When I started photography, I thought digital was the way to go. I would see photos on Instagram or Facebook, and I was in awe of the photo quality of DSLR cameras. I often tried to recreate photos I see through my iPhone to little to no avail However, my increasing passion for photography allowed me to discover editting apps on my iPhone such as VSCO, Snapseed, and Adobe Lightroom. As time goes by, I noticed a pattern with the photos I take. My photos have a film vibe to them. Even the photos I take on a DSLRs have this similar issue.

This made me think.

Should I use film? Am I willing to buy a film camera and develop it?

While studying abroad in Barcelona, I met a man by the name of Antonio. Antonio was the housing coordinator for ISA, the company I studied abroad with. A avid film and music enthusiast (Basically a hipster), he showed his portfolio sparking an explosion of interest of 35mm photography in me. After two months in Barcelona, I decided to buy a Minolta SRT 101 camera from a Catalan local. I bought it for 50 euros, and decided to go shooting with some friends.

While the photos didn't turn out too well as I didn't know how to correctly use the light meter. I was memorized by the quality. As time goes on, I began to research rolls of film, cameras, and methods of taking photos.

March 17, 2017 was the day that changed my life.

Why?

It was the day I met a man at Black Tap Coffee in Charleston. While I don't remember his name, he was kind enough to show us a Leica model 3, and Instagram showcasing me and my friend Denzel his photos. The quality and color of his pictures blew me away as it shot entirely from film. He also introduced us to FilmBorn, an app that allows you to recreate the colors and feel of film with photos you take from your iPhone or Android device.

After graduation, I was in a need of a job as I didn't networked nor applied as much as I should. Fortunately, I was contacted through LinkedIn about a job that would allow me to travel cross country. After accepting the offer, I fly out to California where I start my journey. My first work place? East California... a photographer's paradise.

While I didn't have my Minolta with me, I was still able to sharpen my eye for photography by taking constant photos on the go. I worked in Chicago where I purchased a digital camera, the Nikon D5300 and started to take photos. While they were good, I was generally unhappy with the quality. I yearned to go back to film,

After 5 months on the job, I finally purchased a film camera, a Nikon F3 with 50mm 1.4 lens. After shooting and sending it to the Darkroom to be developed, I patiently wait for the photos hopefully my improved skills will show in the developed pictures. When they arrived 3 days after I send them, I was blown away. While they were not the best, I didn't have to edit most of the photos since I was happy with the way they turned out.

Ever since then, I prefer film over digital.

Yes, digital can get you some great photos and I shoot digital every once in a while.

However, the look and color of film cannot be beat. Especially, when you barely have to edit them to achieve the look you want.

Why I choose film over digital.

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