Why Film Posted On 1st July 2025 To Magazine & Stories

Connected

Shooting film is an act of patience, a commitment to slowing down in a world that moves too fast. With digital photography, you can take hundreds, thousands, of images in a matter of minutes.
There’s no real cost to over-shooting, no pressure to be deliberate. But film demands something different. Each frame is finite, precious. You select before you shoot, considering light, composition, and emotion in a way that feels more meditative, more connected.

The Beauty of Imperfection

There’s an inherent discipline to film that sharpens your eye. When every shot counts, you learn to trust your instincts, to read the scene with more care. You stop chasing perfection through excess and instead embrace the beauty of imperfection. And then, there’s the grain, that organic, tactile quality that makes a film photograph feel alive. Unlike the pixel structure of digital images, film grain is truly three-dimensional. If you examine a negative under a microscope, you’ll see something extraordinary: a random, dynamic structure that gives the image texture, depth, and character. It’s imperfect, unpredictable, and that’s precisely why it feels so human.

‘Melody King Barnett’ Shot on 35mm Leica M6 - ILFORD Hp5+.

This portrait captures Melody Barnett within the vibrant world of Palace Costume, the legendary business she built with vision and passion. Surrounded by the timeless garments that have shaped countless stories, Melody embodies creativity, entrepreneurship, and an enduring love for the art of costume design. Her work has left an indelible mark on the world of film, television, and theater.

Almost Spiritual

But what makes film truly special, almost magical, is what it captures beyond what our eyes can see. Digital sensors are designed to replicate the visible spectrum as precisely as possible, but film does something else entirely. It absorbs all the energy, picking up the unseen frequencies of a moment. I don’t mean this in a purely technical sense, though film does record ultraviolet and infrared light differently than digital, but in an emotional, almost spiritual way.

‘Valeria Zanini’. Shot on 35mm Leica M6 - ILFORD Hp5+. 

This portrait captures the mother of the photographer, Valeria Zanini, a woman of unwavering compassion and purpose. She has dedicated her life to philanthropic endeavors and voluntary service, embodying a profound commitment to uplifting others. Her selflessness continues to inspire everyone who knows her.

Something Tangible

A photograph taken on film contains more than just an image; it holds a presence. When you develop and print in the darkroom, you’re not just reproducing an exposure, you’re summoning back the energy of that moment. The chemicals react, the image slowly emerges, and there, in your hands, is something tangible, something that still carries the essence of the second you pressed the shutter. That energy remains locked within the silver gelatin, vibrating with life, long after the moment has passed.

‘Isabella Ragonese’ Shot on 35mm Leica M6 - ILFORD Hp5+. 

This portrait captures Isabella Ragonese in Licata Sicily during the creation of her directorial debut documentary about Rosa Balistreri. Known for her exceptional talent as an actress, Isabella steps behind the camera to explore the life and legacy of the legendary Sicilian folk singer. This moment reflects her deep connection to storytelling and her dedication to preserving cultural heritage through film.

Rare

And this is why, when you find yourself in front of someone truly extraordinary, or in a moment that feels rare, film is the only medium that does it justice. There’s a reverence in shooting film, a quiet acknowledgment that what you are witnessing deserves to be felt, not just seen. The limitations of film become an advantage: they force you to engage with the subject, to listen, to wait for the right instant. The final image is not just a document but a vessel, carrying the weight of time, the atmosphere of the scene, and the soul of the person before you.

’Tiger Curran’ Shot on 35mm Leica M6 - ILFORD Hp5+.

This portrait features Tiger Curran, an extraordinary adventurer and captivating storyteller. Her fearless spirit and boundless curiosity have taken her around the globe, enriching lives with her vibrant energy and unique perspective. She is a muse, a partner, and a constant source of inspiration. Tiger Curran is an Emmy nominated costume designer for film and television.

The Unseen

This is why I shoot film. Because photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of you, it’s about capturing what’s felt. The unseen atmosphere of a room, the electricity in the air, the weight of a glance, all of it imprints onto the emulsion in ways we may never fully understand.

‘Shirley Kurata’ Shot on large format 4x5- ILFORD Hp5+. 

This portrait captures Shirley Kurata, a visionary stylist and Oscar nominee costume designer celebrated for her bold, playful, and deeply original approach to fashion. Her work blurs the lines between art and wardrobe, shaping iconic looks that define characters and cultural moments alike. Shirley’s unique vision continues to leave an indelible mark on the creative world.

Worth Waiting For

Film photography is more than a process; it’s an experience. From loading the roll to watching an image come to life in the darkroom, every step deepens your connection to the medium and to the
subject. In an era where everything is instant and disposable, film reminds us that some things are worth waiting for.

‘Ruth Carter’ Shot on large format 4x5- ILFORD Hp5+. 

This portrait features Ruth Carter, an Academy Award-winning costume designer whose groundbreaking work has redefined storytelling through wardrobe. With a career spanning decades, Ruth's designs celebrate cultural heritage and bring unparalleled depth to characters on screen. Her artistry, as seen in iconic films such as Black Panther, continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

I’ll Always Return

That’s why, no matter how advanced technology becomes, I’ll always return to film. Because it’s not just about taking pictures, it’s about making something real, something that endures, something that holds the energy of a moment forever.

Images ©Carlo Alberto Orecchia