By Alex Contreras
In a time, that’s been overtaken by digital cameras and smartphones, film photography is having a comeback. Often considered to be an outdated format, analog photography has started to pull in the younger generation and their hearts, fueled by nostalgia, artistic look, and a desire for authenticity in a digital world. A photographer, Ansel Adams, once said, “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art”.
One reason for the comeback is the aesthetic that only this one can offer. Film has its own quality, like the grainy textures, vibrant colors, and imperfections, that digital filters have so much struggle to replicate. I think that photographers are drawn towards the imperfect look of film, where each roll of film can hold surprises that can only be seen after you develop it. This chance, paired with the slower pace of shooting on film, turns photography into an art form. Unlike on digital, where hundreds of shots can be taken in minutes, film encourages you to be mindful about what you shoot, making every click intentional. In the words of contemporary photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, “The only way to get a good photograph is to take time and make it with intention.”
I believe that film is also fueling a cultural shift. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are looking more for retro vibes, from vinyl records to vintage clothing. Film photography fits this analog style, giving us a connection to the past. Platforms like Instagram amplify this, with hashtags like #FilmIsNotDead. Thrift stores and online marketplaces have made vintage cameras accessible, with models like the Canon AE-1, which I personally have, for around $50-$200. Meanwhile, companies like Kodak and Fujifilm are bringing back discontinued film and have been reporting sales growth.
Film photography is often seen as an art form. The experience of handling film, the anticipation of waiting for development, and then the surprise of seeing the images all give it its appeal. As a photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality,”.
Getting into film photography is easy. Cameras can be found easily, and developing your film can be done at home or at a local lab. YouTube tutorials will be your best friend when it comes to learning about film, trust me, I know.
As a film photographer myself, it’s become part of my personality. I own multiple cameras, from a Canon AE-1 program all the way to the Soviet FED 4, each with its own personality. I go through at least a roll a week, sort of becoming a ritual to load film and then waiting to see my images come out. I’m proud to be part of the movement to keep film alive, and I’ve introduced many friends to it, sharing tips and cameras, watching them fall in love with analog the same way I did.
For those wanting to start, an easy and affordable way is by buying old used Soviet cameras like Zenit, FED, Zorki, and Lomo. These cameras are amazing. I own a few, and one thing about these cameras is that they are built like tanks. If a tank ran over one of these cameras, then the tank would probably be damaged and not the camera. They are budget-friendly and teach you the key parts of photography.
I think the power that film has is its ability to slow us down. In a world where so many things have become instant, the part of waiting for prints feels unknown. It’s about the process, the patience, and the story each frame tells. Film photography isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. Wim Wenders, German filmmaker and photographer, puts it, “Photography is about finding out what can happen in the frame. When you put four edges around some facts, you change those facts,” a reminder of how film’s limitations can inspire creativity.
Photo by Alex Contreras
