Why I Love Shooting on Film (Even When It’s Inconvenient)

Let’s be honest. Shooting on film is not the most convenient choice. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. So why do I (and so many others) keep choosing it over digital?

For me, it’s all about the process. The slowness of film forces me to be intentional. I can’t just fire off hundreds of shots and pick the best one later. Every frame matters, and that changes the way I see and compose my photos.

Then there’s the excitement of waiting. Unlike digital, where you see the result instantly, film makes you wait. The moment you finally develop a roll and see how the shots turned out? It’s like opening a time capsule. You never know exactly what you’re going to get.

And let’s not forget the look of film. The texture, the tones, the way light interacts with different stocks. It’s something digital can try to replicate, but it’s never quite the same.

Sure, film isn’t the easiest medium, but that’s part of why I love it. The challenge makes every good shot feel even more rewarding.

If you shoot film, what keeps you coming back to it? And if you haven’t tried it yet, what’s stopping you?