Why 35mm Film Photography Has Made a Comeback (And Why You Should Care)
Some things are meant to stay in the past—like skinny jeans, frosted tips, and the belief that Nuttelex is better than butter. But 35mm film photography? That’s a comeback worth celebrating.
We live in a world where everything is instant. Swipe, click, post, refresh. And yet, here we are, watching people willingly trade their digital cameras (and their iPhones) for a roll of film that takes days to develop. It’s like choosing a typewriter over a laptop or sending handwritten letters when you could just text. And yet, it makes sense.
Film photography isn’t just back—it’s thriving. But why? What is it about those grainy, light-leaked, perfectly imperfect shots that have us all hooked?
Because Perfect is Boring
Every man and his dog has an iPhone in the palm of their hands for 18 hours of the day which creates crystal-clear, high-resolution images. Don’t get me a wrong, it’s handy. But 35mm film is imperfect. A little grain? Beautiful. A light leak? A happy accident. A slightly out-of-focus portrait? Artistic. Film reminds us that life isn’t meant to be hyper-edited—it’s meant to be felt. This is often echoed in what I am seeing a lot now on TikTok where people say ‘Start romanticising your life.’ Why? Because life is short and we should relish in it’s beauty and that’s exactly what 35mm film allows us to do.
Because Film Makes You Slow Down
Shooting film is like writing a letter instead of sending a text. It forces you to be intentional. You don’t just snap 500 photos hoping one turns out okay. You think. You compose. You wait. The anticipation builds as you await your scans, and when you finally get them back, the excitement is real. When was the last time you went to a wedding, and a guest took a nice photo of you and your friends, or of you and your partner, and you actually had to wait for it to be developed? You probably said, “Let’s do it again!” until you got the perfect shot. Too many options sometimes aren’t a good thing. The beauty of film is that it’s the opposite of instant gratification, and that’s exactly why it’s so satisfying.
Because Nostalgia Hits Hard
There’s something about old photo albums that never gets old; the sun drenched, faded photos of beach days, birthdays, and those questionable fashion moments [cue my mother in a fluro purple formal dress, eek.] Film has this way of capturing life as it happens, turning even the most ordinary moments into lasting memories. Digital just doesn’t have that same charm. Film has the power to transform the present into a future nostalgia trip. And before you say it's just a passing trend, sure, maybe it is, but there’s a reason people are reaching for disposable film cameras at weddings, parties, and big events. It’s because film holds a unique magic that digital simply can’t replicate.
Because It’s a Little Rebellious
In a world obsessed with efficiency, shooting film is a tiny act of rebellion. It’s saying, No, I don’t need to see this photo immediately. No, I don’t care if it’s not perfectly sharp. Yes, I will pay $20 to develop a roll of film, and I will do it again. It’s proof that not everything has to be fast, easy, and mass-produced to be valuable. Film photography is about embracing the process, the anticipation, the thrill of waiting to see how the shot turns out. It’s a reminder that there’s beauty in imperfection, and that some of life’s most precious moments can’t be rushed or edited into perfection. In a culture that constantly pushes us to speed things up, film is a deliberate slow-down. It’s a choice to savor the experience rather than just consume it.
Because It Just Looks Better. Period.
There’s a reason every digital filter is trying to mimic film. The way film captures light? Unreal. The richness of colours? Chef’s kiss. The soft, dreamy highlights and deep shadows? Film has a way of making even the most ordinary moments feel cinematic. It turns the mundane into something meaningful. The grain, the texture, the depth—it’s all part of the story. Just look at Nolan’s Oppenheimer, shot using IMAX 65mm film and 35mm film, the tactile beauty added a level of depth and authenticity that digital simply could not replicate.
So, Is It Worth It?
100%. Shooting film is more than just photography—it’s an experience. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the process, and savoring the fact that not everything needs to be instant.
And when those scans finally come back? You’ll see it for yourself. You’ll understand why certain moments, ones that really matter, deserve to be captured in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless.