9 Tips to Make 35mm Street Photography Easier
Shooting street photography on 35mm film can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to the instant feedback of digital cameras. Film forces you to slow down, think differently, and trust your instincts. But once you get the hang of it, the results are incredibly rewarding.
In this post, I’m sharing 9 tips to make shooting 35mm film for street photography easier, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach.
1. Use a Point-and-Shoot
If you’re new to film, a point-and-shoot camera is a brilliant way to get comfortable. It takes care of settings like focus and exposure, letting you focus solely on composition and timing. Plus, their compact size makes them perfect for being discreet on the streets.
2. Use Zone Focus
Zone focusing is a game-changer for street photography. By pre-setting your focus distance and using a smaller aperture (like f/8), you can keep a wide range of your scene in focus. It allows you to shoot quickly without waiting for autofocus to lock on.
3. Pair Zone Focusing with Wider Apertures
While f/8 is the classic “set-it-and-forget-it” aperture for zone focusing, experimenting with wider apertures (like f/2.8 or f/4) can give your photos a dreamy, shallow depth of field. This approach works best when you’re confident about your subject distance and want to isolate them from the background.
4. Don’t Worry About Imperfections
Film photography is full of imperfections, light leaks, grain, slightly missed focus, and that’s part of the magic. Don’t get caught up trying to make every shot “perfect.” Some of the best street photos are the ones that feel raw and real.
5. Look for Colours
Street photography is often about finding interesting contrasts or harmonies. Keep an eye out for pops of colour, bright signs, bold clothing, or reflections that can bring energy to your images. Film stocks like Kodak Portra render colours beautifully, making this tip even more rewarding.
6. Use Street Art
Murals, graffiti, and urban art make fantastic backdrops. Look for ways to interact with these elements, either by framing people against them or waiting for moments when a subject complements the colours or mood of the art.
7. Find Textures
Textures add depth and interest to your photos. Think brick walls, cracked pavements, rain-soaked streets, or peeling paint. On film, these details can look especially tactile and cinematic.
8. Use a Higher ISO
Film stocks like Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5 at ISO 400 give you more flexibility when shooting in lower light. Higher ISO films also add more grain, which can give your street shots character and mood. Don’t be afraid to push your film either, grain can be a good thing.
9. Slow Down
One of the biggest strengths of film photography is that it forces you to slow down and think. Take your time to observe the streets, wait for the right moment, and be more intentional with your shots. This mindset often leads to stronger, more thoughtful images.
Watch the Full Video
These tips are just a starting point, but if you want to see them in action, I dive into each one in much more detail in my YouTube video:
35mm Street Photography Made SIMPLE
