Art of Timeless Photography: Why It’s Still Worth Bringing a Film Camera on Your Travels

In this day and age, it’s so easy to get your hands on a decent-quality smartphone or even digital camera for taking pictures during your travels. And yet, many people are still enamored with the art of analogue photography. Is it just because of nostalgia? Or are there other benefits for using a film camera?

In this article, we’ll discuss what are the benefits of using a film camera vis-à-vis its modern counterparts and why it’s still worth bringing a film camera on your trips.

1. Unique aesthetic

There is a reason why analogue photography is considered timeless — analogue cameras produce images with a distinct, organic quality that is hard to reproduce, even with today’s digital filters. Especially if you compare them with the sharp, glass-like quality photos that you get from a smartphone. And if you’re an analogue film photographer, you know the feeling of getting a shot that’s absolutely beautiful that you need to take a pause to appreciate it.

And with film cameras, you’re not just limited on one look. Different film stocks offer unique color palettes, grain structures, and tones that add character to the photos.

So whether it’s a beginner-friendly 35mm film camera or a more advanced model for pros, a film camera can help your produce your own visual story.

2. Intentional storytelling

With a smartphone, or a digital camera even, you can easily take hundreds to thousands of photos for a few days’ trip. Indeed, one of the benefits of modern photography is its ease and convenience.

Film cameras take a different approach. With only 24 or 36 exposures per roll, each shot must be carefully selected. In a way, it reminds you to slow done and helps you develop a better shooting habit. Instead of just snapping endlessly, you learn how to choose the more meaningful moments and truly engage with your surroundings.

3. Tangible memories

One of the main benefits of a film camera is that it allows you to have a physical copy of your photographs, which you can then use for displays in your living room, a travel journal, or a regular photo album for keeping.

You won’t have to worry about accidental file deletions, memory limits, or other tech-related loss.

And if you do want to upload the photos digitally, you can find various ways to scan them in the future.

4. Good conversation starter

We personally think that analogue cameras are cool, don’t you agree? And carrying one is a good conversation starter, especially with locals and fellow travelers.

5. Photography as a hobby

If you’re looking for a new hobby, and one that you can enjoy while traveling around the world, then you definitely need to start using a film camera.

There is much to learn about analogue photography – from using manual controls for focus, exposure, and aperture to knowing how to print and develop, and even how to repair. Over time, these challenges foster patience and improve photographic skills, making each shot even more rewarding.

Moreover, you can easily find online analogue photography communities and meet like-minded fellows!

Film cameras vs. digital and smartphone

Film cameras are very different from smartphone and digital cameras. At the end of the day, it’s about preferences. In a way, it is similar to traditional art and digital art – some people prefer using a physical brush, while others like using a Wacom better.

Using a film camera requires a different mindset, different workflow, and different photo taking habits. When you use a film camera especially on a trip, you’ll eventually learn how to take the right shot the first time. And the reward is not just beautiful, grainy prints but a sense of fulfillment as well.

Tips for traveling with an analogue camera

• Practice before you go. There is a learning curve involved with film cameras. Familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings and quirks before your trip.
• Store film properly. Keep film rolls in a cool, dry place. When flying, carry them in your hand luggage to avoid x-ray damage at security checkpoints.
• Embrace imperfections. As the quote goes, “The beauty of analogue photography is in its imperfections.” Light leaks, grain, and other “flaws” can add character to your images — welcome them as part of the analogue experience.

Have you ever traveled with an analogue camera? What was your experience like? Share your stories and favorite shots!