I’m a Beginner: Should I Choose Film or Digital?
For anyone starting their photography journey, one question inevitably comes up early: Should I shoot digital or film?
Both mediums offer incredible creative potential, but they shape how you see, think, and create in very different ways. Understanding what each one brings to your process can help you decide where to begin or whether you might want both in your toolkit.
The Case for Film: Intentionality and Imperfection
Film photography slows you down in the best possible way. Every frame counts. You think before you press the shutter, anticipating light, composition, and emotion.
There’s a tactile beauty in it: the sound of the advance lever, the grain on the negatives, the chemical dance of development. The results often feel more alive, with organic textures and tonal depth that can’t be perfectly replicated digitally.
For many photographers, especially those drawn to black and white photography, film offers a raw honesty. Mistakes become part of the image’s story a blur, a light leak, or imperfect exposure adds humanity.
Film might be for you if you:
Want to cultivate patience and intention in your work.
Appreciate tangible, physical processes.
Love the look of classic black-and-white tones and grain.
Enjoy the element of surprise and experimentation.
The Case for Digital: Flexibility and Freedom
Digital photography gives you the power to learn quickly. You can shoot hundreds of images in an afternoon, review them instantly, and understand how settings affect your outcome.
Modern digital cameras including mirrorless models have extraordinary dynamic range and resolution. Combined with editing tools like Lightroom or Capture One, you can explore creative styles without limits.
Digital also offers convenience: no film costs, easy backups, and direct integration with your online photography community. For creators who share work on social platforms like Instagram or Threads, digital provides the immediacy to post and engage.
Digital might be for you if you:
Want fast feedback and a steep learning curve.
Enjoy post-processing and digital editing.
Prefer low ongoing costs and easy experimentation.
Share your work primarily online.
Finding Balance: Why Many Photographers Use Both
The truth is, you don’t have to choose forever. Many artists move fluidly between the two using film when they crave authenticity and ritual, and digital when they want control and speed.
Film can train your eye and patience, while digital builds your technical confidence. Together, they can shape a well rounded creative voice.
You might even shoot film, then digitize your negatives for editing or sharing a hybrid approach that offers the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Process Guide You
Photography isn’t about the medium; it’s about how you see. Whether you start with a vintage 35 mm camera or the latest mirrorless setup, what matters most is that you shoot often and with curiosity.
Experiment with both. Feel the difference between a roll of Tri X and a digital RAW file. Notice how each changes your relationship with time, light, and intention.
At The Monochrome Collective, we believe every photographer’s journey is unique and the medium you choose is simply one more brush in your creative palette.
