Film photography is a niche and creative skill that can produce stunning images with a unique aesthetic. However, running a film photography business also comes with some challenges and risks that you need to be aware of and prepare for. In this article, we will explore some of the main issues that film photographers face and how to overcome them.
One of the biggest challenges of running a film photography business is the cost of equipment and materials. Film cameras, lenses, accessories, film rolls, developing chemicals, and printing paper can be expensive and hard to find, especially if you work with rare or vintage formats. You also need to factor in the maintenance and repair costs of your gear, as well as the storage and transportation costs of your materials. To cope with this challenge, you need to budget wisely, invest in quality gear that suits your style and needs, and look for ways to save money on film and developing, such as buying in bulk, using expired film, or developing at home.
-High Costs: Equipment, materials, and maintenance for film photography can be expensive and require careful budgeting. -Material Sourcing: Finding and storing film, chemicals, and printing paper can be challenging, especially for rare formats. -Cost-Saving Strategies: Consider buying in bulk, using expired film, or developing at home to manage expenses
Actually film cameras and lenses can be purchased fairly cheaply compared to digital kit. Much depends on what we mean by film photography. 35mm film photography is very similar to its digital equivalent but with greater constraints in certain circumstances. However, large format film photography is an entirely different skillset with no real digital equivalent of the photographic process.
Another challenge of running a film photography business is the time and labor intensity of the process. Film photography requires more planning, preparation, and patience than digital photography, as you have to consider the film type, speed, format, and exposure carefully before shooting. You also have to wait for the film to be developed and printed, which can take days or weeks depending on your workflow and availability. Moreover, you have to deal with the manual aspects of film handling, such as loading, unloading, cutting, scanning, and editing, which can be tedious and time-consuming. To overcome this challenge, you need to organize your schedule, prioritize your tasks, outsource some of the work if possible, and automate some of the steps if you have the right tools.
-Time-Consuming: Film photography involves detailed planning and manual tasks, making it labor-intensive. -Processing Delays: Film development and printing can take days or weeks, affecting project timelines. -Optimize Workflow: Organize tasks and consider outsourcing or automation to manage time and labor efficiently.
I'm not sure that film photography requires more planning than digital. If the photographer is working in a space that can be controlled, such as studio, then they can create the space to suit their preferences and the type of images they want to create. A street photographer is likely to employ standard settings that can be quickly adjusted based on available light and/or effect. Whereas there can be a time lag between making images and getting them processed, the discipline of film photography often means fewer images to sort and edit, so time can be made up.
A third challenge of running a film photography business is the risk of damage and loss of your work. Film is a fragile and sensitive medium that can be easily ruined by light, heat, moisture, dust, scratches, or chemicals. You also have to protect your film from theft, fire, water, or other accidents that can destroy your images. Furthermore, you have to backup your work digitally, as film can fade or deteriorate over time. To minimize this risk, you need to handle your film with care, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, label it clearly, insure it against damage or loss, and scan it as soon as possible.
-Fragile Medium: Film is sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and physical damage, requiring careful handling and storage. -Risk of Loss: Protect film from theft, fire, water, and other accidents, and ensure proper insurance. -Backup Digital Copies: Scan film to create digital backups, as film can deteriorate or fade over time.
It's good practice to scan film and often photographers will still edit the digital file - after all, the greater percentage of uses and distribution of final images will be digital.
The biggest immediate danger resulting in loss of work is in the processing. There are two major risks - losing your work in the post if you mail it to a lab or actual errors in the chemical processing itself. To counter both of these issues try to split batches of film wherever possible. Mail them and process them in two separate batches. That way you limit your losses. Take advantage of clip testing if it is available to you, so that minor exposure errors can be compensated for in the developing.
A fourth challenge of running a film photography business is meeting the client expectations and satisfaction. Film photography is not for everyone, as some clients may prefer the convenience, speed, and flexibility of digital photography. You also have to educate your clients about the advantages and disadvantages of film photography, such as the grain, colors, tones, and unpredictability of the results. You have to communicate clearly with your clients about the process, the costs, the timeline, and the deliverables of your work. You also have to manage your clients' feedback and requests, such as editing, cropping, or retouching your images. To ensure your client satisfaction, you need to showcase your portfolio, explain your style and vision, set realistic expectations, and deliver high-quality work.
Depending on who your clients are, the biggest challenge to overcome will be the desire to see results during the shoot. This requires great trust between photographer and client which can only be established when both parties are fully aligned on the objective of the shoot.
A fifth challenge of running a film photography business is facing the competition and differentiation in the market. Film photography is a niche skill that can attract a specific audience, but it can also limit your opportunities and exposure. You have to compete with other film photographers who may offer similar or better services, as well as with digital photographers who may have more clients and resources. You also have to differentiate yourself from the crowd and show your unique value proposition and creative vision. To stand out from the competition, you need to define your niche, target your ideal clients, market your brand and work, network with other professionals, and keep learning and improving your skills.
This is the same for any of the creative industries. Being a film photographer alone won't be enough to differentiate, you will need to have a clear style and demonstrate that you can meet the needs of your client.
A sixth challenge of running a film photography business is dealing with the legal and ethical issues that may arise from your work. Film photography involves working with people, places, and subjects that may have rights, permissions, or restrictions that you need to respect and follow. You also have to protect your own rights, such as copyright, trademark, or privacy rights. You have to comply with the laws and regulations that apply to your business, such as taxes, licenses, contracts, or insurance. You also have to adhere to the ethical standards and codes of conduct that govern your profession, such as honesty, integrity, or responsibility. To avoid legal and ethical problems, you need to research the rules and norms that affect your work, consult with experts or lawyers if needed, and act with professionalism and respect.
The first thing to consider is: Why film? What does film photography offer you as a photographer that can't be achieved with digital, which will be more cost effective and efficient in the longer term?