Beginnings

I am a photographer.

I have no problem saying that. I say it without reservation. Being a photographer is everything to me. I learned on film, and I can trace my photographic knowledge to that.

Recently, I have had a lot of people ask what they should do to get into photography. I tell them something that they aren't exactly expecting.

I tell them to buy a film camera.
Many people are shocked by this. "Film? Why Film? I already own a digital camera." There are many reasons why I tell people to learn on this seemingly archaic medium.

Digital photography can thank film for what it has.
Most of the camera settings on a digital camera exist because it was a concept on a film camera. For example, ISO settings come from the concept of different film speeds that someone would use. I used to use a lot of 400 speed film, which is ISO 400. There are some differences, but understanding film will give you a general sense of ALL cameras.

Film hurts, and that's how we learn.
There are few consequences in Digital photography. With film, you only get a hand full of shots that you don't get to see until you taken the time and money to have them developed. The disappointment of a botched roll of film is part of the learning experience. With digital photography, that feeling of defeat is alleviated by an "erase" button.

I own a Canon 40d. With that, I have an 8GB compact flash card. I am capable of taking 626 RAW images. Compare that to the 36 images you get in a canister of film. A film camera teaches you to take your time because of it's lack of an LCD and massive compact flash cards. You learn how to make a real exposure as opposed to a simple "trial and error image."

Sure, you can turn of the LCD screen and limit yourself to 36 shots with a digital camera. But that's not the point.

When you rely on the camera to take the pictures, you become the tool.
Learning on a film camera will keep you from becoming an "equipment photographer."

Allow me to explain. An "equipment photographer" is someone who depends solely on the camera. That person is not a photographer at all. Rather, they are just "picture takers" with expensive equipment.

Buy a cheap film camera. Get one from you father or grandfather. Learn how to take quality images without too many automatic settings. The camera should only be an extension of your talent, not the talent itself.

Remember, your camera is a tool.

I don't hate digital photography. I own a digital camera. However, if you ask me what steps you should take to become a good photographer, I will tell you what you don't want to hear.

Try film.