Photography has always been a medium through which we capture memories, tell stories, and express our artistic visions. In celebration of World Photography Day, let's compare the old with the new, the two great forms of photography: digital and film. To illustrate these differences, I've taken photos of some of Paris's most iconic spots, both on digital and film, and placed them side by side for comparison.
Film photography is still used today and has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Many photographers are drawn to the allure of vintage charm and the nostalgia of analog processes. They appreciate the original forms of photography, often using digital and film in conjunction with each other. Here are some key aspects that set film apart:
As film photography forces the photographer to slow down and appreciate the process of taking a photo, one may usually find oneself constantly looking around, not just straight ahead, seeking those special pockets of light and ephemeral scenes.
Digital photography, on the other hand, offers its own set of benefits that have revolutionized the way we take pictures:
Let's take a look at some side-by-side comparisons of digital and film photos of the same scenes in Paris.
Both photos are in black and white, but there are notable differences. Shooting portrait photos at night with a film camera often requires a flash because film has a certain limitation with ISO compared to most modern digital cameras which can achieve an ISO of over 5000.
The digital shot, on the other hand, was taken without flash and later brightened in post-processing. This is achievable thanks to the high megapixel count, which makes it easier to edit and brighten the couple. Additionally, the advanced lens quality in modern digital cameras allows for a soft blur effect, keeping the Eiffel Tower more in focus, while the film photo captures the scene with a more pronounced blur in the background.
The colors in the film photo of the bistro appear more faded, vintage, and nostalgic, giving it a timeless feel. In contrast, the digital photo has more contrast, with darker shadows and more precise colors, showcasing the scene with sharp clarity and detail.
Whatever method of photography you choose, art is about your perspective, and how that perspective elicits emotions from people around you. Most, if not all, photographers try to share a little piece of themselves in every photo they shoot. For some, it's not just about capturing an image; it's about capturing the piece of themselves that they want to show to others.