Digital photography dominates, offering speed, convenience, and unlimited creative control. But shooting film forces you to slow down, think differently, and embrace an entirely different experience. The appeal isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a unique process that changes how you approach photography.
Coming to you from e6 | Craig Roberts, this compelling video explores why film photography remains relevant and why you might find value in using it. Film isn’t about superiority or rejecting digital. It’s about stepping away from the instant gratification of LCD screens and experiencing photography in a more deliberate way. Without the ability to immediately review your shots, you separate the moment of capturing an image from the moment of seeing the result. That gap forces a shift in mindset, making each shot more intentional. It’s a different way to think about exposure, light, and composition—one that can improve your overall skills.
Roberts makes an interesting comparison: digital is like CDs, while film is like vinyl. It’s not just about quality but also the experience. Film has built-in limitations—fixed ISO for an entire roll, a finite number of exposures, and no instant feedback. Those constraints encourage better decision-making. You can’t rely on digital crutches like auto ISO or instant histogram checks. Instead, you learn to trust your instincts. The unpredictability of film, from subtle grain to unique color shifts, adds character that digital often struggles to replicate.
The video also highlights the creative aspects of film. Unlike digital simulations, film stocks each have distinct characteristics. You can choose between color negative, slide film, or black and white, each offering different levels of contrast, saturation, and grain. Double exposures, cross-processing, and light leaks aren’t post-processing tricks—they’re natural parts of the process. Developing your own film adds another layer of involvement, bringing back an element of craftsmanship that’s largely lost in digital workflows. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.
Alex, this piece really captures why film photography remains compelling, even in the digital age. Shooting film is not about rejecting digital—it is about embracing a different rhythm and a deeper level of engagement with the craft. The limitations of film, from fixed ISO to the inability to review images instantly, force a shift in approach. Every frame requires thought, patience, and a level of trust in one’s skills that digital can sometimes diminish.
I personally enjoy shooting film with a fully manual camera. It changes how I interact with photography, making me slow down and appreciate each frame more deliberately. Every time I visit my daughter in NYC, I shoot a roll of film—it has become our new tradition. There is something special about waiting for the developed images, knowing they capture a moment as it was, without the urge to tweak or delete. It is not just about nostalgia but about shooting differently and embracing a more intentional process.
Paul Tocatlian
Kisau Photography
www.kisau.com