Shooting street photography on film offers a unique way to engage more deeply with your environment. Film requires intentionality and mindfulness that digital doesn't always demand, making it especially rewarding when done thoughtfully.
Coming to you from Hashem McAdam, this concise video provides straightforward guidance tailored specifically to shooting street photography with film. McAdam emphasizes that knowing your gear deeply is foundational, allowing you to concentrate fully on what's happening around you rather than fumbling with settings. When you eliminate friction from your camera and lenses, your attention naturally shifts outward, increasing your chances of capturing compelling moments. Another key insight is embracing the uncertainty film brings, using its inherent delay in feedback to become more present and attuned to the scene unfolding before you. McAdam's suggestion of mastering metering techniques like the Sunny 16 rule or learning to meter by eye is especially valuable, considering film’s lack of immediate preview.
In addition to these practical tips, McAdam offers a slightly unconventional but smart approach: practicing your film techniques with a digital camera. This might seem counterintuitive at first, but digital practice can quickly identify weaknesses in your exposure decisions or compositional habits. By experimenting with digital, you avoid costly mistakes on actual rolls of film, improving your consistency faster. McAdam makes clear that digital practice isn’t about substituting film; rather, it's a strategic tool to refine your film photography skills more effectively. He encourages maintaining enjoyment in the process above perfection, recognizing that film's unpredictability is precisely what makes it satisfying. Accepting less-than-perfect outcomes is part of growing as a photographer, as long as you're consistently out shooting and engaging authentically with the street.
What makes this particular approach meaningful is the blend of disciplined practice with a relaxed mindset. Film photography’s value lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the deliberate pace it demands. By internalizing McAdam's advice on knowing your equipment, mastering metering, and using digital strategically, you'll gain not only technical confidence but also deeper satisfaction. You’re reminded that street photography isn't about chasing flawless results but experiencing the joy and unpredictability inherent in each session. When approached this way, shooting street photography on film becomes less about the final image and more about appreciating the unfolding scene. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McAdam.
