As someone who fell in love with photography through using original film cameras, where I would develop the film myself, I cherish the organic, nostalgic qualities of analogue photography. Today, I shoot primarily with modern digital cameras from Canon, Panasonic, and Fuji—the three systems that form the backbone of my professional photography work. Despite the digital age, I always strive to recreate that cherished film look, blending the best of both worlds.
With my Fuji cameras, for instance, I often create my own film recipes or use the excellent resources at Fuji X Weekly. However, with AI being the current hot topic, I recently decided to experiment and let AI craft a nostalgic film recipe for me. This was the result . Not bad to be fair…
The Process of Creating a Film Look
To emulate the distinctive characteristics of analogue film, I focus on several key elements:
1. Colour Grading
- Film has a unique colour palette, often warmer or cooler depending on the type of film used. With digital cameras, I replicate this by adjusting the white balance, tweaking the hue and saturation, and sometimes applying split toning.
- In my Fuji cameras, I start with a base film simulation like “Classic Chrome” or “Astia” and adjust the colours to match the tones of my favourite film stocks.
2. Grain Structure
- One of the hallmarks of film is its grain. Digital sensors are generally too clean, so to add that authentic film grain, I apply a subtle layer of noise in post-processing or use in-camera settings like Fuji’s “Grain Effect”.
- The key is to keep it natural—too much grain can look artificial, so I aim for a balanced texture that mimics the organic randomness of film grain.
3. Dynamic Range and Contrast
- Film typically has a softer contrast and a wider dynamic range, especially in highlights. I often lower the contrast slightly and use a gentle curve to ensure the shadows and highlights have that smooth, natural transition characteristic of film.
- In-camera, I adjust the “Dynamic Range” setting on my Fuji cameras, usually setting it to DR200 or DR400, to preserve highlights and maintain a balanced look.
4. Lens Selection
- Vintage lenses can help achieve an analogue look due to their imperfections and unique character. I sometimes pair my digital cameras with old manual lenses, which introduce a bit of flare, softness, and unique bokeh, adding to the film-like aesthetic.
Experimenting with AI for Film Recipes
Given the rise of AI in photography, I decided to experiment by letting AI assist in creating a film recipe. AI tools can analyze film images and suggest settings that replicate the look. For example, using AI-powered software like RNI Films or VSCO, I can create custom profiles that emulate classic film stocks such as Kodak Portra or Fujifilm Pro 400H.
The AI approach offers a fresh perspective, suggesting tweaks I might not have considered. It allows for a blend of automated creativity and manual refinement, making it easier to achieve a consistent film look across different shoots.
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds
By combining the precision of digital cameras with the aesthetic qualities of film, it’s possible to create images that carry the warmth and character of analogue photography. Whether through manually crafted film recipes or AI-assisted techniques, the goal remains the same: to evoke the nostalgic beauty of film in a digital world. With these methods, every shot becomes a journey back to the golden age of photography, while still benefiting from the conveniences of modern technology.