FILM PHOTOGRAPHY IN 2019: AN ENDURING ART
Have you or anyone you know still use a film camera in 2019? If so, why?
The technology may be considered obsolete, but just as chemistry-based photography did not make the process of lithographic etching obsolete, the differences in the way you make art with a camera that uses film and one that uses a digital sensor keep film photography alive. This enduring art format offers unique and compelling qualities that digital photography struggles to replicate.
Why Film Photography Endures
I own a very sophisticated film camera, but I face the problem of the high cost of both film and its development. With a memory card, one can store and view 500 pictures and videos instantly, whereas film takes significantly longer to see the results.
Film is quickly turning into an art format, which makes it difficult to see it as an obsolete medium. While film does look better and has a distinct aesthetic, the difference compared to digital is not as large as it used to be due to advancements in digital photography techniques that simulate film grain and other characteristics.
The Advantages of Film Photography
Some photographers still use film cameras, and they use formats ranging from 35mm all the way to 8x10 sheet film. There are two main reasons: film is more satisfying to use, and it produces better results, although the difference is not as stark as it once was. Film is especially compelling when used for motion capture, as it introduces a new dimension to the images created.
As a motion capture medium, film offers a unique experience. Unlike metrics such as resolving power, motion cadence is very subjective. Film adds interest and complexity, and while one can simulate grain and film types in digital cameras, the effect is not as organic or unique as using film directly.
Film Photography as a Mindful Process
Some argue that film cameras are obsolete. Still, they require more work to achieve the desired results, which is often well worth it. Film cameras demand more work on the "front end" in terms of choosing the right shot, while digital cameras offer immediate feedback.
Shooting film can be a mindful process. With a limited number of shots per roll, each shot becomes more significant. The knowledge that every shot costs money encourages careful consideration and planning. This mindfulness can lead to better photography overall and is a valuable skill for any photographer, especially those who may rely too much on digital feedback.
For example, slower and more deliberate shooting can help in composing and framing images. Students in my photography classes are encouraged to shoot a roll of film at least every six months to experience this mindful shooting process.
Moreover, certain equipment, like the Holga medium format camera, which is built entirely of plastic and costs only 60 US dollars, offers a unique and artistic perspective. Even though it is a "crap camera" in terms of performance, the images it produces are often unique, artsy, and have a certain charm that cannot be replicated through digital editing.
Historic Techniques and Niche Areas in Film Photography
Wet plate photography, the original method of photography from the mid-to-late 1800s, is another niche area within film photography. This process involves taking a sheet of metal or glass, coating it with chemicals just before taking the photo, and then developing it immediately. Wet plate photography is labor-intensive, with results that are highly unique and often one-of-a-kind.
Beyond these techniques, film photography is a niche but enduring art form, and while it will not go away any time soon, it continues to offer unique and compelling images that digital photography struggles to match.
Promoting Film Photography
Film photography remains a powerful tool for artistic expression, and its unique characteristics continue to attract photographers who seek to capture their subjects in a truly “filmic” way. Whether through traditional methods or experimental techniques like wet plate photography, film photography will remain an important part of the photographic landscape.
Moreover, teaching and promoting film photography can help preserve this valuable artistic medium. By incorporating film photography into photography classes and encouraging the mindful shooting process, we can ensure that the art and skill of film photography are passed on to new generations of photographers.
Conclusion
While digital photography has become more accessible and powerful, film photography remains a unique and invaluable art form. Its enduring appeal lies in its distinctive qualities and the mindful process it encourages. Whether shooting for artistic expression or historic preservation, film photography continues to captivate and inspire photographers around the world.