5 Essential Tips for Shooting Film: A Guide for Beginners

In the age of digital photography, shooting film has made a big comeback. There's something magical about the tangible nature of film: the grain, the texture, the way it captures light. Whether you're new to film or just want to refine your process, these five tips will help you make the most of your analog adventure.

1. Understand Your Film Stock

Choosing the right film is essential. Different film stocks have unique characteristics—some are better for vibrant colors, while others excel at creating moody, black-and-white images. Popular color films like Kodak Portra or Kodak Ektar deliver beautiful tones, while Ilford HP5 or Kodak Trix 400 are known for their classic black-and-white look.

Pro Tip: Start with ISO 400 film for flexibility. It handles different lighting conditions well, making it ideal for beginners who might not always shoot in controlled environments.

2. Meter for the Shadows

One of the biggest differences between film and digital is how they handle exposure. Film, especially color negative film, tends to have a lot of latitude for highlights but loses detail quickly in the shadows. When in doubt, meter for the shadows to ensure detail is preserved in the darker parts of the image.

Pro Tip: Use a handheld light meter or your camera's built-in meter in spot mode to take a reading from the darkest area of your composition.

3. Overexpose Color Film for Better Results

One of the secrets to getting great results from color negative film is to slightly overexpose it. Color film has a wide dynamic range and can handle overexposure much better than underexposure. By overexposing by 1 or even 2 stops, you’ll get richer colors, smoother skin tones, and less noticeable grain, especially in portraits and outdoor scenes.

Pro Tip: When shooting with an ISO 400 film, set your camera to ISO 200 or 100 to automatically overexpose by 1–2 stops. This simple trick can make your images pop with vibrant colors and more detail.

4. Embrace the Imperfections

Film is unpredictable. Sometimes you'll get light leaks, grain, or even accidental double exposures. Instead of being frustrated, embrace these imperfections—they are part of what makes shooting film so special. Every roll of film has its own character, and those unique quirks can make your work stand out.

Pro Tip: Experiment with expired film. Old film can create interesting color shifts and added grain, giving your photos a distinct, vintage look.

5. Slow Down and Be Intentional

Unlike digital photography, where you can take hundreds of shots with no consequences, film limits you to a specific number of exposures per roll (usually 24 or 36). This constraint encourages more intentional shooting. Plan your composition, think about the framing, and make sure everything is set before you press the shutter.

Pro Tip: Visualize your shot before even touching the camera. This will help train your eye and make you a more thoughtful photographer overall.

Shooting film is a deeply rewarding experience. By slowing down, embracing the process, and understanding the unique qualities of analog photography, you can create images that are rich in texture, emotion, and authenticity. Give yourself room to experiment, and soon you'll find the magic in every roll.