Shooting film in a digital world. Why do it and is it worth it?

Why shoot film? 

 A seemingly straightforward question, yet one that gains prominence every day. The resurgence of film photography across all formats prompts us to ponder: why? Whether posed by those yearning to revisit their youth, individuals exploring new hobbies, or curious youngsters stumbling upon their grandparent's camera gear in the attic, the continued asking of this question affirms the enduring relevance of film photography. In a dynamic world increasingly embracing all things digital, the enduring curiosity about film photography underscores its enduring significance.

So, anyway, back to the question at hand: Why shoot film?  

The Challenge: 

I won't sugarcoat it—shooting film is undeniably challenging, but for me, that's part of the allure! Venturing into film photography unveils a plethora of skills that lie beyond the realm of simply turning on a digital camera and shooting in auto mode.

Unlike the simplicity of digital photography, using a film camera requires mastering the art of loading film—no film equals no photos! It necessitates thoughtful consideration before capturing a shot. Film rolls typically offer a limited number of shots, usually 24 or 36, unless you engage in bulk loading.

In the digital realm, the number of shots is determined by battery life, and memory card size which can last upwards of 12 hours on some cameras, allowing for indiscriminate shooting. However, the post-processing phase involves sifting through numerous photos, and deciding what to keep or delete.

Film demands a touch of contemplation; you must consider composition and eliminate elements that don't enhance the image.

Adjusting framing and perspectives before pressing the shutter often yields superior results compared to hastily shooting at waist height.

With only 24 shots instead of thousands, you're compelled to constantly evaluate: Does this photo truly warrant capturing? The answer is often no.

There will always be more opportunities to photograph a crumpled leaf if desired. Yet, what if there's a surprising scene around the corner—two bears playing pool and sipping margaritas? Running out of film at that moment is a real risk! While carrying an extra roll is an option, the adage "Shoot film, stay broke" resonates for a reason—film photography can be pricey

A change 

I'm not suggesting abandoning your sophisticated DSLR and fully embracing film photography. What I am proposing is that film photography can provide a welcome escape in a world saturated with massive LED screens promoting various products at every turn. Chances are, you're reading this on a screen right now—our blog isn't available in print, reinforcing the ubiquity of screens, even on your high-end camera.

Sometimes, all you need is an hour away from the digital noise. Grab an SLR from Gibson Cameras, load a film roll, leave your phone at home, and venture out. You might be surprised by how much more you observe without the distracting notifications, allowing your ex's Instagram likes from 2018 to remain a pleasant surprise when you return home.

The suspense 

Now, onto my personal favorite: the suspense. Instead of casually checking your camera to see if you've successfully captured that solitary tree in the field, you must wait. The shot remains a mystery until you have it developed, whether you're skilled enough to do it at home or patiently waiting for the postman to deliver your film from the lab. If there's one key takeaway from this blog,

let it be this: nothing compares to the exhilaration of unrolling your first developed film and finding every frame perfectly exposed. This feeling never gets old, even after years of shooting film.

It's an achievement to take pride in. Anyone can snap a photo in auto mode on an iPhone or DSLR, but taking control of the settings is where the magic happens. Despite the numerous challenges that come with film photography (and there are plenty), you still manage to capture the shot.

In summary, film is very much alive! We intend to keep it that way.

Give it a try and see if it resonates with you. Grab an old camera, experiment, and be surprised by how much more you notice and the quality of your shots compared to digital.

Happy shooting!

Additionally, if you're intrigued, it involved an American black bear versus a Polar bear. The American bear emerged victorious, while the Polar bear resorted to cheating. He pocketed the black ball and claimed the table was at an angle. All of this was happening while they were sipping on Margarita Sangria.