Why You Don’t Need Film Cameras to Achieve a Film Look

Switching things up can breathe new life into your creative process. In landscape photography, using different equipment or emulating different styles can help you see familiar scenes in a new light.

Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this thought-provoking video dives into the benefits of switching camera setups and how it can keep your creative spark alive. O'Nions mentions that he often feels stale if he sticks with the same gear and look for too long. On this particular day, he opts for a Micro Four Thirds digital camera with a zoom lens instead of his typical 35mm film camera. He still wants the soft, grainy texture and muted colors of film, so he works on emulating that look digitally. Throughout the video, O'Nions explains how he alters digital files to mimic film characteristics, such as lowering saturation and contrast, and adding grain.

It challenges the notion that film photographers must always use film cameras to achieve a specific look. O'Nions demonstrates that with a little time in an editing program like Lightroom, you can create presets that bring out those nostalgic qualities. He walks through his own editing process, showing side-by-side comparisons of raw digital captures and edited images. The difference is striking—the edited shots carry more atmosphere and a softer feel that he likens to the discontinued Fuji 400 color film, known for its subtle blues and greens.

In the third part of the video, O'Nions discusses why it’s essential to avoid becoming too reliant on any particular preset or style. He emphasizes that developing your own presets is key. While many preset packs are available for purchase, he believes creating your own is the best way to ensure your photos reflect your vision. This also gives you flexibility, as presets bought off the shelf often don’t work uniformly across different camera models. You should experiment, move sliders around, and see what works for your setup.

O'Nions also shares his thoughts on capturing a sense of place in his landscapes. He often gravitates toward a magenta-heavy look, which he feels renders the landscape more naturally and aligns with his vision. His willingness to experiment with different tints, grains, and hues is a reminder that photography is about personal preference and interpretation of the scene. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions.