digital sensors, especially in high contrast situations. This means film can capture a greater range of brightness levels, from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites, without losing detail.

4. Archival Durability: If stored properly, negatives can last for hundreds of years without any loss in quality. In contrast, digital files can become corrupted, hard drives can fail, and file formats can become obsolete.

5. Limitation and Discipline: A film roll has a limited number of frames (24 or 36 typically), which forces the photographer to slow down and think more about each shot. This limitation can cultivate a discipline that enhances creativity and focus.

6. Learning Tool: The process of developing film and making prints in a darkroom can provide a hands-on understanding of exposure, contrast, color balance, and other key photographic principles.

7. Vintage Appeal: For some, there's a nostalgic quality to film that simply can't be duplicated digitally. Some people enjoy using vintage equipment and the feeling of being connected to the history of photography.

8. Surprise Element: With film, you can't immediately see the results after taking a shot. This can lead to a sense of excitement and anticipation when it comes to developing and seeing your images for the first time.

All that notwithstanding, it is important to note that digital photography has its own set of advantages over film photography, including convenience, cost-effectiveness, instant feedback, and high-quality images. It's also easier to share digital images through various online platforms. As a result, many photographers today use both film and digital cameras, depending on their specific needs and the context.

“Photographs bear witness to a human choice being exercised in a given situation. A photograph is a result of the photographer's decision that it is worth recording that this particular event or this particular object has been seen. If everything that existed were continually being photographed, every photograph would become meaningless.”

- John Peter Berger