Is this film photography myth holding you back as a photographer?

There’s no doubt that film photography holds a unique charm, maybe even more in the digital era. However, it’s not enough to just shoot on film. In fact, it might hold you back in a way you may not have thought of. In his latest video, Max Kent reflects on a myth many photographers fall for: the idea that a photo is automatically good just because it was taken on film. At one point, Max believed this himself, and it slowed down his growth as a photographer. In the video, he shares how he overcame this mindset and how it transformed his work.

Why film feels special at first

Max recalls being drawn to film photography years ago. Was it the tones? The nostalgia? Or maybe the affordability of using his brother’s Nikon instead of buying an expensive digital camera? Whatever the reason, he loved the distinct look of film. To add to the equation, shooting on film wasn’t as popular back then, which made it feel unique and exciting.

Film as a crutch

Over time, Max started noticing a pattern. Looking back at his earlier photos, he realized they weren’t as strong as he once thought. They were “just okay,” and the only thing that set them apart was that they were shot on film. This sparked a realization: shooting film alone doesn’t make a photo good.

Max admits he used film as a kind of “shortcut,” relying on its aesthetic appeal instead of focusing on core photography skills. It became a crutch that kept him from truly growing. Instead of refining his composition, developing a personal style, or experimenting with creative vision, he let solely the format do the heavy lifting.

This mindset isn’t uncommon. Many photographers assume their film photos are inherently more interesting because of the medium itself. But Max points out that a weak composition or uninspired subject doesn’t magically improve just because it’s shot on film. “If the same photo were taken digitally,” he says, “you might not even give it a second glance.”

Breaking free and leveling up

So, how do you ditch this mindset? The turning point for Max came when he started questioning his work. He realized that focusing solely on film’s look wasn’t what made his photos interesting. In fact, it was what was holding him back. So, he shifted his attention to what really matters in photography, be it digital or film: vision, composition, and storytelling.

Max emphasizes that film is just one piece of the puzzle. Elements like texture, color, and emotion are what make a photo truly impactful. By improving these skills, he started creating photos that felt more intentional and meaningful—regardless of the format.

Take a moment to think critically about your work. Are you stuck in the same mindset, too? “If you’re relying on film to make your work stand out, you might be missing an opportunity to grow,” Max notes. So, instead of leaning on the medium alone, focus on building your skills and pushing your creative boundaries.

And for those who simply enjoy shooting film for fun? That’s perfectly fine! But if you’re serious about becoming a better photographer, it’s worth challenging yourself to move beyond the idea that film alone guarantees great photos.

[A Film Photography Myth That Held Me Back | Max Kent]