In the age of digital photography, film remains a beloved and enduring medium. With the rise of social media and online platforms, it has become easier than ever to share and discover film photography. This month, we’re celebrating the art of film photography through our feature on Through the Lens – Film Photography Explored. We caught up with several film photographers to learn more about their experiences and gain insight into the world of film photography.

Flickr Groups for Film Photography Enthusiasts

For those interested in film photography, Flickr is a treasure trove of resources and communities. Film-focused Flickr groups, such as the Legacy Lens Photography group, provide a space for photographers to connect, share tips, and appreciate the art of film photography.

• Legacy Lens Photography: With over 25.5K members, this group boasts a vast collection of film photographs.
• Analogue Photography: Founded by Carter Brown, this group has over 1.5 million photos shared since its inception.

Interviews with Film Photographers

We had the opportunity to chat with three film photographers – Carter Brown, Kadeem Montgomery, and Andy Bosselman – to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences with film photography.

Carter Brown: Legacy Lens Photography

Carter Brown is a longtime Flickr member and founder of the Analogue Photography group. With a passion for film photography, Carter shares his knowledge and expertise with others.

How did your journey into film photography begin?

I’m old enough to have started with film cameras as a teenager but quickly switched to digital cameras when they entered the market. I had all but forgotten my film days until 6 years ago when my mother gave me her Nikon FM2 film camera she once used for work. Holding that camera and playing with the lever and dials, the appeal of film photography came flooding back.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out with film photography?

If you’re just getting started, you’ll find there are many choices and price ranges when it comes to film cameras. I suggest beginning with an inexpensive and common brand to start your journey. There are also various types of film stock: black and white, color, and different brands. Try a few to discover which ones you enjoy using the most.

Mistakes will happen, but don’t be discouraged. Each mistake is a learning opportunity on your path to becoming a better photographer.

Kadeem Montgomery: phvrvohxo

Kadeem Montgomery is a film photographer who finds inspiration through his deep connection to Portmore, Jamaica, his hometown. His photography explores the hidden beauty and struggles of daily life, showcasing his personal journey as he navigates the ever-changing landscapes of his city.

What inspired you to start shooting with film?

Most of the images I liked on tumblr were shots taken on film. The mood of the photos and the feeling I had from those photos inspired me a lot. I decided I would start shooting film also because I didn’t like the thought of spending hours trying to edit on a screen the colors I could get from film. Challenging myself with the analog medium was something that I wanted to do if I were to become like the greats such as my idol William Eggleston.

How would you describe your film photography style?

I would say mundane yet vibrant. The subjects and style I want to capture are hard to come by so I try to make the boring, attractive in my photos.

Andy Bosselman: A Journey into Film Photography

Andy Bosselman is a photographer based in Denver, Colorado. A former designer, writer, and journalist, his lifelong interest in photography deepened in 2023 as an escape from harsh realities.

What inspired you to start shooting with film?

I just turned 50, and I’ve loved photography since I was a kid, when film was the only option. After graduating college in 1997, my first big purchase was an Olympus Stylus Epic point-and-shoot, which I’m still using.

How much editing do you do after scanning your film, if any?

Post-processing is one of the biggest challenges for me right now. Whether I’m working with digital files or film scans, I struggle to get color exactly where I want it in Lightroom. YouTube has helped, but I’m planning to take an online Photoshop class through an art school extension program this summer. I’ll probably add a color theory course, too. Maybe even look into how movies are color graded.

Meet the Film is Not Dead Flickr Group

This group has over 46K members who have shared an impressive 2.6 million photos since its beginning back in 2007. With over 1.5 million photos shared, the group is a testament to the enduring popularity of film photography.

We hope you learned some new tips about shooting your own film photos and found some new film photographers to follow on Flickr. See you next month!