Film photography has seen a beautiful resurgence in recent years but we’re seeing a few common film photography mistakes. In a world where digital photos are instant and endlessly editable, there’s something truly captivating about the slower, tactile process of shooting on film. But if you’re new to film, you may quickly realise it’s a different beast altogether—one that requires patience, practice, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Many beginners experience a mix of excitement and trepidation as they load up their first roll, often running into a few common film photography mistakes along the way. The anticipation builds as you shoot, waiting days or even weeks to see the final images, only to find some shots don’t quite match your expectations. This can feel discouraging, especially when you’ve put heart and thought into capturing a moment. But rest assured, these “mistakes” are not only normal but also part of the beauty of film photography.
Every photographer—seasoned or new—has faced their fair share of hiccups. And here’s the thing: those hiccups are where the magic happens. When you shoot film, you’re learning to see the world a little differently. Each mistake becomes a lesson that will sharpen your eye and refine your craft. It’s about embracing unpredictability, letting go of perfection, and appreciating the unique charm of analog photos.
So, whether you’re disappointed with your first few rolls or you’re just looking to avoid some common pitfalls, here are five typical mistakes beginners make when starting out—and why each one is actually a valuable part of your journey into film photography.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into film photography and avoid some of these common film photography mistakes firsthand, check out our beginner classes at Loop Art & Photo Space, where you can learn in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Film Photography Mistake #5: Expecting Every Shot to Be Perfect
The Expectation:
You’ve admired beautifully crafted film shots online, each one perfectly lit, focused, and composed. Naturally, when you start out, you might imagine that with just the right film stock, your photos will look just as magical.
The Reality:
As you develop your first rolls, some of your photos might be out of focus, overexposed, or just feel “off” compared to your initial vision. You might feel a pang of disappointment, questioning your skills or wondering if film photography is for you.
Why It’s OK:
Film photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about character. Those unexpected results? They’re part of the unique beauty of analog. While some shots may not meet your initial expectations, each “imperfect” photo is a stepping stone that will help you find your own style and develop a more refined eye. Remember, even seasoned film photographers have rolls that don’t turn out as expected, and the process is about embracing experimentation. If every shot was perfect, you’d miss out on the thrill of the journey.
Film Photography Mistake #4: Not Fully Understanding Exposure Settings
The Expectation:
With modern digital cameras, you can easily rely on a camera’s automatic settings to get decent results. It’s natural to assume that film cameras will work similarly, but they don’t always have auto settings, especially if you’re using a disposable or one of the popular plastic point-and-shoot cameras.
The Reality:
Film photography thrives on understanding exposure, which includes adjusting your camera’s settings (if possible) or choosing the right light conditions when using simpler cameras. You might end up with rolls that are too bright, too dark, or even with no usable images at all because the exposure wasn’t quite right.
Why It’s OK:
Learning about exposure is one of those fundamental skills that takes time but truly enhances your experience. Each roll gives you the chance to try different lighting and adjust for various effects. And even with point-and-shoots, you’ll quickly start to notice what types of scenes and lighting conditions work best. With time, you’ll see exposure as a creative tool that lets you shape light, mood, and emotion in your photos, rather than a technical hurdle to overcome.
Try our Beginner Photography Class
Learn all about the exposure triangle and how to get perfectly exposed photographs every time and eliminate the likelihood of making these common film photography mistakes.
Mistake #3: Not Understanding How Film Reacts to Light and ISO Sensitivity
The Expectation:
You pop a roll of film into the camera, ready to shoot, without giving too much thought to the film’s ISO rating or how sensitive it is to light.
The Reality:
Film is extremely sensitive to light. Each film stock is designed with a specific ISO, indicating its ideal light conditions. High ISO films (e.g., 800) are better for low-light settings, while low ISO films (e.g., 100) perform best in bright environments. Using the wrong ISO can lead to unexpected results, and overexposing the film by opening the camera too soon can damage your photos.
Why It’s OK:
ISO and light sensitivity are some of the most technical aspects of film, and it takes time to get the hang of it. You may find yourself accidentally “overexposing” photos by letting in too much light or seeing grainy shots from using a high ISO in bright sunlight. These experiences are invaluable because they’ll teach you to work with light thoughtfully. Plus, those “mistakes” often add a distinct, artistic element to your photos. Each shot is an opportunity to learn about the medium, and before you know it, reading ISO labels will become second nature.
Mistake #2: Rushing Through Shots Without Thinking About Composition
The Expectation:
With the excitement of having a fresh roll loaded, it’s easy to start snapping photos left and right, eager to capture every scene or moment.
The Reality:
Without planning, you may end up with photos that feel haphazard or lack the visual impact you hoped for. Unlike digital, you can’t delete and reshoot as many times as you want, so each frame counts a bit more. It’s all too common for beginners to rush through rolls and feel underwhelmed when reviewing their images.
Why It’s OK:
Part of film photography’s charm is that it slows you down. As you develop as a photographer, you’ll start to think more about composition, framing, and subject matter. Pausing to consider what you’re trying to capture in each shot adds a layer of mindfulness to the process and ultimately leads to photos with deeper meaning and intention. So if your early rolls feel rushed, that’s okay! It just means you’re learning to approach each frame with thoughtfulness and care, a skill that will elevate your work tremendously.
Mistake #1: Not Rewinding the Film Before Opening the Camera
is one of the most common film photography mistakes that beginners encounter.
The Expectation:
You finish your roll, eager to take it out and see the results, so you open the camera without a second thought.
The Reality:
This is one of the more heart-stopping moments in film photography! Opening the camera without rewinding exposes the film to light, potentially ruining every shot you’ve taken.
Why It’s OK:
This is a rite of passage for film photographers! You’re certainly not alone if this happens, and many experienced photographers have similar stories. In some cases, a few photos may still survive, and some may even have interesting light leaks that add an artistic touch. Next time, you’ll naturally check to rewind before opening the camera. It’s all part of the experience—and one that teaches you to embrace film photography’s slower, intentional pace.
Practice makes progress
Film photography is a process, and common film photography mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re stepping stones toward creating beautiful, meaningful work. With each roll, you’ll not only refine your skills but also discover the magic of creating images that reflect the care, thought, and intention you put into each frame. Embrace the journey and celebrate your growth; every click is a step toward mastering a craft that celebrates life in all its unpolished, genuine beauty.
