When COVID struck in 2020 and our family was homebound for months, I found myself reconnecting with my film cameras. Film photography was my first introduction to the world of photography, but it had been a few years since I had truly engaged with it. During this period of isolation, I rediscovered how black and white film photography helped me refine my skills as a photographer.
I want to share some of the images I captured during that time and explain why I believe black and white film photography is an accessible entry point for amateurs who want to understand what makes a great photo truly stand out and I think it boils down to these two things: the monochromatic nature of black and white photography and the unique limitations of shooting with film rather than digital.
Monochrome Mastery: Light, Shadows, and Emotions
Black and white photography emphasizes light, shadows, and contrast. Without the distraction of color, the viewer’s attention is naturally drawn to the subject’s form, texture, and emotion. It simplifies the composition, centering the subject and minimizing background distractions. This makes black and white photography a powerful tool for storytelling.
The Deliberate Art of Shooting on Film
Using film instead of a digital camera requires a more thoughtful approach to composition. Unlike digital photography, where you can take hundreds of shots and hope one turns out well, film limits you to just 36 frames per roll. This constraint forces you to think carefully about each shot.
Additionally, film is not free—each frame has a cost. This financial consideration makes you more deliberate in your approach, much like a toll road forces you to think about how much you value your time outside of a car. Every click of the shutter counts, pushing you to compose with intention.
The Joy of Developing Film at Home
One of my favorite parts of the process is developing film at home. Fortunately, you don’t need a full darkroom setup to develop black and white film—you can do it with a light-proof changing bag and a few chemicals. However, if you want to print your negatives traditionally, you’ll need access to a darkroom. Luckily, there are community darkrooms available in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
For now, I’ve been scanning my negatives and printing the digital files like any other photograph. This hybrid workflow preserves the analog character of film while allowing for modern printing convenience.
Revisiting black and white film photography during the pandemic was more than just a nostalgic journey—it was a way to reconnect with the fundamentals of photography. It taught me to slow down, observe light more critically, and compose with greater intention. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of what makes a photo truly resonate, I highly recommend giving black and white film photography a try.
