Beginner's Guide to Shooting Film Photography

Analog cameras are making a comeback, but how do you use an f-stop?

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:52pm

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As film photography experiences a renaissance, especially among younger generations, many are embracing the unique look and analog feel of shooting on film. However, analog cameras can be more challenging to use than the digital cameras people have grown accustomed to. This guide covers the basics of film photography, including understanding ISO, aperture (f-stops), loading film, and focusing a manual camera.

Why it matters

Film photography offers a distinct aesthetic that appeals to many photographers, both young and old, who are seeking an antidote to the ubiquity of digital images. Mastering the technical aspects of film can help photographers develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of photography, from exposure to composition.

The details

The guide covers key concepts in film photography, such as the role of ISO in determining film sensitivity to light, how aperture (f-stops) controls depth of field and exposure, and the process of loading and winding film in manual and point-and-shoot cameras. It also emphasizes the importance of practice in mastering manual focusing and exposure controls, as well as studying the work of photography masters for inspiration.

  • Film photography experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2020s, especially among younger generations.
  • The guide was published on March 13, 2026.

The players

George Walker IV

An Associated Press photojournalist based in Nashville who joined the AP in 2023 after 30 years as a photographer at The Tennessean newspaper.

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What they’re saying

“You have a finite number of frames on a roll of 35 mm film, usually 24 or 36. And you should make those pictures count.”

— George Walker IV, Photojournalist

What’s next

The guide suggests that beginners should consider starting with black and white film, which is more forgiving than color film for exposure and allows them to focus on composition and lighting.

The takeaway

Film photography offers a unique aesthetic and a more deliberate approach to image-making that can help photographers of all skill levels develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of photography. With the right guidance and practice, anyone can pick up an analog camera and start capturing the world around them in a distinctive, analog way.