Film is the original image-making medium in photography. Before digital cameras stored pictures on memory cards, cameras used light-sensitive film to capture an image. When you press the shutter, light passes through the lens and strikes the film, creating a hidden image that is later revealed through developing.
There are two main types of film: black-and-white and color. Black-and-white film records a scene in tones of black, white, and gray. It is often valued for its timeless feel, strong contrast, and emphasis on shape, light, and texture. Color film records the world in color and can produce a wide range of looks, from soft and muted to bright and vivid, depending on the film stock.
Film also comes in different sizes, with 35mm being the most common for everyday photography. Medium format film is larger and can produce greater detail. Many photographers still love film because it slows the process down. Each frame matters. You think more carefully about composition, exposure, and timing.
Film photography has a physical, hands-on quality that many people find rewarding. It connects today’s photographers to the roots of the craft while producing images with a distinctive character that digital often imitates but never fully replaces.