Why do I shoot film in 2016?
The answer is as simple as that. Simplicity. Cameras now a days are jammed with features, that although very helpful in a professional setting, I feel get in the way of creativity. Now a days its easier to rely on your camera and the available software to make a great image, thus not much thought may go into the process because "I can fix that in post".
Some people argue that the cost of shooting film in the modern age is "too high" to justify its use, and to some extent they are correct. I wouldn't shoot film for my professional work just because its not practical to do so. With the cost of a roll of 35mm film being around $8 a roll, and having it processed and scanned professionally adds another $20 or so to the mix, yes it gets quite pricey.
So why shoot film? Well, I do it because it helps me develop my skills faster. With film I need to take the time to frame and focus a shot and then decide if I really want to take the shot. Because we all know that every clic of the shutter costs you money. So, a lot more thought goes into taking images, more time is spent crafting and analyzing, thus sharpening your skills as a photographer. With digital cameras you get immediate feedback, too immediate at times, thus we either shoot more pictures of the same thing or end up deleting them.
Lastly, TONES. How many people use VSCO? how many out there try to replicate film? many. I include myself in this crowd. But, there is just something out film. The colors, the grain, the overall mood of the photos is just something that in my opinion can't be replicated. Also, you are pretty much done once you press the shutter. There is no need to tweak files in PS or LR for hours, leaving more free time to enjoy your photographs and maybe shoot some more rolls.
So, although it may get pricey at times, what what you get out of is far more satisfying that shooting digital. The bare basics of it all only helps to elevate our senses and that all translates into the images we make. Don't ask me why I shoot film, ask yourself why not...
Here are some recent photos taken on film:
