As a film school graduate, I'm loving this nerdy stuff haha. It's wonderful that you guys are involving your daughters in the photography, and teaching them to take pics on film. It's sad to think it's becoming a lost art, so to see it in use is great!
Ok I just scooped up the Nikon from Cute Camera Co.! With some Porta 400 35mm film. We literally leave for Europe in a few weeks for my 40th and I've been researching film cameras for months trying to find something affordable yet able to deliver the vibes I am looking for! Thanks Thomas!
Absolutely love this post! When traveling with undeveloped film in your carry on, do you send it through the x-ray or ask for a hand inspection at the airport? I've done some light research but curious about your experience here. Thank you!
I just travelled with lots of film, and most said film below 800 is completely fine to go through the x-ray but there was one airport that explicitly said no film to go through so they did a quick hand inspection.
I just ordered my first film camera last week (the Canon AE 1 35mm), and am so excited to start learning more about this. I've admired your photography for years and appreciate you sharing your knowledge here!
Planning my first big trip to Europe with my girls this summer and was thinking I would just do disposables! But now I’m rethinking. I have no photography knowledge but love the thought of happy snaps!
Great tips, Thomas! My husband does a good bit of street photography and one of our favorite film cameras we've thrifted is the Olympus XA2 with the removable flash. I like the slim design and we keep it loaded on the fireplace mantel for spontaneous snaps of our kids. It might be a bit of an adjustment using the focus zones, but is still a great user-friendly option. Nothing captures greens quite like Portra!
Thanks so much for sharing all these tips and recs! Your photography is beautiful! I’d love to know if you have any tips on workflow from deciding which photos to keep to getting them printed and in albums.
Here's a good process to follow. Aftershoot is a great AI software we use to help cull through photos. It's especially helpful for the duplicates. Not as much an issue with film but really helpful when shooting hundreds of digital pictures.
Gut Pass – Mark the Smilers
Do a quick scan of your scans and tag every frame that sparks an immediate grin. Don’t overthink composition or exposure yet—just flag the shots that make you feel something.
Duplicate Pass – Pick the Hero
Group similar frames (same pose, scene, or series) and keep the single best version. Look for the one with the cleanest expression, sharpest focus, or most pleasing light—whatever stands out.
Print Preview Pass – Imagine it on Paper
Picture each finalist as an 8×10 on the wall. If the story, emotion, or aesthetic still lands, it earns a print slot. Set yourself a cap (I aim for 10–15 prints per roll) to keep the collection tight and meaningful.
Hi hi! Do you put all the film that you have done like in photo albums? I’m interested in getting a film camera, but I am also wondering if I’ll be consistent at like putting them in photo albums? Any tips there?
We were here and it was fun. What a sentence. Loved this, Thomas!
Very much appreciating all the photography posts!!!
Keep the photo content coming! Thanks Thomas!
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom! One of the reasons I love following your account because your photography is so beautiful!
Thank you.
Thanks for this post! I’ve been looking to upgrade my point and shoot. Just the article I needed!
renewed hobby alert here in Silver Lake
As a film school graduate, I'm loving this nerdy stuff haha. It's wonderful that you guys are involving your daughters in the photography, and teaching them to take pics on film. It's sad to think it's becoming a lost art, so to see it in use is great!
Ok I just scooped up the Nikon from Cute Camera Co.! With some Porta 400 35mm film. We literally leave for Europe in a few weeks for my 40th and I've been researching film cameras for months trying to find something affordable yet able to deliver the vibes I am looking for! Thanks Thomas!
Absolutely love this post! When traveling with undeveloped film in your carry on, do you send it through the x-ray or ask for a hand inspection at the airport? I've done some light research but curious about your experience here. Thank you!
I do the X-ray. I don’t think it has an impact
I just travelled with lots of film, and most said film below 800 is completely fine to go through the x-ray but there was one airport that explicitly said no film to go through so they did a quick hand inspection.
I just ordered my first film camera last week (the Canon AE 1 35mm), and am so excited to start learning more about this. I've admired your photography for years and appreciate you sharing your knowledge here!
So good! Thank you!!
Planning my first big trip to Europe with my girls this summer and was thinking I would just do disposables! But now I’m rethinking. I have no photography knowledge but love the thought of happy snaps!
You'll have so much fun. Have a great trip.
Great tips, Thomas! My husband does a good bit of street photography and one of our favorite film cameras we've thrifted is the Olympus XA2 with the removable flash. I like the slim design and we keep it loaded on the fireplace mantel for spontaneous snaps of our kids. It might be a bit of an adjustment using the focus zones, but is still a great user-friendly option. Nothing captures greens quite like Portra!
Love this article! I’ve got a little handful of film cameras, but have wanted a good point and shoot!! Love these suggestions!
Thanks so much for sharing all these tips and recs! Your photography is beautiful! I’d love to know if you have any tips on workflow from deciding which photos to keep to getting them printed and in albums.
Here's a good process to follow. Aftershoot is a great AI software we use to help cull through photos. It's especially helpful for the duplicates. Not as much an issue with film but really helpful when shooting hundreds of digital pictures.
Gut Pass – Mark the Smilers
Do a quick scan of your scans and tag every frame that sparks an immediate grin. Don’t overthink composition or exposure yet—just flag the shots that make you feel something.
Duplicate Pass – Pick the Hero
Group similar frames (same pose, scene, or series) and keep the single best version. Look for the one with the cleanest expression, sharpest focus, or most pleasing light—whatever stands out.
Print Preview Pass – Imagine it on Paper
Picture each finalist as an 8×10 on the wall. If the story, emotion, or aesthetic still lands, it earns a print slot. Set yourself a cap (I aim for 10–15 prints per roll) to keep the collection tight and meaningful.
Thank you!!
Hi hi! Do you put all the film that you have done like in photo albums? I’m interested in getting a film camera, but I am also wondering if I’ll be consistent at like putting them in photo albums? Any tips there?
No. I haven't done this yet. I was actually thinking I definitely need to do this soon.