How did it take me so long to find this specific medium? I’ve been doing photography on and off for a hobby for about 10 years. It wasn’t until this past year that I discovered film photography and become obsessed. In the year 2025, I never would have expected this.
Being born in the 90s, your average millennial, I grew up as technology advanced so fast and film became a thing of the past. As a teen, digital cameras were the thing you took everywhere. While I wasn’t into the art of photography at the time, I loved to take photos of moments with my friends. Those digital images have aged embarrassingly. Cameras were put on everything. Laptops, iPods, phones…I even had a Nintendo DSi I used to take pictures on.
My only experience with film cameras was your basic disposable camera. Cheap but it worked for its intended use. But having “unlimited” photos on a digital camera, those soon became unnecessary in my life.
I always had an interest in learning photography. At least the basics. It was just something I never priotizied to learn. Fast forward to after college, I found myself with more time on my hands and decided to take a basic online photography course. I bought myself my first “real” camera; a Canon Rebel DSLR.
I wasn’t sure what kind of photography I wanted to do, but I used my dog as my model to take portraits and get that amazing blurry background that showed you were a “pro” photographer. After some time, I didn’t pick up my camera often. Life just happened and other hobbies and interests took over.
I visited Japan in spring 2024 and that crave for photography came back. I took my DSLR with me just because I had it and came back home feeling inspired and hooked. It also didn’t help that the group of friends we went with had much more modern photo gear that also created the gear acquisition syndrome (G.A.S.) within.
I contemplated getting a new camera and going mirrorless. After some encouragement by friends and the husband, I got my budget dream camera; a Fujifilm. I went with the XT30ii. Had what I needed to upgrade my current camera. I decided on Fujifilm mostly due to the film simulations. I’ve never been a huge fan of spending hours editing photos and just wanted something that I could use to make photography “easy” for me. It also helps that Fuji cameras are absolutely gorgeous.
I loved the tactical feel of the camera and lens. An aperture ring, SS dial…..the little things I never expected I would enjoy so much. I still absolutely love that camera and do not see myself getting rid of it, unless I can justify an upgrade.
I ended up practicing photography more often and really enjoying it. This time, actually discovering what I actually enjoy to photograph and kind of finding my “niche.” It’s still pretty broad, but I’m comfortable that I now know what kind of photographer I don’t want to be should I decide to make an income out of it.
Back to the original topic; Film. Specifically 35mm film. I can’t even remember what video I stumbled on YT first about a film camera but I became hooked on learning more. Maybe some G.A.S. was involved too. I researched a ton and ended up with a Minolta SRT 101.
I took it out for the first time, using the Sunny 16 rule (also for the first time), and with zero expectations. What I got back from my images turned into a full on obsession and love I did not expect.
I loved the manual focusing. Manually changing the aperture and shutter speed. And surprisingly loved the experience of not knowing what my image would look like. I had to go in with the expectation that all my photos might suck or turn out terrible because of a mistake I made. But to my surprise, they came out beautiful. Nothing amazing by any means but I found them all beautiful. Cue the full on obsession.
Film checked all the boxes of the things I needed from this photography hobby. Slowing down. Being intentional. Manually controlling buttons and dials. Being fully present. Even if my photo wasn’t going to come out exceptional, I enjoy just practicing this art and pressing the shutter to capture what my eye sees. And not being able to see the image until weeks later. Being surprised by a film photo helps to reminded me to be more confident in myself and my creative eye. The results will always fascinate me.
I decided to start this blog to document and share my thoughts and feelings on this craft. There is a small niche of people on the internet into film photography and I want to put my voice out there. Especially coming from a female, as I feel the photography I am into is very male dominated. My hope is to share what I would like to find and read for my own personal knowledge and enjoyment. Provide insight on my knowledge, thoughts, and opinions as I explore different film stocks, film cameras, and just grow into this hobby.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Until next time; keep snapping! ✌
*All photos taken on various 35mm film cameras and stocks
Are you intrigued to try film photography? Been shooting for years? I would love to hear your thoughts and experience!
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