It’s ok to use a point & shoot
Film photography never went away. As digital dominated the field and camera phones have become standard accessories, film photography was pushed onto the back shelf. Ironically as digital has become the main tool, the yearning for that physical, tangible image has resurfaced. There are many views on why, from a boredom with technical perfection to the blandness of everyone being able to get the same photo that just sits on their phone.
To be clear, not everyone can get the same image. Photography is a skill that must be developed; however, it is possible to recreate almost any image. And I think people are bored with that.
With film photography, you have a set number of images on a roll of film, and no redos for that moment. This puts you into a different mindset. Instead of just taking the picture, you have to think about the image. You have to decide why you want that image, if you want the image, how you want it, etc. That mindset opens up new possibilities with your photography and helps you create and develop your own style. That style is what will set you apart, not what equipment you use…
However, those pretty vintage SLRs that you see on social media are very enticing but can be intimidating. So, why not start smaller? Point and shoots offer a great introduction to film. They allow you to think of the image without worrying about the technical. It’s very freeing and lets you just enjoy capturing the image.
Point & shoots can normally fit right into your pocket or purse. Many also have auto loading, film advance and rewind. As you learn different film stocks and techniques, you can express your creativity in your photographic skills. Point & shoots are great for learning on the go, or as a primary camera.
SLRs and rangefinders are great but tend to be more expensive. Most point & shoots can be found in thrift stores very cheaply and often online for under $40. You can start your journey with film without a huge investment, which is great since you will need that cash for the film and film processing.
