Online Resources for Film Photographers
With an individual practice, such as film photography, it’s important to have both community and resources that you can utilize as a tool for growth. If you like meeting other film photographers in person through community events or just want to sell your old film camera, there are online avenues that everyone should take full advantage of. Here are several resources across different platforms that film photographers should know about.
Facebook groups
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other film photographers inside a platform that has both excellent and user friendly chat functionality and the ability to post cameras and gear for sale, in invite based groups. Here are 5 Facebook groups we recommend:
1. 35mm Photography : This is a group comprised of 35mm amateur and pro film photographers alike to share and appreciate 35mm photography. This group has 94,000 members and growing. This highly active Facebook group’s content is comprised of film photographers sharing photos, asking for camera recommendations and troubleshooting camera and negative errors that can be hard to problem solve if you're just using a search engine.
2. Film Photo Gear: This is a worldwide group to buy, sell, and trade analogue photography equipment. There a couple of things that make this group extremely useful. The first and foremost being that no digital gear can be posted, everything must be analog. Everything being sold in this group has to be listed for a specific price, there are no “make me an offer” listings where people fish for someone who will overpay. Every film photographer this group seems to have a realistic sense of camera gear and its worth. You won’t see the insane prices for cameras like you do on eBay, and if someone tries to drastically overcharge, chances are they’ll be called out!
3. Vintage Camera Collectors: This group is focused on collecting vintage film cameras. With over 32,000 members sharing information, tips, and advice on everything from finding and repairing vintage cameras to building a collection of classic film gear. In this group no photo showcasing or selling is allowed. This is a place for film photographers to grow their collections or admire others from afar.
Reddit Groups
Reddit is a burgeoning place for film photographers. The best thing about sharing photos to reddit is that their algorithm rewards individual photos rather than follower counts. Users are able to upvote or downvote photos they like with less of an emphasis on the photographers’ themselves, making it much more likely your photos will get traction than if you were to have a low follower count on instagram.
1. r/analog: With over 1.2 million members, r/analog is one of the largest film photography communities on Reddit. Members share their film photos, discuss techniques, and offer feedback and critiques on each other's work. Content that seems to flourish on here is similar to what trends on Instagram: “dreamy” night scapes, vintage cars, neon lights, waves on rocky shores, celebrity portraits, NYC through a fence, mountain ranges and empty laundromats. This is a great community to gauge how much others like your work.
2. r/AnalogCommunity: This community is less of a photo sharing space and more as space to talk and ask questions about film. Help with cameras, film stock, questions of preference, and gear chat: this is the place. If you’re looking for more of an informal, community focused space we suggest starting here and/or joining smaller, more insular groups on reddit where it may be easier to build connections.
3. r/toycameras: This subreddit is all about using toy cameras to create unique and experimental images. Film photographers share their work, discuss different types of toy cameras, and offer tips and advice on how to get the most out of these quirky cameras. Its tagline is: “for photographers who like it cheap, dirty, and plastic.”
4. r/Darkroom: This subreddit is dedicated to traditional darkroom photography, with members discussing everything from film development to printing techniques. There is so much hidden Darkroom knowledge that is impossible to find online except to pick the brains of experienced lab rats who gained this knowledge in film’s golden era. Take advantage of it while you can!
Podcasts
1. ”The Candid Frame": Hosted by Ibarionex Perello. The Candid Frame is a long-running podcast that features interviews with a diverse range of photographers. The show delves into their creative process, the technical aspects of their work, and the inspiration behind their images. Ibarionex’s deep slow rhythm and methodical diction has the same effect as morning NPR, it makes you feel like an intellectual without actually having to do any work. This podcast is a great way to put film photographers and digital photographers alike, on your radar that you may have been unfamiliar with beforehand.
2. Frames Photography Podcast: The podcast is hosted by Alec Hosterman, who is a photographer himself and also the founder of the FRAMES Magazine, a platform for contemporary photography. Each episode of the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of photographers from all over the world, as well as discussions about different aspects of photography, such as techniques, equipment, and the creative process. The podcast covers a wide range of genres, including street, documentary, portrait, landscape, and fine art photography, providing insights and perspectives from photographers who are masters in their respective fields. A great aspect of this podcast is its discussion of the business side of photography, including marketing, pricing, and building a successful photography career.
Blogs
1. Emulsive: Emulsive is a popular blog that covers all aspects of film photography, including film reviews, camera and lens reviews, and techniques for shooting and developing film. They also have a community-driven platform where film photographers can share their work and stories. Emulsive is full of unique and thought provoking articles, the only downside is their dated website layout and popup ads make it difficult to navigate the website. If you can set aside some aesthetic judgements this blog has some niche and helpful “to-dos” you should check out.
2. Casual Photophile: Casual Photophile is a popular photography blog that covers a variety of topics, including film photography, vintage cameras, and analog gear. The blog features in-depth reviews, tutorials, and personal stories from photographers around the world. This blog does a great job osculating between practical topics like tips for shooting concerts on film and interesting tidbits like what camera was in the new Wes Anderson film?
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