Unless you have been living under a rock, you have seen the resurgence of film, and of course, I have fallen victim to it. In my humble opinion, it evokes more emotion & nostalgia than any other medium. When diving into film, there will be couple of different decisions you’ll need to make. The first is the type of camera.

Choosing your First Film Camera

When choosing your first film camera, there are two primary types of cameras you’ll find: Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and Point and Shoot

SLR Cameras

If you are looking for a camera you can have total control over, the SLR is the one you want to go for. It offers you the ability to manually set your aperture, shutter speed, and focus, meaning you have the freedom and control to create images like art. Using a series of mirrors, the viewfinder in SLRs provides a direct view through the lens which allows you to frame and focus your image exactly the way you want to.

Point and Shoot Cameras

On the other hand, Point and Shoot cameras are designed to be easy to use and easy to travel with. A point and shoot will automatically handle most of the settings, allowing you to be present while you capture the moment without worrying about whether your image will be overexposed or out of focus. With their compact design and straightforward operation, Point and Shoot cameras are ideal for those who prefer to capture moments without sweating the details.

If an SLR feels intimidating, starting out with a Point and Shoot can be a great way to ease into film. Let the camera do the thinking for you, so you can concentrate on discovering the joy of capturing life's moments on film.

How to Pick the Perfect Film Stock

The next important thing to consider is the film stock you want to try. With countless options available, it can be quite intimidating, making you feel like a fish out of water. To help you navigate this, I’ve put together a little guide to help you.

Kodak Professional Portra 160 | The Versatile Light Range
Kodak Professional Portra 400 | The One With Perfect Skin Tones
Kodak Professional Portra 800 | The Low Light Compatible
Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 | The Black and White Details
Kodak Professional Ektar 100 | The Vibrant and Colorful
Kodak Gold 200 | The Golden Warmth
Kodak Professional Ektachrome E100 | The Experimental
CineStill 500 D | The Cinematic Tones and Dark Features
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA400 | The Purple-Tinted Majesty
Fujifilm Pro 400H | The Lightest and Airiest
Ilford Delta 400 | The Finest of Detail for Panchromatic Images
Ilford HP5 Plus | The Stark Contrast and Bright Highlighter

Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and experiment with your creativity. Good luck on your film journey, and may you find endless inspiration through your lens.