Going from digital photography to film photography is a bit tricky, but in this video series, I’ll take you along with me on a journey to become a better film photographer.
The camera I use for analog photography is the beautiful Canon AE-1.
Episode 1: Film Photography Basics
What rolls do I recommend for street photography?
Kodak Portra 400 is the king of color negative film.
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is the best all-around black and white film roll.
Kodak Tri-X 400: This is my favorite stock for black and white portraits.
If you want a deep-dive into film photography, check out this free Skillshare course on Film Photography 101
How to shoot street portraits on a 35mm film camera
Film Photography Tips for Beginners
What’s the best film camera for beginners?
I’d start with a 35mm camera because it has more than as many exposures than a medium format camera. Which makes 35mm a lot cheaper than medium format photography.
Great 35mm Cameras
1. Canon AE-1. (My first) Get it on Amazon.
2. Pentax K1000 – Get it on Amazon.
3. Nikon FE2 – Get it on Amazon.
4. Leica M6 (If you are rich, like really rich) – Get it on Amazon
More film photography equipment:
Scanner
If you plan to scan and make your film photos into JPGs, then you will need a scanner like the popular Epson V600. Get it on Amazon.
How do I meter and expose my photograph?
In digital photography, you would normally expose for the highlights. The brightest part of the images to achieve that natural look.
In film photography, it’s vice versa. When shooting with an analog camera, you should meter or expose for the shadows, because when shooting film, it’s a lot more common to get an under-exposed photograph, than an under-exposed.
What ISO should I use?
Every film roll comes with a rating. An ISO which the company suggests you use and you should use the recommended ISO. Once you see the results after you have developed your rolls, then you can experience with pushing and pulling your film.
What does it mean to“Push and “Pull”
Pulling is when you use a lower ISO than what the film you are shooting with, is rated as. So if a film roll is rated 400 and you use an ISO of 100 because you are taking pictures on a bright sunny day, then you are pulling. If you take pictures at night or in low-light situations and you use an ISO of 1600 instead of 400, then you have pushed you roll.
Most high-speed rolls, like Kodak’s Portra 400, Ilford’s HP5 and Kodak TriX can be pushed and pulled 1-2 stops with great results.
How to get better a manual focusing
Most old film cameras use manual focusing and it’s one of the complicated things in about film photography; especially if you do street photography.
The only way for you to improve your manual focusing is to practice. You can practice at home by pointing your camera towards different objects in your house, without taking any pictures.