Quick Guide to Film Photography in 2025 (Tips, Ideas & Projects)

Film photography has a unique charm that has enthralled people since its invention. The film photography we know was first invented by George Eastman in 1888 and introduced as the Kodak #1 camera, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The first camera had 100 exposures on a film roll and would be sent to a factory to process the images. While film cameras have become more advanced, the basic process of taking photos and developing them has remained largely the same. 

Taking up film photography is a wonderful way to express creativity and try a new art form. Many film photographers enjoy the process of taking photos, as well as developing them. However, if you’re new to shooting on film or simply want to learn more, we’ve created a film photography guide to help you get started on this new creative journey.

Jump to Section

• What Is Film Photography?
• Film Photography Tips
• Film Photography Project Ideas
• Best Film Photography Cameras

What Is Film Photography?

So, what is considered film photography? The answer is essentially any kind of photography that uses light-sensitive film to take photos. Film photography can be done with a camera, both homemade and purchased. In a world of instant and digital photography, this style of analog photography has become unique, even though it was once the only way to process images. You can play with the exposure on a film photography camera to create an inventive way to display contrast.

Film Photography vs Digital Photography

Let's start with the question, "What is film-style photography?" Film-style photography uses light-sensitive film to capture an image. When you point a film camera at an image, the shutter opens and exposes the film to light. This captures a negative of whatever you’re shooting onto the film, which will later be developed and printed into an image.

Though they’re both ways of capturing images, film and digital photography are different. So, how does film photography and differ from digital photography? With a digital camera, the image is captured in pixels, thanks to an image sensor, and is then stored digitally using code and appears as an image when shown on screen.

When it comes to film photography vs digital, there are also differences in how the images are taken from the camera and turned into printed photographs. With digital photography, images are uploaded to a computer or another device where they can be edited digitally. Images can then be printed using a traditional printer or a specialized photo printer onto photo paper.

The process of creating film images is called "developing" and is a much longer process,but can be quite meditative and beautiful if you have the patience. Here it is in brief:

1. Film Unloading: The photographer rewinds the film and safely removes the exposed film.
2. Preparation: In a darkroom (or using a film-changing bag), the film is loaded onto reels and placed in a light-tight developing tank.
3. Developing: The photographer pours a special developer into the tank, which converts the exposed silver halide crystals into metallic silver. Agitation, or mixing chemicals, may be required.
4. Stop Bath: When the photographer wants to complete the development process, they'll add a stop bath or will rinse the negatives with water.
5. Fixing: A fixer is then used to remove unexposed silver halide, which makes the image permanent.
6. Washing: To remove any chemical residues, the negatives are rinsed thoroughly.
7. Drying: The negatives are then hung in a dust-free environment to dry.
8. Scanning/Printing: Once complete, the negatives are scanned or an enlarger is used to create prints on light-sensitive paper.

Both the digital and film photography processes can take a few hours, from photo selection to printing, despite them having vastly different steps. However, digital photography tends to be a faster process compared to film, as it usually involves a simple upload.

Is Film Photography Harder Than Digital?

With the explanation above, you may be wondering, “Is film photography harder?” In general, many experts would say that film photography is harder, but that depends on your definition of "hard." It's more difficult because film photography requires more knowledge, particularly understanding the process of using a film camera, developing film and manually manipulating the camera settings. Depending on the camera, the photographer will have to manually adjust the shutter speed, focus and aperture to obtain the image they want.

While the process of capturing an image is virtually the same with a digital camera, using a film camera is a much longer process because you can't instantly see your image on a viewfinder. This means you have to understand how changing the settings on your camera will affect the image before you shoot it. The lack of preview can also make it difficult to adjust your shot until you master the craft. You have to develop and print your images before you can see them. You also have to understand the intricate details of the developing process to get the perfect image. This process is learned through trial and error and can take some time to master. With a digital camera, you point, shoot and instantly get your image.

Unlike digital photography where you can delete images or choose storage cards with lots of room, film photography is limited. Your shots are limited to the number of frames you have on a film roll. That often puts more pressure on getting an image right within the first few shots. The development process itself can also be a tricky thing to master. It takes some knowledge and practice to focus an image and know how much light exposure to use.

While film photography may be considered more difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to learn. You can learn all the basics of using a film camera and how to shoot stunning images with photography classes in Los Angeles, photography classes in NYC and online photography classes taught by expert photographers.

Film Photography Tips

1. 35mm Is Easier for Beginners

35 mm is the common type of film and a good choice for film photography for beginners. You’ll have a wide range of choices when it comes to cameras, which allows beginners to choose one that best works for them, their style and the types of photography they want to take. And since 35mm is the most common, beginners will have an easier time finding it and the tools necessary for developing it.

Another benefit of 35 mm film is that the rolls tend to have 24 and 36 exposures. This gives you a few extra frames to play around with settings, try different film photography tips or retake a shot if necessary. Overall, 35 mm film and cameras are versatile tools to learn photography for beginners.

2. Try Black and White Photography

Black and white photography allows you to work with highlights, lights and shadows in a more refined way than color images. All of these are essential to creating captivating film images. Using black and white film is also an opportunity to pay more attention to shape, texture, contrast and composition. Working in black and white film is a great way to develop an eye for composition and lighting — among other film skills — before moving onto color.

3. Use Traditional Composition Rules

If you’re a beginner with film photography or photography in general, following the traditional composition rules, such as the Rule of Thirds, can be a good guiding force. This includes rules like using grid lines to balance your composition, framing your subjects and using leading lines. Mastering the basics of composition ensures good, simple pictures. Like most art forms, once you learn the rules, you’ll be able to break them to create more explorative, unique shots.

4. Mastering Focus Takes Trial and Error

Some film cameras have an autofocus, while others use a manual focus. Both, however, take some practice to master. Even when film cameras have autofocus, they tend to work in a slower way than the focus and shutter speed of a digital camera. You'll need to slow down your pace too, to ensure the objects in your image are in focus.

Manual focus is exactly what it sounds like, having to adjust that setting manually. This, of course, takes time to master, and the skill gets better with time, trial and error. It’s a good idea to start with static subjects, such as still-life images or sitting portraits, to become more comfortable with the settings. Then, as you feel more comfortable, you can try capturing shots with movement.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

There are plenty of things film photography can do that digital photography can’t, which allows for some fun experimentation. For example, you can use expired film, which can be unpredictable but produce incredibly unique images. There can be different color effects and visual defects that can add to the image.

You can also play with double exposure, which combines multiple shots into one frame. Shoot one photo on top of another to create a unique layered effect. Or try the push and pull technique, where you underexpose the frame and then overdevelop them — or vice versa. This is a fun way to play with light and shadows in an image.

Film Photography Project Ideas

Film Photography for Weddings

Most couples want to capture their wedding day, so that they can look back on it for years, and even generations. Film photography for weddings is a popular option to create these treasured images. Some professional photographers who shoot weddings offer film options alongside digital images. Film photography can offer that antique nostalgic or stylized look for a couple’s photos.

If couples don’t want to hire a professional for wedding film photography projects, they can take it on themselves. You can purchase disposable 35 mm cameras for a low price and use them to capture the wedding. Many couples have opted to buy bulk disposable cameras for guests to use during the wedding day to take shots from their perspective.

Whether film photography is done through a professional or through your guests, wedding photography ideas using non-digital methods are unique ways to capture the memories of this special day.

More Project Ideas

Of course, weddings aren’t the only film photography projects. The world is full of potential photography subjects and you’re only limited by your creativity. One great place to start is with personal documentary shots. This is an especially great film photography project for beginners because you can use your own surroundings. Take photos of your home, your daily life or your routines.

You can take shots of the world around you with street photography. Capture city life, architecture or current events. When you go on a trip, take photos of your experiences, meals and adventures. Get out into nature and capture different scenic views throughout the seasons.

Portraits are a great project for beginners to take on. Take photos of your friends and family, either posed or in candid situations. When you feel comfortable, you can also take portraits of strangers to capture images of other people’s lives, routines and relationships.

Here are some more ideas for your film photography projects:

• Street Photography: Capture candid moments in urban settings.
• Portrait Series: Photograph a series of portraits focusing on expressions, moods, or themes.
• Nature & Landscapes: Document natural scenes like forests, mountains, and seascapes.
• Double Exposure: Experiment with layering two images on the same frame for creative effects.
• Documentary Storytelling: Create a photo series documenting a local event, culture or cause.
• Still Life: Arrange and photograph objects for artistic compositions.
• Night Photography: Use long exposures to capture city lights or starry skies.
• Abstract Photography: Focus on patterns, textures, and shapes for experimental results.
• Architecture: Highlight unique structures and architectural details.
• Film Soup: Alter film with chemical treatments to create unique, unexpected effects.
• Travel Journals: Document journeys and cultures through film photography.
• Black-and-White Series: Explore tones, contrast, and texture with monochrome film.
• Macro Film Photography: Capture close-up details of small subjects using macro lenses.
• Thematic Collections: Focus on a single subject, like bicycles, hands or vintage items.
• Seasonal Projects: Shoot scenes specific to seasons, like autumn leaves or snowy landscapes.

Best Film Photography Cameras

Anyone looking to jump into film photography has plenty of options. However, you’ll want to consider what you want out of a camera and the kind of subject you want to shoot. Understanding this will help you choose the best camera to suite your specific needs.

For example, consider the difference between manual and point-and-shoot cameras. Point-and-shoot cameras use a fully automatic focus and exposure. Manual cameras, however, require manual adjustment to these settings. However, there are different levels of manual cameras as some are completely manual and others have a combination of manual and automatic settings.

1. Pentax K1000

This is one of the best cameras for photography as it’s affordable but still offers high-quality photos. It’s an all-mechanical camera, which means it doesn’t have batteries and all the settings are made manually. This Pentax is ideal if you want to learn the basics of film photography.

2. Kodak Ektar H35

This is the best film photography camera for beginners. It’s inexpensive, point-and-shoot, and the accompanying film holds 72 shots. This Kodak is a good and reliable way to start shooting with film.

3. Leica MP

Many professional and hobbyist photographers rave about their Leica MP. This one has manual controls, so it’s great if you want to dive right into taking film photos. It has one of the best performances and shooting experiences of all the film cameras, which is why it’s many people’s favorites.

4. Nikon FE

Nikon is a well-loved camera brand, and with good reason. The Nikon FE is great for those with a little more photography experience. It’s an SLR camera, which means you’ll be able to look through the lens to see what you’re shooting. It’s sturdy and easy to use, so it’s a great option to take with you anywhere.

5. Canon AF35ML

Cannon is another well-known camera brand. If you’re looking for a film point-and-shoot camera, the Canon AF35ML is a great option, especially if you want to dabble in film photography but aren’t yet ready to control all the settings manually. It’s a good option for beginners who want to get their start working with film.

You can create stunning images with film photography. Whether you’re a beginner photographer or an experienced one wanting to try something new, shooting on and developing film is a unique process to experiment with. With these film photography tips, you can learn the basics of this art form. Do film photography as a hobby or make it a career by trying out film photography for weddings. No matter how you want to use your photography skills, it’s a great way to let your creativity flow.

For even more fun photography ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!