493: Ryan Tolbert: Digital to Analog: How to Get Into Film Photography

The Beginner Photography Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Ryan Tolbert, an expert in film photography and owner of The Boutique Film Lab, who simplifies the transition from digital to analog. Ryan shares his journey from hobbyist to business owner, emphasizing the beauty and imperfect charm of film. He offers practical advice on starting with point-and-shoot cameras, understanding film characteristics, and developing your own film. Ryan encourages you to embrace film’s unique aesthetic and simplicity, start with accessible gear, and experiment with different films to discover what works for you.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Start Simple: Begin with automatic point-and-shoot cameras to eliminate complexity and focus on composition and creativity.
• Learn to Love Imperfection: Film photography’s unique charm lies in its imperfections; embrace these as part of your creative journey.
• Explore Different Films: Different film stocks offer varied aesthetics; experiment to find your preference and broaden your visual style.
• Understand Film’s Latitudes: Film offers more latitude for overexposure but struggles with underexposed shadows; learn to expose correctly.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

• Choose Your First Film Camera: Research and purchase a simple point-and-shoot camera like the Olympus XA2. Look for reliable sources such as KEH or eBay, ensuring the seller is trusted.
• Experiment with Film Stocks: Buy a variety of film stocks like Kodak Gold 200 and Fuji Superior 400 to see which you prefer. Take notes on the characteristics of each film to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
• Practice Correct Exposure: Use the sunny 16 rule to practice exposing your film correctly in natural light conditions. Overexpose by one stop to avoid losing details in shadows, especially with consumer film stock.
• Learn Film Development: Try developing black and white film at home to grasp the basic process. Send your color film to a lab and compare the quality of basic and premium scans.
• Build Your Kit: Start with a prime lens like a 50mm or 35mm to enhance your skills with a fixed focal length. Gradually expand your lens collection based on the types of photography that interest you.

RESOURCES:
Learn more about the Boutique Film Lab - https://www.boutiquefilmlab.com/
Follow the Boutique Film Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefilmlab/

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!