Yeah, your mirrorless setup is solid. It’s fast, clean, and pretty much does everything except brew coffee. But let’s be honest, nothing hits like film. Even in 2025, film photography isn’t just clinging to nostalgia. It’s still growing for a reason. People shoot it for the feel, the look, and the process that no digital camera can replace.
Film makes you slow down and shoot with intention
You don’t just rip through 400 shots on film and hope one lands; unless you didn’t need that retirement fund after all. You think about the frame. You look at the light. You make every photo count. Film limits you in the best way. When you’ve only got 36 (or less!) exposures, you shoot with focus. And that kind of intention carries over to everything else you shoot. Digital or not.
The look is different for a reason
It’s not just vibes. Film reacts to light differently. The highlights roll off softer. The colors blend naturally. Skin tones look better. Shadows hold detail without looking muddy. Film doesn’t need filters to look good. It already does. That subtle texture and grain? That’s not an Instagram preset. It’s just how film works.
No screens, no distractions
There’s something nice about not looking at the back of your camera every time you take a shot. You’re in the moment. You’re paying attention. You’re not obsessing over sharpness or histograms. You’re just shooting. That simplicity is underrated.
Your photos will still be around in 50 years
Negatives don’t crash. They don’t get corrupted or accidentally deleted. Store them right, and they’ll outlive your camera and your computer. That permanence means something. A physical piece of film with your work on it will always feel more real than a folder full of RAW files.
It sharpens your eye and builds your confidence
Shooting film trains you fast. You learn to trust your meter. You get better at reading light. You commit to choices and learn from mistakes. There’s no crutch. You either nailed it or you didn’t. That kind of pressure is good. It makes you level up.
The results still hold up
Whether you’re shooting portraits, weddings, street, or travel, film delivers. It stands up next to digital and sometimes beats it. Clients notice it. Other photographers notice it. And with a solid lab doing your scans, the final product looks just as good online as it does in a print.
So yeah – your digital camera is great. But don’t ditch film.
There’s still a reason to shoot it. It makes you think. It gives you a look you can’t fake. And it creates something you can hold in your hand. If you want to be more intentional, more connected, and make work that lasts, film is still the move.
Ready to send in your next roll?
Brooktree Film Lab processes 35mm, 120, and all kinds of other formats for shooters across Central Illinois and the US. We scan with care because we’re film shooters too. Mail your film in or drop it off – either way, we’ll be ready to take care of you and your film. Got questions about film stocks, cameras, or weird expired stuff? Let’s talk.
