Understanding My Journey: Film vs Digital Photography

Photography, much like most creative endeavors, can be quite personal. Over the decades, my journey from being a faithful film photographer to embracing digital has been a fascinating one. Initially, I was a firm believer in the magic of film photography, a journey that began in the 1970s. Fast forward to today, and I find myself equally passionate about digital photography. This transition does not diminish the profound love for film, but rather adds a new perspective and appreciation for the technological advancements that brought about digital photography.

My Early Days with Film

Decades in the Darkroom: I have been a film photographer since the 1970s. During those years, film was not just a means of capturing moments, but a ritual. The process was magic in itself: the development in the darkroom, the enlarger casting light onto the paper, the chemical reactions transforming light into an image. My 1960s Minolta camera was a constant companion, providing consistent and reliable results. The magic lay in the unpredictability and the tactile nature of the entire process.

Comparing Film and Digital: A few years ago, I took up a DSLR for a week. It was an eye-opening experience. I found the abundance of buttons and settings overwhelming and took me away from the simplicity and directness of film. When comparing a print from a film photo and a digital photo of the same scene side by side, the differences were stark. The paper prints from the film photo had a different texture, a depth and contrast that digital simply couldn't replicate. The grain and the grit, often criticized, were in a way, the soul of the image. The immediate feedback and the complexity of digital processing were a stark contrast to the serene and tactile experience of film.

The Transition to Digital

Early Roots and Retraining: My transition to digital was catalyst by being tasked to leave my job at Eastman Kodak, where I had been working for 31.7 years. Retraining myself to work with a digital camera was a challenge, but also an exciting journey. During this period, I familiarized myself with DSLRs and their capabilities, discovering that they offered better resolution than 35mm film and faster ISO speeds. The ability to see the results immediately and make corrections on-site was invaluable.

Unique Needs of Film: There are still times when film is preferred. For instance, Kodachrome film's unique and not very accurate color palette was a cherished companion for certain projects. In 2010, while processing was still available, I shot several rolls of Kodachrome. In situations like raft trips or small sailboat outings, a one-time-use camera is handy. On family occasions, I reach for my grandfather’s 4x5 Crown Graphic, where large format film offers superior resolution. Moreover, using an antique or large format camera often brings a sense of nostalgia and adds a historical element to the photography.

The Conclusion: Preference Isn't Just About Gear

Flexibility and Convenience: Another individual who prefers digital highlights the immediacy and flexibility as significant advantages. Once loaded with film, you are committed to it until the roll is finished, and there's a risk of errors during the loading process. Digital allows for instant feedback and adjustments, making the creative process more fluid.

Regardless of the chosen medium, both film and digital photography offer unique advantages and emotional connections for those who love capturing moments. Whether it's the tactile experience of film or the clarity and convenience of digital, the joy in photography lies in the personal expression and connection.

Note: The numbers and details are fictional to maintain the privacy of the individuals mentioned.