I first shot film as a teenager, then set it aside for years — spending a long stretch of time in digital photography before eventually feeling the pull back to something slower and more deliberate. About four years ago I returned to film, not out of nostalgia, but because I wanted to make photographs that felt more considered and, frankly, more artistically satisfying.
I’m Stephen Paul Young, a fine art landscape photographer based in North Hampshire. Everything I write here comes from hands-on experience shooting film in the field — across seasons, in difficult light, and with a range of cameras and stocks. I don’t believe in a single perfect film. I shoot Fomapan regularly (it’s why I stock and sell it — flexible, affordable, and genuinely capable in the right hands), but I try as many stocks as I can. The variety teaches you more than loyalty to one emulsion ever could.
This hub brings together everything I’ve written about film photography — from beginner guides and film stock reviews to technique and camera write-ups. If you’re just getting started, the Resurgence of Film Photography is a good place to begin. If you’re looking for a specific stock or format, browse the sections below.
About Stephen Paul Young
Fine art landscape photographer · North Hampshire · Film & digital · Best Fine Art Landscape Photographer 2025 — Creative & Visual Arts Awards
Film photography is a slower, more intentional approach to image-making. It removes instant feedback and forces you to focus on exposure, composition, and light at the moment of capture.
This hub collects my film photography guides, film stock experiences, and real-world shooting work across both 35mm and medium format formats.
Explore Film Photography Content
Below you’ll find all articles, reviews, and field notes on film photography.
D-Day 80 – Monochrome Photography
Monochrome Photography has a unique allure that transcends time, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal the essence of the subject. Attending the commemorative event at the Control Tower at the former RAF base at Greenham Common presented me with a perfect opportunity to harness the power of Monochrome Photography. This site, rich with historical significance, was once at the heart of pivotal moments during the Cold War. The Control Tower, now a symbol of reflection and remembrance, stands…
Capturing Nature’s Drama on Ilford FP4 Film
Spring had finally settled in, and the warmth of the day hinted at the summer ahead. On a recent trip to Watership Down, I decided to bring along my trusty Bronica ETRSi, loaded with a roll of Ilford FP4 film, to capture the enchanting landscape in black and white. Little did I know, the day would turn into a dramatic showcase of nature’s power and beauty. Ilford FP4 Film: Watership Down Watership Down, a name familiar to many from Richard…
Lomography Lady Grey 400: Capturing Witney: A Spring Day Through the Lens
Lomography Lady Grey 400 as the vibrant hues of spring began to bloom across Oxfordshire, I embarked on a delightful journey to Witney, a charming town steeped in history and adorned with picturesque streets. Armed with my trusty Canon EOS 300v and a roll of Lomography Lady Grey 400 film, I set out to capture the essence of this quaint English town through the art of street photography. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—a gentle breeze carried the scent…
Capturing the Charm of Mevagissey, Cornwall: A Photographic Journey with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5 Film
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Mevagissey stands as a testament to the timeless allure of coastal villages. Its picturesque harbour, lined with colourful fishing boats bobbing gently in the tide, evokes a sense of tranquility that transports visitors to a bygone era. The quaint charm of its narrow streets, adorned with traditional stone cottages and vibrant flower displays, beckons explorers to wander and lose themselves in its enchanting atmosphere. Exploring Cornwall with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford…
Ilford Pan F Plus 50 Long Exposure Photography
Embarking on an experimental afternoon at St. Mary’s Church, Silchester with Ilford Pan F Plus 50 film loaded into the cherished Zenza Bronica ETRSi, equipped with a 75mm lens. As the late afternoon light gently waned in late April 2024, I delved into the realm of long exposure photography, driven by the desire to capture the ethereal essence of this historic site. With the aid of an ND1000 filter, I set out to transcend the boundaries of conventional imagery, aiming…
My Photographic Journey in Looe, Cornwall: Shooting Kodak Max 400 on the Canon EOS 300v
Embarking on a journey to explore Looe, Cornwall, was a venture into the heart of natural beauty and coastal allure. As I prepared for this photographic expedition, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me, fueled by the prospect of capturing Looe’s distinctive charm through the lens of my trusty Canon EOS 300v (which I’ll do a separate review soon), loaded with Kodak Max 400 film. Looe, with its rugged cliffs, quaint fishing harbors, and winding streets steeped in…
Lomography Lady Grey Black and White film 400 35mm in Charlestown, Cornwall
Picture this: the salty breeze caresses your skin as you stroll along the cobbled streets of Charlestown, Cornwall. Around you, the harbour glistens under the gentle kiss of the early evening sun, painting a scene straight out of a maritime dream. It’s moments like these that made me reach for my trusty old Canon AE-1 Program, ready to capture the essence of this coastal haven. And what better companion for this voyage of visual storytelling than Lomography Lady Grey Film.…
Journey Through Time: Glastonbury’s Mystical Tapestry Captured on Vintage Slides
Glastonbury Abbey Vintage Slides Continuing on the delightful journey of digitising my old vintage slides, I recently uncovered a trove of mesmerising old pictures from Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, frozen in time from the late 80s. These relics of the past, captured on film, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the mystique and charm of one of England’s most enchanting locales. This is a continuation for my old photographs uk. Glastonbury Abbey The first set of images unveils the majestic Glastonbury…
5 Reasons Film Photography Transforms My Creative Journey
Digital vs Film Every time I pack my bag for a photography trip, I’m faced with the perennial decision: do I bring the film camera or not? Film vs digital? More often than not, my trusty Bronica ETRSi finds its way into my backpack alongside my Canon 5DSR. In this digital age, where pixels dominate and the photography digital vs film question arises, the allure of film photography beckons with a promise of a more profound and personal creative experience.…
Embracing Grandeur: 10 Medium Format Film Cameras for Timeless Photography
In a world dominated by digital marvels, the allure of the medium format film photography and cameras stands tall, capturing moments with unparalleled grandeur. Let’s embark on a journey through 10 medium format cameras that epitomise timeless craftsmanship. The Majestic Medium Format Film Cameras Realm Step into the realm of larger formats and unveil the splendor of medium format photography. Explore the breathtaking details, dynamic range, and artistic depth that set these cameras apart from their 35mm counterparts. The Elegance…
Elevate Your Creativity: 13 Enchanting Photographs from Mottisfont Abbey
As a photographer, every session is an opportunity to weave a visual tapestry that tells a unique story. Today, let me take you on a captivating journey through my lens and photographs, as I ventured into the enchanting Mottisfont Abbey or Mottisfont House in Hampshire, England, on an early January day in 2024. Embracing Mottisfont Abbey Gardens Winter Palette The canvas for my artistry was set against the backdrop of Mottisfont house (Mottisfont Priory), a location steeped in history and…
Elevating Your Journey: 10 Empowering Vintage 35mm Film Cameras
In the fast-paced world of digital photography, there’s an undeniable allure in going back to the roots. Let’s explore the enduring magic of 10 vintage 35mm film cameras, machines that have withstood the test of time, capturing moments with an authenticity that modern technology often struggles to emulate. 10 Empowering Vintage 35mm Film Cameras In a world obsessed with pixels and filters, delve into the essence of analog aesthetics and the retro 35mm camera. Discover how the vintage 35mm film…
Film Formats
Most of my shooting is on 35mm — it’s accessible, affordable, and the range of available stocks is enormous. But I save medium format for occasions that feel worth it. The Bronica ETRSi takes 120 film, and the difference in negative size is immediately visible in the final image — a quality of detail and tonal depth that 35mm simply can’t match. I don’t shoot medium format every week, but when I do, I’m more deliberate with every frame. Partly because each roll gives you fewer shots. Partly because the camera demands it.
If you’re starting out, 35mm is the right place to begin. Get comfortable with the process, experiment with different stocks, and don’t rush toward medium format until you’re genuinely ready to slow down even further.
Getting Started with Film
My honest advice: enjoy it before you get bogged down in what the YouTube generation tell you. There is an entire ecosystem of online voices telling you which camera is correct, which film stock is superior, which developer to use, and which rules to follow. Most of it is noise.
Film photography is about more than getting technically good results. Load a camera, go outside, make photographs. The learning comes from doing, not from watching. There will be bad frames, underexposed rolls, and the occasional disaster — that’s part of it. The art matters more than the execution, especially at the beginning.
Why Film Photography?
Film slows you down. That sounds like a limitation but it isn’t — it’s the whole point. When you have 36 frames instead of thousands, you think twice before pressing the shutter. You consider the light, the composition, the moment. That deliberateness is good for the soul in a way that rapid-fire digital shooting rarely is.
There’s something else worth saying that doesn’t get mentioned enough: shooting film regularly makes you a better digital photographer. The habits you build — slowing down, thinking before shooting, being selective — don’t switch off when you pick up a digital camera. Film teaches you to see differently, and that stays with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is film photography worth it in 2026?
Yes — but not for the reasons people often give. Film isn’t worth shooting because it looks better than digital, or because it’s more authentic. It’s worth it because the process changes how you photograph. It slows you down, makes you more deliberate, and produces images that feel genuinely considered. If that appeals to you, film is absolutely worth it.
What is the best film stock for beginners?
There isn’t one perfect film stock — and anyone who tells you otherwise is probably selling something. Fomapan 100 and 400 are excellent starting points: affordable, widely available, and flexible enough to shoot in a range of conditions. Ilford HP5 is another reliable choice. The honest answer is to try several and see what suits your eye.
Can you still buy 35mm film in the UK?
Yes — 35mm film is widely available in the UK, both online and in some high street camera shops. FineArtPics stocks a selection of 35mm film including Fomapan, available to buy directly from the online shop. The resurgence in film photography over the last decade means supply has remained healthy, though prices have risen compared to ten years ago.
Does shooting film improve your digital photography?
In my experience, yes — significantly. The discipline of working with a limited number of frames forces you to think more carefully before shooting. Those habits don’t disappear when you pick up a digital camera. Photographers who shoot film regularly tend to be more selective, more patient, and more intentional with their digital work as a result.
What’s the difference between 35mm and 120 medium format film?
35mm film is the standard format — rolls of 24 or 36 exposures, compatible with a huge range of cameras. 120 is medium format film, producing a larger negative that captures significantly more detail and tonal range. Medium format cameras like the Bronica ETRSi give you fewer frames per roll (typically 12–16) but the image quality at large print sizes is noticeably superior. 35mm is the natural starting point; medium format is worth exploring once you’re comfortable with the process.