With our focus being heavily on analog this month, we thought that we’d round up a collection of stories in order to educate those looking ot know more about the format and for those that are already smitten with it. 35mm, medium format, large format, pinhole, instant film: it’s all covered here. But beyond this, we’ve also got a couple of fun projects and inspiration for the photographer looking to simply try something new.
An Explanation of Different Film Types and Formats: If you’re looking to simply learn about the different types of film there are and the formats, this is a quick crash course to get your feet wet.
The Digital Photographer’s Introduction to Film Photography: If you started in photography with digital (and many have) then this is a basic introduction to getting into the older format. Hint–there is no LCD screen to chimp your images.
Getting Started with Medium Format Film Photography: 35mm film photography is the most common entry into the film photography space, but in order to really compete with the results that digital can give you, you need to get up to the medium format level. Here’s a quick guide.
How to Choose Your First Film Camera: Choosing your first camera is very tough, but we’ve given you a bit of information on formats, types of cameras and more based on what you’re choosing to shoot.
An Introduction to Instant Film Cameras: Instant film is all the rage with so many photographers right now. Shooting a Polaroid or Instax image simply puts a smile on someone’s face. Here’s how you too can get into that world.
How a Pinhole Camera Works: Pinhole cameras have extremely narrow apertures–we’re talking about somewhere in the hundreds. If you want to get very experimental, pinhole is the way to go.
Five Modern Instant Film Cameras: If you’re having way too much trouble purchasing a vintage instant film camera, here are some that get the job done and are a modern take.
Five Emulsions Every Photographer Needs to Try: With so many film emulsions going away, these are the ones that you should try as soon as you can.
How Film Photography Sometimes Breaks My Heart: An interesting story about how film photography reminds me of emotions in an image and in art. It’s something that we should all remember over pixels and sharpness.
How Shooting Film Has Helped Me Improve My Photography: Yes, it’s true. Shooting film really does improve your photography. And here’s how.
Why Spring is The Best Time to Go Shooting Film: If you’re in the US, we’re going through the Spring season as we publish this story. It’s the best time to go shoot with film for many reasons.
Shooting Weddings with Large Format Film: Didn’t think it was possible, huh? This photographer shoots digital primarily but complements his work with large format film photos.
The Art of Non-Retouched Photography: This is a rant about how retouching was done in the darkroom and how no one complained about it compared to today.
9 Cameras That Were Built at Home: Bored this weekend? Try building your own camera at home. All you need is a lens, a bellows focusing system, and a way to focus.
7 Cameras That Make 35mm Look Like a Toy: Most homemade cameras are large format and medium format. And the photographers that made these opted for them because their results beat the pants off of 35mm.
8 Awesome Pinhole Cameras Made at Home: If getting so complicated with your camera isn’t your thing, ever though of turning a beer can into a camera? Check these ones out.
Turn Old Negatives Into a Bookmark: Only do this if you’ve scanned your negatives and don’t have a use for them.
Make a Pringles Can into a Pinhole Camera: Remember what we said about making your own camera not too far back up? Yeah, this is cool.
Use Old Polaroids as Apartment Decorations: If you shoot lots of Polaroids, they can make for great home decorations.