Film photography is making a comeback
With a smartphone in your pocket, taking and sharing photographs (and video) has never been easier… and yet, film photography is really trending right now. Just like the increase in sales of vinyl records, more and more people are returning to analogue photography, whether it’s for professional or personal purposes. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why.
Image courtesy of Pixabay. Published on: May 20th, 2017. Source: pexels.com
Film photography is real
You don’t have to spend long online to encounter AI-generated slop, or before you see an image that makes you question whether it’s genuine or fake. That explains part of the new-found appeal of film photography – it’s real. In a world where we’re all bombarded with fake news and doctored images, there is something deeply reassuring about taking a raw, unfiltered and unedited image that shows the world (or a person, or your cat) as they really are – or at least, as you see it. Using film helps your photography appear much more authentic.
Sometimes, digital photography can look too smooth or perfect; film photography lets you keep things that bit more real.
Image courtesy of Vinh Võ. Published on: March 31st, 2023. Source: pexels.com
Film photography is tactile
With a film camera, you actually feel like you’re making something – something you can not just see, but touch. From turning the zoom lens to the satisfying clunk of the camera button when you take the picture, a real camera can make you feel more connected to the world around you, and to the image you’ve made. It’s all part of the ‘analogue life’ trend – going back to slower, more mindful and more deliberate ways of doing things, whether it’s listening to music or brewing coffee. Just maybe there’s such a thing as too much convenience in life?
Image courtesy of Jakub Zerdzicki. Published on: June 17th, 2026. Source: pexels.com
Film photography just looks better
There’s a cinematic quality to a real photograph, whether it’s in colour or black and white. The way the light interplays with the faces, the landscape or whatever you’re capturing, the effect of the shadows, the grain of the film. Digital photography has come a long way, but even the best digital cameras still can’t quite compete with the ever-so-slightly gritty realism of film. As the photographer, you get to craft the image and be creative, rather than simply applying a pre-programmed filter.
Image courtesy of Joshua Bull. Published on: August 14th, 2025. Source: pexels.com
Delayed gratification and meaningful sharing
With film – even if you know how to develop it yourself – there’s a delay between taking the picture and having it in your hand. This wait is a key part of the analogue experience, which is all about anticipation and the pleasure of finally getting something you’ve been looking forward to.
While digital images are simple to share via WhatsApp or on social media, they can’t compare to the impact of handing a friend or loved one your latest printed pictures for them to look at. Plus, instead of a like or an emoji in response, you get to see their face light up as the picture they’re holding triggers a happy memory, inspires them, or makes them laugh.
Printed images have a lot of nostalgia value, and if you’re into crafting, you can use them to create unique gifts, labels or greetings cards. Also, you don’t have to be a Swiftie to be into scrapbooking – and film photography goes perfectly with the ultimate personal, customisable way to record your most treasured moments and memories.
Image courtesy of Orhan Perga. Published on: August 4th, 2024. Source: pexels.com
The best of both worlds
If you’ve never tried film photography, or it’s been years since you last rocked an analogue camera, it’s understandable that you might feel a little intimidated about starting (again). If that’s the case, you could always ease your way in gently with an instant camera. These modern versions of vintage Polaroid cameras (IYKYK) combine the convenience of digital with a physical printed picture, created by the camera itself.
One of these modern instant cameras could just be the perfect way for you to get back into film photography before you take the plunge and buy a film camera. Then, when you’re ready, you can go full analogue and embrace the film photography comeback trend.
Image courtesy of Pixabay. Published on: August 29th, 2016. Source: pexels.com
