6 Reasons Why You Should Shoot Film in the Digital Age / Blogs

In an era dominated by megapixels, instant sharing, and AI filters, it might seem strange, maybe even outdated to load a roll of film, wind a lever, and wait days or weeks to see your results. But for many photographers, shooting film isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a conscious creative choice. Here’s why film photography still matters, and why you should give it a shot.

1. Slowing Down to Think

Shooting film forces you to be intentional. With only 24 or 36 frames on a roll, every click counts. There’s no rapid-fire burst mode, no chimping the screen after every shot. Instead, film teaches you to observe, compose carefully, and trust your instincts, something Henri Cartier-Bresson hailed as the decisive moment. The result? More powerful images and a stronger photographic eye.

Behind the Gare Saint Lazare - Taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris in 1932

2. That Look You Just Can’t Fake

Film has a unique character thanks to the subtle grain, the natural tones, and the beautiful dynamic range. Whether it’s the warmth of the Kodak Gold which screams summer, the punchy B&W of an Ilford HP5 Roll, or the unmistakable feel of Kodak Portra, each film stock has its own personality. While digital simulations come close, they rarely capture the depth and feel of true film.

3. A Tangible, Hands-On Process

Film connects you to the physical craft of photography. Loading the camera, developing in the darkroom, and printing by hand gives a tactile, satisfying experience that digital simply can’t offer. At DarkLab, we see this magic daily. We see photographers rediscovering the joy of the process, not just the product.

4. Imperfection That’s Perfect

Light leaks, grain, vignetting, unexpected colour shifts, these quirks aren’t flaws. They’re what give film its charm. In a world obsessed with sharpness and perfection, film embraces texture and unpredictability. It encourages play and experimentation, and sometimes the accidents are the best part.

5. Archival and Reliable

Done right, film can last for generations. Negatives stored properly remain viewable decades later. No crashes, corrupted files, or outdated formats to worry about. There’s a reason museums and historians still rely on film – It lasts. There is nothing more special than finding a thousand or so negatives from your parents or grandparents and being able to see not just history but your history and relive it.

6. The Community and Culture

Film photography has its own thriving, passionate community. Whether you're a film veteran or just starting with your first ever roll, the analogue crowd is always ready to support, inspire, and nerd out. It’s a scene that values learning, collaboration, and appreciation for the art.

Ready to Try Film?

At DarkLab, it is our goal to help beginners and pros alike dive into the world of film. Whether you're curious about loading your first roll, developing, or experimenting with different stocks, we’ve got your back!

Film isn’t better than digital. It’s different, and that difference might just change the way you see the world.

So grab your film camera, load up that film, go shooting and we’ll handle the rest 😉

If you want to try film but don't know which film roll or format to choose from don't worry, we've written a blog about that too! Check out A Guide to Photographic Film Types and A Guide to Different Film Formats for an easy to understand guide on which film and format to choose as your first film!