Old and new cameras
I have switched back and forth several times between point-and-shoot digital cameras and point-and-shoot film cameras over the last two years. The changes have primarily been driven by theft (i.e. my digital camera gets stolen, so I switch back to film until I get a new digital camera). The fact that I use a point-and-shoot may give away the fact that I am not a film enthusiast, nor a camera aficionado.
I do like to take pictures though and I like to share them online right over on my photos page.
Today I am heading to the store to drop off a couple of rolls of film for development. As I was getting ready to head out, I realized that these film canisters have been sitting on my desk for about five months.
What a vast difference between this delayed satisfaction versus the instant gratification of digitally reviewing your pictures?
Are there tradeoffs when you use a digital camera instead?
Well, physical prints are nice to hold and flip through. Additionally, there is an element of surprise to delayed review of photos. I have absolutely no idea what is on this film right now and I am excited to find out what gems (if any) are waiting to be revealed. Of course, if I do find any stunning photos I will need to scan them to share with you!
Apart from the instant gratification of the digital cameras — which I love, to be sure — the main difference I find is that I compose my film pictures more thoughtfully.
I’m getting back in the analog pics mode, more and more, as I find more things to love in photography.
BTW, where do you develop your pics in Chicago?
@ Atul
Great point! There definitely is a tendency to frame the shot a lot more carefully when you know that you don’t get instant feedback to correct and retake any pictures. I find, however, that I just slow down with my digital snapping and take time to think through my shots and I get the same pleasure of “solving the picture puzzle” as I used to with film.
As to film development in Chicago. I’ve used Wolf/Ritz, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. None are standout in my opinion. I was especially disappointed with the prints from WalMart which I discussed in the post above. That said, my camera and film are old, so perhaps the issue was with the equipment.
I am afraid I can not steer you to a great film developer in Chicago. If you find one, please let me know.