(Okay, not that long ago, but long enough). A while ago, for nearly a century, there was this thing called "film", that worked by exposing any type of light onto a small plastic sheet, which then activated these little silver halide cells on it, that then created a negative. After it was processed with chemicals and let dry for a while, it then went through another process for it to  became photos. Unlike the memory cards we put into the cameras of today, these things were what we had to work with... Whew! You get the picture!

For most of us, I would assume that we grew up in the age of the almighty silver halide days of analog film, right?! The 35mm rolls of 24 or 36 exposures (having to choose between what speed of film to get), perhaps even the days of Poloroid (which I still love and need to get!). And for the really obscure, how about APS (Advantix) or even 110 film?!!! Remember those!? 

Sadly, the realm of celluloid film (old film) now resides with old timers, avant guard retro artists, and those who want to take a stroll down memory lane now and then. But for those familiar with it and who haven't shot with roll film in a while, (especially for those with a true interest in photography, or in perhaps becoming a professional), break out those old cameras, buy a roll of 400 ISO film (good speed for most lighting conditions) and shoot away! 

The reason for this suggestion is that I have been wanting to go back to the old days of shooting with film, to  S L O W  myself down a bit in this world of high speed, high megapixel  cameras, and really SEE a scene and photograph it from there. What I've learned and experienced with the onset of the digital age is that most people (okay, everyone) are becoming lazy and start firing away, getting weird exposures, and thinking to themselves that they can "fix it in photoshop" No!!!!! Shooting with film will force you to slow down and really think about what it is you are shooting. Once you see something that inspires you to press the shutter, you have to think about where your light is coming from, aperture, shutter speed, composition, all before you make that final (and with film, it is FINAL) click! Plus, you won't be able to see what you've created, so you have to visualize what it will look like, therefore making you think more about what it is you are doing. Slow, right?!  Helpful? Absolutely!!!

For the past few months, with a little help from a friend, and from old school "toy" camera, I was able to get back to film photography. I have to say, I really enjoyed it, and plan on doing some more of it soon! A friend of mine inspired me to start shooting film again by loaning me his iconic Leica M6 manual film body. If you don't know what a Leica is, check it out. And before that, just for the heck of it, I went out and bought a completely plastic camera called a Holga just to play around with. I have to say, once I got the film developed (yes, developed!) I was thrilled and astounded by the results I got, especially since it's been months since I've taken those photos! 

Will I stop shooting digital from now on? No. It's a necessary tool these days, especially for the working pro. BUT, I will break out the occasional roll of film, and slow my process down so I can see better. Heck in these days of cell phones, iPads, and instant gratification, I think it's a good thing, don't you think? 

The photos below took about 4 days to process and get back. But, I was happy with the results. Reminds me of Henri-Cartier Bresson, although perhaps not as good, but I can see why he loved shooting with his Leica. I sure did. What I love most about film are the textures you get in the grain of the film, and the "feeling" it conveys. Even the out of focus photos work for me. 

Enjoy :)

Wanru. I really like this photo.