5 Unique Film Photography Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner

Despite still looking like a very mediocre photographer, I’ve actually been shooting film for about eight years. In that time, I’ve had my fair share of dumb mistakes—blank rolls, light leaks, underexposed photos—you name it.

So, I’ve looked back at some of the best tips and hacks I’ve picked up along the way and put them together so you can get the most out of your film photography. Sure, you can do simple things like overexposing by one stop to avoid bad exposures, but I wanted to give you some more unique insights. The last one has absolutely saved a load of my rolls, so stick around for that!

1. Layers of Light

For the first few years I was shooting, I didn’t really understand much about different kinds of light—I kinda just shot whenever I wanted. I still managed to get some decent shots, but I wasn’t thinking about what light actually meant in the frame.

That changed when I started learning about cinematography and the concept of layers of light. Layers of light create depth, giving your image a more three-dimensional, immersive feel.

If you look at a strong composition, you’ll often see alternating bands of dark and light—dark, light, dark, light. This adds dimension and stops your image from looking flat. Next time you’re out shooting, think about layers of light rather than just capturing a scene. It’ll make your shots pop with way more depth.

2. The Best Camera Is the One That Works for You

A few years ago, I reached the point where I thought upgrading my camera would magically make me a better photographer. I went for a Pentax 67—literally a camera so solid that if you dropped it, you’d be checking if the floor was okay.

Since it’s one of the best cameras ever made, I figured it would instantly elevate my work. How wrong I was.

The best camera isn’t the most expensive one on the market—it’s the one that suits you and your workflow. If it’s too pricey and you’re afraid to take it out, it’s not for you. If you only get 12 shots per roll and can barely afford film, it’s not for you. If the lenses cost a grand each and you’re surviving on beans, it’s not for you.

This realization led me back to a simple Nikon FM2, which helped me focus on what really matters—working on my style, experimenting, and actually learning. Don’t stress about the camera. Worry about what you’re shooting, why you’re shooting it, and how you’re shooting it.

Wait a minute there! If you’re just at the start of your film photography journey then have I got something for you. I put together a film photography course which includes everything I wish I knew when I first started shooting!

3. Stop Shooting Wide Open All the Time

Back in 2018, when I was roaming the streets of Manchester shooting street photography, I always shot at f/1.8. I had no real reason—I just assumed it was the best way to shoot.

I didn’t realize back then that there were so many reasons not to constantly shoot wide open:

• You’ll often miss the shot because the focus leeway at f/1.8 is tiny.

• Your overall sharpness will suffer (and while sharpness isn’t everything, it can help tell a stronger story).

• You end up relying on blur and bokeh instead of better composition and depth (remember the first tip?).

Most of the time, f/4 to f/8 is the sweet spot. If you want peak sharpness, f/8 to f/10 is the critical aperture for most lenses. So, unless you absolutely need that dreamy, shallow depth of field, try stopping down a little. Your shots will thank you.

4. Always Take Multiple Shots

This one is so simple, but if I’d been doing it from the start, I’d have twice as many great shots.

So many times, I’ve seen an amazing moment, taken one shot, and thought, Yeah, nailed it.

Then I get my scans back, and… nope. Not great.

Always, always take multiple shots when the moment is right. As film photographers, we don’t get to check our shots instantly, so we have to rely on instinct. Taking multiple frames gives you a backup in case you missed focus, got the exposure slightly wrong, or just didn’t capture the best possible version of that moment.

5. What to Do If You Open Your Camera Mid-Roll

This final one is a game-changer if you ever make this dumb mistake (which, let’s be honest, you probably will at some point).

Not too long ago, I went on a hike with some friends. We were all set to go, and I went to change my roll. For some reason, my brain must have been extra rotten that day because I just opened the back of my camera without rewinding the film.

You might think that’s it—all my shots were gone, right?

Wrong.

Turns out, if you open your camera in bright daylight for just a few seconds, you’ll probably only lose 4-5 shots at most. The reason? The frames you’ve already taken are tightly wound within the layers of film on the spool, so they don’t get as much light exposure as you’d think.

This was a massive relief to learn, and now you know it too. So if it ever happens to you, don’t panic—you might still have most of your roll intact!

Final Thoughts

Film photography is a journey, and like any creative pursuit, you learn the most from making mistakes. Hopefully, these five tips help you avoid some of the dumb mistakes I’ve made and make your film photography experience even better.

Got any film photography hacks of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!