Reasons Why I Believe Film Photography Captures Travel Memories Best
Welcome back to In Reverie, the space where I share my journey through creativity and exploration. Today, I'm diving into one of my greatest passions: film photography. There's something incredibly special about capturing the world on film, and I'm excited to share my love for this timeless art form with you.
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why film photography?
Film photography holds a special place in my heart. In an age dominated by digital images, film photography might seem like a relic from the past. However, for me, it offers something unique that digital simply can’t replicate. There’s something truly magical about capturing memories on film, the anticipation of waiting for them to develop, and then finally getting your photos back and accepting the imperfections that somehow feel perfect to you. To me, this is such a special feeling. It's like a warm hug that floods your mind with forgotten memories. It truly is an unmatched feeling.
I have always loved the nostalgia of flipping through old photo albums at my parents’ or grandparents’ homes. Each photograph holds a story, a frozen moment in time that can be relived over and over. I don’t get that same feeling scrolling through digital photos on my phone. This is not me saying we shouldn't capture moments on our phones or digital cameras—my phone has 8,000 photos on it (maybe that's why I'm less inclined to look back on them). Capture everything and anything, I say. Film is tangible; it’s real, and that’s what makes it so special to me.
the joy of the unknown
One of the most exciting aspects of film photography is the unpredictability. Unlike digital cameras, where you can look at each shot instantly, film tests our patience. You can’t immediately see what you’ve captured, which encourages you to be more intentional with every shot.
The wait to get a roll of film developed can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Did the shot turn out as you hoped? Did you capture the mood and lighting just right? There’s a sense of mystery until you finally hold those prints in your hands. And when a photo comes out perfectly, it’s pure magic. When it doesn't, personally, I learn from that.
the art of composition
Now, in no way would I call myself a photographer. There is some incredible talent out there that I am not sure I could ever replicate, but over the years, I have learned a thing or two. Film photography also encourages me to slow down and focus on composition. With a limited number of shots per roll, every shot counts. I find myself paying closer attention to details, like light, shadows, and perspective. This mindful approach has improved my photography skills and ability in visual storytelling.
my gear and favorite films
When I tell you I have had some cameras in my day, boy, I have had some cameras in my day. I started my film photography journey with a trusty 35mm camera, the Pentax K1000, and I loved that camera. I was able to learn the basics of an analog camera and how to take a beautiful photo with it. Sadly, someone broke into my car and stole it with a roll of film in it. Still, to this day, I cannot tell you what was on that roll, but it felt like I lost a part of me that day. Moving on, I am currently working with an Olympus OM2N, and it is amazing.
Some of my favorite SLR 35mm film cameras include:
Olympus OM2N (current rotation)
Some of my favorite point-and-shoot film cameras include:
Minolta Panorama Zoom 5 (current rotation)
Pentax Espio 738
I have tested many different brands and cameras, including Minolta, Pentax, Olympus, Fuji, Nikon, and Canon. Honestly, just start somewhere within your budget and have a play. Most of my cameras have come from Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or vintage stores.
Find inspiration at Lomography and Grainery
Some of my favorite films include:
Kodak Portra 400: Known for its incredible color reproduction and fine grain, this film is perfect for capturing vibrant, lifelike images. I love this for photographing people; the skin tones are stunning.
Kodak Ektar 100: With ultra-fine grain and high color saturation, this film is amazing for photographing beautiful landscapes and sceneries. It is incredibly vibrant, and the cool tones—oh, they look stunning!
Kodak Gold 200: This is a fantastic film for everyday shooting, with warm tones and a bit of nostalgia that’s perfect for capturing both people and landscapes.
Kodak Colorplus 200: A budget-friendly option, this film is great for casual photography with its classic color tones and soft contrasts.
tips for aspiring film photographers
If you’re new to film photography or looking to improve your skills, here are some tips that have helped me along the way:
Start Simple & Do Your Research
Begin with a basic 35mm camera. You don’t need an expensive setup to get great results. Get to know your camera’s functions and experiment with different settings.Experiment with Film
Try out various films to discover your preferences. Each film has its unique characteristics, so don’t be afraid to play around and see what you like best.Embrace Mistakes
Not every shot will be perfect, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections and learn from them. Sometimes, the “mistakes” turn out to be the most interesting images. I've had some accidental light leaks, double exposures, and blurry shots that are actually some of my favorites.Be Patient
Film photography requires patience and practice. Don’t rush the process; take your time to compose each shot thoughtfully.Keep a Photo Journal
Something I wish I did sooner is jot down notes about each roll of film—what camera settings you used, the lighting conditions, and any thoughts or ideas. This is an incredible way to not only keep track of which roll is which but also a great way to learn and progress.
capturing life through film
Film photography is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to capture life’s fleeting moments and preserve them forever. Whether I’m exploring new cities or spending a quiet day at home, my camera is always by my side, ready to capture some of the moments around me.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to pick up a film camera and experience the joy of analog photography. It’s a journey worth taking, filled with surprises, creativity, and countless memories.
Thank you for joining me on this visual adventure. Until next time, keep exploring and capturing the world around you—in all its imperfect, beautiful glory.
Let me know if you give film photography a go. Capture everything.
hi, i’m h!
Sharing my stories, tips & tricks so you can spend your time enjoying other things in life rather than scouring the internet for hours.
