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Writer's pictureKayla

Film Photography: For The Lovers, The Curious & The Dreamers

Updated: Jul 4

Why has film photography become so rare yet increasingly popular? I can explain.


If you're wondering what film photography is, why it costs what it does, and why people are obsessed with it... Read on, I promise you'll have a better understanding of why I can't get over it.


Film photo of bride looking at camera with the ocean behind her
Bride in Coronado Island

1. Nostalgia and Sentimentality

As much as I love today's world (or sometime's don't), there's still a yearning for a connection to the past that I don't realize is there until I see film photos. Film photography unlocks a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of a time when every click of the shutter mattered. For me, this was when I was a kid, and I honestly don't now if my mom ever even let me touch her film camera (and I don't blame her). Along with the nostalgia is the fact that film demands a more meaningful process: waiting for film to be developed, the patience and anticipation of seeing the final results, and the imperfections that add character – all of these elements create a dreamy feel of the past.


Film photo of groom carrying bride with a sunset in the background at Joshua Tree
Elopement in Joshua Tree

2. Slow and Intentional Process

Each roll of film has a limited number of exposures (pictures that can be taken), requiring me to be more careful in my technique. Every time I'm about to press the shutter button I ask myself, "is this worth it?" and if not, I wait until there's a better moment. For example, in the photo below, I waited until the wave was right behind my couple and still intact before it completely crashed. The cameras themselves add another layer of rarity of this art- original film cameras are becoming scarcer by the day. My go-to film camera is from the 70s and it works like a dream.


Film photo of couple on a famous cliff in San Diego
Couple at Sunset Cliffs

3. Craftsmanship and Skill

Not every photographer knows how to shoot film. Film photographers have to rely on their understanding of exposure, lighting and settings to produce beautiful images. The careful selection of film types, along with the nuanced control over ISO, are reasons why film is well respected in the photography industry. This emphasis on skill adds authenticity and uniqueness to the art. To be honest, I am always learning how to shoot film better. I buy different types of film rolls to see what colors I like better, what looks dreamier and what is more reliable.


Film photo of setup of wedding
Wedding at Cuvier Club in La Jolla, CA

4. Unique Aesthetic Appeal

People love film photos - They are my heart throbbers, the photos that get excited responses even out of my most serious couples. The grain, colors, and tonal range of film create an aesthetic that takes peoples' breath away. Many try to edit their photos to look like film photos, only adding more value to the ones that actually are film. The imperfections in film – such as light leaks, unpredictable color shifts, and vignettes – add to a genuine feel that stands out. If you look closely at the photo below, you'll see a person in the background who wasn't edited out. As much of a perfectionist as I am, I have to let these things slide when working with film to preserve what's real. By the way, Fujifilm themselves have posted some of my images (including the one below) on their Instagram! *happy tear*


Film photo of couple in Crescent Bay
Couples session in Laguna

Film photography isn't for everyone, but it is for the lovers, the curious, and the dreamers. Thank you of reading a piece of my heart <3


With love,


Kayla, the owner of Kay Luna Pix


Film photo of a woman in a jeep
My favorite picture of me on film




















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