Digital vs. Film Photography

A Graphic Designer's Dilemma

Benefits and Pitfalls of both Photography Mediums

To be a graphic designer in the fast-paced professional design world takes a lot of creativity, and plenty of savvy technical skills. To name a few, a graphic designer must know a lot about web interfaces, typography, sketching, and professionalism when dealing with employers or clients. Aside from all of these skills, these days graphic designers have been incorporating photography into their work more and more. In fact, photography classes have even become a staple in most graphic design degree programs. However, a graphic design school student begins to learn about photography, how are they to know the advantages and disadvantages of shooting film photography vs. digital photography?

I. Film Came First

The truth is that film came first. Film cameras have obviously been around for much longer than digital ones.

The first image was captured on film in 1826 by a French scientist named Joseph Niépce.

In the early 1900's the first film cameras were mass-produced and made available to the general public.

Since then, cameras have become regular household items for the masses.

Though digital photography has risen in popularity since the 20th century, many people still prefer to shoot with film for many reasons.

II. Benefits of Film Photography

film is easy to obtain. You can purchase standard 35mm film at most convenience stores.

The quality of image on film negatives is higher than the average digital camera's image quality.

Negatives are light and easily stored.

You can keep physical copies of your images that don't take up digital space, and aren't in danger of being lost if your hard drive crashes.

Film images often come out with extremely saturated color and an old-fashioned looking, grainy touch. Graphic design school students can use this look to their advantage.

III. Benefits of Digital Photography

After purchasing a digital camera and memory cards, camera use is free.

You have the freedom to shoot many more images, and put less pressure on each exposure to turn out well since you can shoot a limitless amount of images.

Instead of waiting until your negatives are processed, the LCD screen on the camera lets you see the image immediately after you have shot it.

You can digitally change the film speed and shutter speed settings, whereas on a film camera you would have to adjust them manually.

IV. Digital Disadvantages

Digital images can only be stored on a memory card or hard drive.

There is a risk of losing them if hard drive or computer technology happened to fail on you (which it often does).

With the advantage of unlimited images, one can become lazy when perfecting a shot.

V. Creativity Counts

Whether you choose to shoot with a film or a digital camera, you must keep your images fresh and creative if you want to achieve success

as a graphic designer!

Interested in learning more about photography or graphic design? Visithttp://fidm.edu/en/Majors/Graphic+Design/ for more info!