I started taking pictures with analog photography and then moved on to digital, but as I continued on my journey I rediscovered the pleasure of returning to analog, also adding super 8 video – and I wouldn’t go back for anything in the world! Diving into the world of film photography and Super8 has been an eye-opening journey, transforming not just how I capture images but also how I perceive moments. There’s a distinct charm and authenticity in analog formats that digital simply can’t replicate. However, along with the beauty come unique challenges. Here are the key lessons I’ve learned through this analog adventure.
THE BENEFITS OF SHOOTING ON FILM AND SUPER 8
INTENTIONALITY IN EVERY FRAME
With film and Super8, every shot counts. Limited exposures force me to slow down, compose thoughtfully, and truly engage with the subject. This mindfulness enhances the storytelling quality of my work. I remember a specific moment while shooting a quiet, early morning scene in Sorrento village, on the coast. The light was soft, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. I had only a few frames left on my roll of film, and instead of rushing to capture everything, I paused. I observed how the light danced on the water, how a lone fisherman adjusted his net, and how a cat lazily stretched near a sun-drenched doorway. I took my time to frame the shot, waiting for the perfect interplay of elements. That intentional pause resulted in an evocative image, capturing not just the scene but the serene atmosphere of that morning – something I might have missed in the rush of digital convenience.
TIMELESS AESTHETIC
Film and Super8 produce textures, colors, and grains that digital filters strive to mimic but rarely achieve authentically. The organic imperfections add character, making each frame feel alive and nostalgic. One time, I shot a series of portraits on an overcast day. When I developed the film, I was surprised by the rich, moody depth of the colors – the skin tones were warm and natural, and the cloudy sky added a soft quality to the images. The subtle grain provided texture that made the portraits feel intimate and timeless. It was a delightful discovery that reminded me of how film can transform ordinary light into something extraordinary.
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
The tactile process of loading film, hearing the mechanical click, and the anticipation during development fosters a deeper emotional connection to the craft. It’s not just about capturing an image; it’s about experiencing it. There was a project where I documented an old family farmhouse, a place filled with stories and history. Loading the film felt like part of the ritual, almost as if I was preparing myself to honor the space. Each time I advanced the film, I could hear the satisfying click of the mechanism, grounding me in the moment. The anticipation of waiting for the film to be developed deepened my connection to the project, it wasn’t just about the images but about the memories tied to the process itself. When I finally saw the developed photos, the imperfections and textures carried the emotions of that day, making the project feel deeply personal and meaningful.
DISCIPLINE AND GROWTH
Without the instant feedback of digital screens, I’ve honed my technical skills, understanding light, exposure, and composition on a deeper level. It’s a discipline that sharpens my artistic intuition. I recall a time when I was shooting a landscape at dusk, a challenging scenario due to the rapidly changing light. Relying solely on my knowledge of exposure and metering, I made adjustments based on instinct rather than trial-and-error feedback from a screen. When I finally developed the film, the results were balanced in shadows and highlights, with rich color gradients in the sky. It was a moment that made me realize how much I had grown technically, trusting my skills to capture the scene without second-guessing.
THE CHALLENGES OF SHOOTING ON FILM AND SUPER 8
COSTS ADD UP QUICKLY
Film rolls, Super 8 cartridges, and development fees can be expensive. Each project requires budgeting not just for shooting but also for processing and scanning. In analog photography and filmmaking, managing costs can be a significant challenge. Expenses quickly accumulate with the purchase of multiple rolls of film, processing fees, and high-resolution scans. To keep projects within budget, it’s essential to prioritize key locations and moments that are crucial to the story. Many photographers and filmmakers negotiate bulk processing discounts with local labs and become more selective with their shots, ensuring that each frame holds value. This approach underscores the importance of meticulous planning, budgeting, and resource management when working with film and Super8.
LIMITED FLEXIBILITY
Unlike digital, where adjustments can be made on the fly, film and Super 8 demand precise settings before the shutter clicks. Mistakes are costly, both financially and creatively. In film photography and Super 8, even small oversights in camera settings can have significant consequences. For instance, forgetting to adjust the ISO for the film speed or not setting the correct aperture can result in overexposed or underexposed images. These kinds of mistakes highlight the critical importance of thorough preparation. Photographers must develop the habit of methodically checking their equipment and settings before each shoot. This practice not only reduces the risk but also fosters a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of analog photography, emphasizing the value of patience and attention to detail in every creative endeavor.
UNPREDICTABLE RESULTS
Light leaks, exposure issues, and chemical inconsistencies can surprise you. While sometimes these quirks enhance the final piece, they can also be frustrating when they deviate from the intended vision. In analog photography, unexpected results often come from factors like light leaks, exposure inconsistencies, or film degradation. Surprisingly, these imperfections can sometimes add a unique charm to the images. For example, light leaks might create ethereal streaks of color that enhance the mood of a photo, giving it a dreamy, nostalgic quality. These unforeseen effects can transform an ordinary shot into something visually captivating, reminding photographers that imperfections are not always flaws but can be integral to the story an image tells.
WORKFLOW COMPLEXITY
Managing film stocks, developing, and digitizing adds layers to the workflow. And it could be very time-consuming, compared to the instant gratification of digital photography and videography. To streamline my workflow, I established a consistent routine for handling film. I created a checklist for each stage, from loading the film correctly to labeling rolls and organizing them by project. I also found a reliable lab that offered fast turnaround times, reducing delays in development. For digitizing, I rely to the lab’s quality scanner, allowing me to check the process and maintain control over the final image quality. Batch processing my scans with preset settings significantly cut down editing time, making the entire workflow more efficient without compromising on quality.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Shooting on film and Super 8 is a labor of love. The process demands patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace imperfections. Yet, it’s precisely these aspects that make analog media magical. The lessons learned extend beyond photography, teaching me to value intention, resilience, and the beauty in unpredictability. Whether you’re a seasoned digital shooter or new to analog, exploring film and Super8 will undoubtedly enrich your creative journey.
Embracing film photography and Super 8 has not only refined my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the art of storytelling. The tactile nature of analog processes, the anticipation of seeing developed images, and the surprises that come with imperfections have taught me to find beauty in the unexpected. These experiences have shaped my artistic journey, reminding me that creativity thrives not in perfection but in authenticity. Film and Super 8 are more than just mediums; they are invitations to slow down, observe deeply, and connect with moments in their rawest, most genuine form. In an era dominated by digital immediacy, analog remains a testament to the timeless power of patience, craftsmanship, and heartfelt expression.