If you're anything like me, you've probably felt that pull toward film photography—the tactile, intentional process that somehow manages to capture a moment in a way digital just can't. Maybe you've admired those grainy, nostalgic shots online, or you’re simply curious about what it's like to work with actual rolls of film. Either way, you're in the right place.

I’ve been shooting film for years now, and while it’s definitely a learning curve, there’s something truly magical about the process. It forces you to slow down and really think about each shot, and the results can feel more meaningful because of it. If you’re new to the world of film, this guide is for you! Let’s dive into how to get started and what you’ll need to know.

Choose Your Camera

The first step in your film photography journey is picking the right camera. There are a few different types to consider, depending on your style and budget:

35mm Cameras: These are the most common and beginner-friendly. They’re portable, relatively affordable, and easy to use. You’ll get a good balance between quality and cost.
Medium Format Cameras: If you’re after those dreamy, high-resolution shots, medium format might be your thing. They give you sharper images and better detail, but the cameras and film can be a bit pricier.
Instant Cameras: Think Polaroid. These are fun, great for experimenting, and offer instant gratification, but the quality won’t be as sharp as other formats.
Large Format Cameras: Large format cameras produce incredibly detailed images and are perfect for professional-level work, but they’re far more complex and expensive to operate, so I wouldn’t recommend them for beginners.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a 35mm camera. They’re widely available, and there’s a ton of film stock to choose from, so you can really play around with different looks. Popular options include the Pentax K1000, Olympus OM-1, Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, Canon F-1, or if you’re lucky, you might find a vintage gem at a thrift store or online marketplace.

Learn About Film Stocks

One of the best parts about film photography is choosing your film stock. Each type of film has its own look and feel, so this is where you can start experimenting.

Color Negative Film: This is probably what you’re familiar with, especially if you’ve seen that warm, slightly grainy look of old family photos. Popular choices include Kodak Portra 400 (great for portraits) or Fujifilm Superia.
Black & White Film: For a classic, timeless vibe, black and white film is a great choice. Ilford HP5 is a solid go-to for beginners.
Slide Film (Reversal Film): If you’re after ultra-vibrant colors and contrast, slide film is amazing, but it’s trickier to expose correctly, so I wouldn’t recommend starting with this.

Personally, I love Kodak Portra 400 for its versatility and ease of use for beginners, but don’t be afraid to try a few different stocks and see what resonates with your style. You might even find that a lesser-known stock speaks to your creative vision.

Understand Exposure Basics

With film photography, you don’t get the luxury of immediately checking your shots, so understanding exposure is key. The three main elements you’ll need to balance are:

Shutter Speed: This controls how long your film is exposed to light. Faster speeds (like 1/500) freeze motion, while slower speeds (like 1/30) can create motion blur.
Aperture (f-stop): This affects how much light comes through your lens and also controls depth of field. Lower f-stops (like f/2.8) create a shallow depth of field (blurry background), while higher f-stops (like f/11) keep everything in focus.
ISO: This refers to your film’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISOs (like 100 or 200) are great for bright, sunny days, while higher ISOs (400+) work better in low-light situations or indoors.

If this feels overwhelming at first, don’t stress! The more you shoot, the more intuitive it becomes. And trust me, those accidental underexposed or overexposed shots sometimes turn out to be your favorites.

Develop and Scan Your Film

Once you’ve shot your roll, it’s time for the exciting part—seeing your photos come to life! There are two main options for developing film:

Take it to a Lab: The easiest route is to take your film to a lab for development. Many local photo shops still process film, and there are plenty of online services that will develop and scan your film and send it back to you.
Develop at Home: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can develop black-and-white film at home with a few basic supplies. It’s more hands-on but can be really rewarding. Color film is a bit trickier, so I’d recommend starting with black and white if you go the DIY route.

After developing, you’ll either get negatives back or scanned files if you opt for lab scanning. I usually prefer to get high-quality scans so I can work with my images digitally.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Film photography is all about patience, practice, and a little bit of unpredictability. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s part of the beauty. The more you shoot, the more you’ll develop your own style and get comfortable with the medium.

In the digital age, there’s something incredibly satisfying about holding a roll of film and knowing you captured each shot with care and intention. It might take a little longer, but trust me, the results are worth it.

Final Thoughts

Starting with film photography might seem a bit intimidating, but don’t overthink it. Just get yourself a camera, a roll of film, and start shooting. The best way to learn is by doing, and the more you experiment, the more fun you’ll have along the way. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic feel, the process, or just the unpredictability of it all, film photography offers a unique experience that’s hard to replicate with digital.

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How to Get Started with Film Photography: A Beginner’s Guide