5 Things Digital Photographers Need to Know Before Shooting Film
If you’ve built your photography skills on digital cameras, the idea of shooting film can feel overwhelming. No instant preview. No histogram. No quick fixes in post. But the truth is film isn’t complicated, it’s different. And with the right mindset, it can completely transform how you approach your work.
Here are five things every digital photographer needs to know before shooting film.
1. Film Forces You to Slow Down
With digital, you can fire off 50 frames in seconds. With film? You have 12 to 36 chances. That limitation is actually a gift because it makes you pause, think, and compose with intention. Shooting film brings focus back to the craft and makes every frame more meaningful.
2. There’s No Instant Feedback (And That’s a Good Thing)
Without a preview screen, you learn to trust your instincts. This process teaches you how to expose correctly and truly understand light and your camera. The confidence you build with film often translates back into your digital work, making you a stronger photographer overall.
3. ISO Is Locked in on Film
Unlike digital, you can’t change ISO mid-roll. If you load Portra 400, you’re committed to ISO 400 until the roll is finished. This forces you to think about light in advance and choose the right stock for your conditions, something that strengthens your technical awareness.
4. Metering Matters More Than Ever
No histogram or screen means no safety net. Learning how to meter properly, whether using your camera’s internal meter or an external handheld meter, is essential for consistent results. It may sound intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
5. Your Lab Choice Matters
Film doesn’t end with clicking the shutter. A good lab will scan beautifully and influence your final look. Choosing a lab with consistent quality and good communication ensures your images come back looking the way you want them to.
Film isn’t about making life harder. It’s about making art richer. If you’ve been craving deeper connection to your craft, this is where it starts.
Join the Waitlist for My Film Course In my course you will learn everything you need to know about film and working with it. Laying a full technical foundation to be able to shoot film confidently and change the way you work.