Analog photography, also known as film photography, is a catch-all term
for photography that uses chemical processes to capture an image,
typically on paper, film or a hard plate. These analog processes were
the only methods available to photographers for more than a century
prior the invention of digital photography, which uses electronic
sensors to record images to digital media.
Death by Digital?
Contrary to the belief that digital photography gave a death blow to
film, film photography not only survived, but actually expanded across
the globe. With the renewed interest in traditional photography, new
organizations (like Film Is Not Dead, Lomography) were established and
new lines of products helped to perpetuate film photography. In 2017, BH
Photo & Video, an e-commerce site for photographic equipment, stated
that film sales were increasing by 5% each year in the recent past. The
Japan Times claimed that though film photography is a "dying art", Japan
could be at the starting point of a movement led by young photographers
to keep film alive. Firstpost claimed that a vast majority of
photographers are slowly coming back to film.
Theres a few things you will need to get started on your film photography journey.
These are some of the things I recommand to start off and where to get them, both B&H
and Freestyle are great online retailors.
B&H is on the east coast in New York City, right off the 95 corder, so do not pay for
expiediated shipping if you live on the east coast. Please note they are a jewish run
company, so they are closed on all Jewish Holidays and on Saturdays.
Freestyle is on west coast in California. They offer cheaper alternatives. If you do
live on east coast it may take some time to recive products. So when ordering keep that
in mind, espically when restocking!
Camera
While this the obvious one, a good film camera is the foundation of
photography. While there is both manuel and auto focus its all about
personal prefence. However a big suggstion I and a lot of photographers
make is when purchasing a film camera LOOK SECOND HAND!
Down below is a link to KEH for a camera. They are great to go thorugh
everything is on a rating seystem.
Film
You cant have film photography with out film! Film is rated on an iso or
film speed. This measures how sensitive to light the film is. You can find
iso speeds as low as 1.6 and as high as 3200. Lower speeds are for darker
areas such as indoor lighting, and higher speeds are for brighter areas
such as out doors. For beginners I suggest a 400 speed. It always for ease
to go in and outdoor areas. You can
learn more
about iso but this is the basics.
Batteries
Though you are using a film camera, there are some items that run on power.
Like the light meter, and your film reroll. It is important to have backups!
If you plan on developing your own photos these are what you need
Changing Bag
A changing bag is used to load and unload light sensitive material when
a darkroom is unavailable.
Developing Tank
This is where the actual developing takes place after you load your film
in the reel. Your developing tank is a light-tight box that ensures there
is complete darkness during the developing process.
There is two types, as a beginner you should get a plastic tank it makes
easier to learn how to load the film properly. When you are more advace I recommand
looking into a steel tank.
Thermometer
Tempature is one of the most important factors to control. Keeping a thermometer
ensures that you keep the same temp across the board.
Chemicals
Chemicals are what turn you film into something readable. They turn your
film into negatives.
Kits
There are som amazing kits that combine all these products
together. These are great if you are starting out.
Steps to Darkroom Printing
Steps Four-Six are to make a test strip
A test strip is to determine what the appropiate light and time needed to create an amazing print
What you want to end up with is a series exposed strips that range from too dark, to , too light.
Pick the exposure that you feel will give the best print. If none match you can choose an in-between value.
Some addiction products people buy:
scrissors, bottle opener, negative sleeves, binder, and towel
