Film Photography
In a digital age where images are instant and abundant, film photography is experiencing an undeniable revival. More photographers—both newcomers and professionals—are returning to analog methods for their unique aesthetic, nostalgic feel, and tactile creative process. Unlike digital, which can sometimes feel overly clinical or uniform, film captures light with a softness and depth that feels organic, raw, and timeless.
For me, film photography isn’t just a hobby—it’s a craft I’ve woven into my professional work. I’m fortunate to have a homemade darkroom, where I develop and scan my own film. This hands-on approach allows me to stay connected to every part of the process, from the moment I load the roll to the final print.
Whether I’m shooting a wedding, a creative portrait session, or a personal project, film allows me to slow down and shoot with purpose. Each frame is deliberate, and that limitation is what makes it beautiful. It forces you to see differently—to be more thoughtful with composition, light, and timing.
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Thankfully, the analog photography community is thriving, and there are some excellent UK-based suppliers and labs that make it easy to source, shoot, and develop film. Some of the places I regularly use include:
Analogue Wonderland – My go-to for buying film online. They stock a massive range of 35mm, 120, instant, and rare films, with fast UK delivery.
Harrison Cameras – A reliable Sheffield-based retailer for film, darkroom gear, and analog accessories.
Nik & Trick – Specialists in hard-to-find film stocks and camera refurbishing.
AG Photographic – Great for darkroom chemicals, paper, and film processing gear.
Filmdev – A high-quality UK-based film lab that offers developing and scanning with quick turnaround times.
SilverPan Film Lab – Known for their careful, personalised scanning and film processing services.
These suppliers and labs make it easier than ever to shoot analog in the UK, and they’ve been instrumental in supporting the film resurgence.
Film isn’t just about nostalgia—it offers something truly distinct. The colour science of Kodak Portra 400, the bold grain of Ilford HP5, the cinematic glow of Cinestill 800T—each film stock has its own personality and strength. Whether I’m shooting delicate moments in soft window light or dramatic portraits in moody landscapes, I choose my film to suit the story I want to tell.
Film slows you down, makes you observe, and rewards you with images full of character and authenticity. For clients, it adds an extra layer of craftsmanship. It’s particularly powerful in weddings, portrait sessions, and storytelling work—where emotion, atmosphere, and imperfection are part of the beauty.
I regularly incorporate film photography into my professional projects to add depth and warmth that’s difficult to replicate digitally. Whether it’s a few rolls of 35mm shot during golden hour at a wedding, or an entire medium format series for a portrait session, the results always stand out—and clients notice the difference.
If you’re looking for a photographer who can offer something more handcrafted and timeless, I’m passionate about offering film photography as part of my packages, including weddings, personal branding, editorial shoots, and creative collaborations.
Interested in adding a film element to your project?
Let’s talk about how we can bring your story to life—on film
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Film photography is the process of creating images on light-sensitive film rather than a digital sensor. When you press the shutter, light hits the film and records the image. That film is then developed into negatives and either printed in a darkroom or scanned into digital files. Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly review your shots, film requires patience and a slower, more thoughtful approach—something many photographers see as its biggest strength.
Shooting film offers a look and feel that digital cameras struggle to replicate. Film photographs often have organic grain, rich tones, and a timeless quality. Beyond the aesthetic, film changes how you shoot. With only 24 or 36 exposures on a roll, every frame counts. Instead of firing off hundreds of digital shots, film encourages you to slow down, consider your light, composition, and timing, and really connect with your subject. For many, the creative discipline is just as valuable as the final image.
There are several types of film, each producing different results:
35mm film: The most common format, affordable and versatile—perfect for beginners.
120 (medium format film): Produces larger negatives, sharper detail, and is a favorite for professional portrait and landscape photographers.
Large format sheet film: Used in fine art and landscape photography for incredible detail and resolution.
Instant film (Polaroid or Fujifilm Instax): Creates physical prints in minutes and is great for fun, casual shooting.
Each format has its own strengths, so the best film to use depends on your camera and style of photography.
Yes—like any light-sensitive material, film has an expiry date. Fresh film gives predictable colors and contrast, while expired film often produces unique effects such as extra grain, faded tones, or color shifts. Some photographers deliberately shoot expired rolls for a vintage, experimental aesthetic. If you’re new to film photography, start with fresh film for consistent results, and once you’re confident, try expired rolls for creative fun.
Once you finish a roll, it needs to be processed before you can see your images. Most photographers send their film to a professional lab for development, especially for color film (C-41 processing). Black & white film, however, is relatively easy to develop at home with the right chemicals and equipment. After development, your negatives can be printed traditionally in a darkroom or scanned into high-resolution digital files. This extra step is part of what makes film photography so exciting—waiting to see your results adds a sense of anticipation that digital can’t match.
Compared to digital, film is more costly since you need to buy rolls, pay for developing, and sometimes for scanning too. But many photographers believe it’s worth it. Shooting film forces you to be more intentional, which often results in stronger photographs. Instead of hundreds of disposable digital shots, you’re left with fewer but more meaningful images. Think of it less as a cost and more as an investment in your craft and creative process.
Film photography isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about creating images with depth, texture, and character that digital cameras can’t fully replicate. Whether you’re shooting 35mm film on a vintage camera or experimenting with medium format, the process of loading, shooting, and developing film connects you more deeply to your photography.
If you’re ready to dive in, grab a roll, load your camera, and start shooting. Film photography rewards patience, creativity, and a love for the craft—and once you get started, you might just find yourself hooked.