10 Steps to Get Into Film Photography

10 Steps to Get Into Film Photography: Your Casual Guide to Shooting Analog

Hey there, film-curious friend! So, you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into the world of film photography, huh? Maybe you’ve seen those dreamy, grainy shots on Instagram or stumbled upon your parents’ old camera in the attic. Whatever sparked your interest, you’re in for a ride. Film photography is like stepping into a time machine—it’s slow, intentional, and oh-so-rewarding. But let’s be real: it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Where do you even start?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 easy steps to get into film photography. We’ll cover everything from picking your first camera to developing your rolls, all while keeping it chill and beginner-friendly. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some personal tips (because I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to). Ready to embrace the analog life? Let’s go!

Step 1: Choose Your Camera (Don’t Overthink It)

First things first—you need a camera. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to drop a ton of cash on a fancy vintage model right away. Film cameras come in all shapes and sizes, and for beginners, it’s best to start simple.

• SLR Cameras: These are great if you want full control over settings like aperture and shutter speed. Brands like Canon (AE-1), Nikon (FM2), or Pentax (K1000) are solid choices. They’re built like tanks and perfect for learning.

• Point-and-Shoot Cameras: If you’re not ready to dive into manual settings, a point-and-shoot is your best friend. Look for models like the Olympus Stylus or Canon Sure Shot—they’re compact, easy to use, and still deliver killer shots.

Personal Tip: I started with a beat-up Canon AE-1 I found at a thrift store for $20. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked like a charm. Check out local thrift shops, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace for deals. Just make sure the camera’s light seals are intact (no sticky foam!) and the shutter works.

Step 2: Understand Film Types (Colour, B&W, Oh My!)

Next up: film. There’s a whole world of film stocks out there, but don’t let that intimidate you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Color Negative Film: This is your go-to for most situations. It’s forgiving with exposure, and you can get it developed almost anywhere. Try Kodak Portra 400 or Fujifilm Superia 400 for starters.

• Black and White Film: Perfect for moody, timeless shots. Ilford HP5 is a classic choice—great for learning because it handles different lighting conditions well.

• Slide Film: Also known as positive film, it’s less forgiving but gives vibrant, punchy colors. Save this for when you’re feeling more confident.

Personal Tip: Start with color negative film. It’s easier to work with, and you’ll get more consistent results while you’re still figuring things out.

Step 3: Learn Basic Camera Settings (It’s Not as Scary as It Looks)

If you’re using an SLR, you’ll need to get comfy with manual settings. Don’t panic—it’s simpler than it seems. Here are the big three:

• Aperture: Controls how much light enters the lens. A lower f-number (like f/2.8) lets in more light and gives you that blurry background effect. A higher f-number (like f/16) keeps everything in focus.

• Shutter Speed: Determines how long the camera’s sensor (or film, in this case) is exposed to light. Fast speeds (1/500s) freeze action, while slow speeds (1/30s) can blur motion.

• ISO: This is the film’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISO (100-200) is great for bright days, while higher ISO (400-800) works better in low light.

Personal Tip: Practice in your backyard or a local park. Take the same shot with different settings to see how they affect the image. It’s like a mini science experiment—nerdy, but fun.

Step 4: Master Metering (aka Getting the Right Exposure)

Exposure is everything in film photography. Unlike digital, you can’t check your shots on the spot, so you’ve got to trust your camera’s light meter (that little needle or LED in the viewfinder).

• How to Use It: Point your camera at your subject. Adjust your aperture and shutter speed until the meter says you’re good—usually, the needle will center or the LED will turn green.

• External Metering: If your camera’s meter is broken (it happens with old gear), grab a handheld light meter or use a metering app on your phone.

Personal Tip: When in doubt, slightly overexpose your shots (let in a bit more light). Film handles overexposure better than underexposure, especially with color negatives.

Step 5: Practice Loading and Unloading Film (Carefully!)

Loading film can feel like a high-stakes game at first. One wrong move, and you might expose your roll to light. But with a little practice, it’ll become second nature.

• Loading: Open the camera back, insert the film canister, and thread the film leader into the take-up spool. Make sure it’s secure, then close the back and advance the film a couple of frames.

• Unloading: When you’ve finished the roll, rewind the film back into the canister before opening the camera. Most cameras have a rewind button or crank—don’t force it!

Personal Tip: Practice with a dummy roll (an old, used roll) until you can do it with your eyes closed. Seriously, it’s worth the extra time.

Step 6: Experiment with Composition (Get Creative)

Film photography is all about slowing down and being intentional. That means thinking about your composition before you hit the shutter.

• Rule of Thirds: Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Place your subject along those lines or at the intersections for a balanced shot.

• Leading Lines: Use natural lines (like roads or fences) to draw the viewer’s eye into the photo.

• Framing: Try framing your subject with elements like doorways or trees to add depth.

Personal Tip: Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Some of my favorite shots are off-center or a little wonky—it’s what makes film photography feel alive.

Step 7: Understand Developing Options (Lab vs. DIY)

Once you’ve shot your roll, it’s time to develop it. You’ve got two main options:

• Lab Developing: The easiest route. Find a local lab or mail your film to a trusted service. They’ll develop and scan your negatives, and you’ll get digital files back.

• Home Developing: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can develop film at home. It’s cheaper in the long run, but it requires some gear (developing tank, chemicals, etc.) and a bit of a learning curve.

Personal Tip: Start with lab developing while you’re getting the hang of things. Once you’re hooked, try developing black and white film at home—it’s surprisingly straightforward.

Step 8: Scan or Print Your Photos (Bring Them to Life)

After developing, you’ll want to see your shots. Here’s how:

• Scanning: Most labs will scan your negatives and send you digital files. If you’re serious, consider investing in a film scanner like the Plustek 8200i for high-quality scans at home.

• Printing: For that true analog feel, get your photos printed. You can do this at a lab or set up a darkroom for prints (but that’s a whole other adventure).

Personal Tip: I love scanning my negatives and sharing them online, but there’s something special about holding a print. Try both and see what you vibe with.

Step 9: Join a Community (You’re Not Alone)

Film photography has a rad community of enthusiasts who are always happy to help. Here’s where to find your people:

• Online Forums: Check out Reddit’s r/analog or the Analog Photography subreddit for tips, gear talk, and inspiration.

• Social Media: Instagram is a goldmine for film photographers—follow hashtags like #filmphotography or #35mm to connect.

• Local Clubs: Look for film photography meetups or workshops in your area. It’s a great way to learn and make friends.

Personal Tip: Don’t be shy—share your work and ask questions. The film community is super welcoming, and you’ll learn a ton from others’ experiences.

Step 10: Keep Shooting and Learning (It’s a Journey)

Here’s the truth: film photography is a never-ending learning curve, and that’s what makes it so fun. Every roll you shoot teaches you something new—whether it’s nailing exposure, trying a new film stock, or experimenting with double exposures.

• Challenge Yourself: Set mini goals, like shooting a roll in a day or capturing a specific theme (portraits, landscapes, etc.).

• Learn from Mistakes: Blurry shots? Light leaks? It happens. Embrace the imperfections—that’s the charm of film.

Personal Tip: Keep a film journal. Jot down your settings for each shot so you can learn what works (and what doesn’t). It’s like your own personal cheat sheet.

Wrapping It Up: Your Analog Adventure Awaits

And there you have it—your 10-step guide to getting into film photography. It might seem like a lot, but take it one step at a time, and don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Film photography is all about the process, the surprises, and the joy of creating something tangible.

So, grab that camera, load up a roll, and start shooting. You’re about to fall in love with photography all over again—trust me.