Film photography trend - 2024

The steady rise of film images in magazines, according to my own observations of images in high-end fashion magazines during 2023, hints at a rising trend. Also, I read that the famous film camera brand Leica sold ten times more film cameras in 2023 than in 2015.

I love the classic aesthetic and look of photos shot on film, but film photography is generally more expensive per image than digital photography. It can vary, of course, as this is a rough statement. Supply versus demand and the process of developing the film itself is impacting the price. I enjoy the process of colour grading my digital RAW images, but shooting on film could reduce time spent in editing and colour grading. Reduced editing requirements can contribute to a decrease in postproduction expenses for fashion brands and magazines, helping offset the elevated costs associated with film photography. Unlike digital photography, film photography does not involve RAW images, as the desired visual aesthetic is achieved in-camera through the choice of film type. Experts recommend making subtle adjustments to eliminate particles, as an example, but caution against excessive editing.

In film photography, the need for careful planning extends to considerations such as the specific look one intends to achieve and the choice of colors to convey a particular mood or atmosphere. Unlike digital photography, where post-production editing can easily manipulate these elements, film requires a more deliberate approach during the pre-shooting phase. Factors such as the type of film stock, lighting conditions, and the camera settings play crucial roles in shaping the final result.

I am shooting digital only although I am planning to incorporate some film images to my portfolio in the near future.