Every time I sit down to write the very first post for a blog, I get emotional.
But there was one thing I was sure about: as a photographer in Berlin, I wanted to tell you something not many people share — where I started.
No, I wasn’t gifted a super–high-end camera as a teenager, and I didn’t find a Leica kit in my grandfather’s attic.
As a kid I was given a little point-and-shoot, which ended up on the floor after five minutes, smashing into a thousand pieces.
My real beginning with photography came shortly after I turned twenty. With a backpack on my shoulders, I moved to Berlin alone for two months, one summer.
The girl who lent me her room for that time was Silvia, a dancer-photographer armed with an analogue SLR. While she spent the summer with her family in Versilia, I lived within those walls and among her beautiful prints.
The image that stuck with me most was of a fisherman, curled up among the weathered colours of the harbour, watching the boats rock like swings on the water and the uncertain line of the sea on an autumn day.
One Sunday, when she was back, we were walking together through the flea market at Boxi, Boxhagener Platz. And that’s where I saw it: a Praktica with a 50 mm Zeiss lens, which the guy at the stall sold to me for twenty euros.
I picked up an old book that explained shutter speed, exposure, how to choose the best film depending on the mood and colours you want in your images. And yes, that’s how it all started. I still shoot analogue today, and at the end I’ll tell you why.
What I recommend if you’re starting out with photography
A camera. It doesn’t have to be the newest or the most powerful one out there. Actually, the opposite.
Here I’m going to tell you a few things that may sound obvious, but that I’ve seen ignored way too often — and that can keep you from shooting the way you’re really capable of.
Choose a camera that feels good in your hands
How many times have you heard people talk about the very latest model from some famous brand? I’ll answer for you: a lot.
How much does that really matter? Not much.
Beyond the technical specs (we can talk about those another time), my biggest tip before buying anything is to see it in real life, hold it, and check whether you can handle it comfortably. That it’s not too big, not too small. Especially if you love genres of photography where you need to catch the moment, how easy your camera is to handle is crucial.
Which film should you choose?
I’ve tried many different types of film for analogue photography, and there isn’t one single right answer.
I can tell you that when I’m craving that kind of street photography that makes me feel like I’m in the second Blade Runner movie, a good Cinestill is exactly what I need.
If instead you want a ruthless, sharp and slightly “mean” black and white, as I call it, Kodak TX 400 is my go-to choice.
But like with everything, this is just my very personal taste. Depending on the camera you have, test things out, experiment — but always keeping one thing in mind: think about what you want to shoot before you press the shutter.
That’s where analogue helps a lot, and now I’ll tell you why I still use it.
Why I still shoot analogue today
If, like me, you start with film and only use that, with the current cost of rolls and development, thinking about what you’re going to shoot so you don’t waste frames feels almost obvious.
With digital — which I always use for work — it can feel like you have infinite possibilities. On the one hand, that’s great, because it removes the fear of “wasting” a photo or missing an important moment that you can save with a burst of shots.
On the other hand, though, it can dull something important: what happens before you press the shutter. That moment of observation when you ask yourself,
“Why am I photographing this? What is it that’s grabbing me?”
I believe photography isn’t just a job. It’s a language that can help us give shape and a face to what we carry inside. It’s a way to have a conversation with the world around us, by choosing what to freeze in our frames.
That’s why I’d say: find your own vision, build your own visual language.
And if you decide to start the way I did many years ago, it will take you on a journey that will teach you so much about the world — and about yourself.
One roll of film after another.
FAQ
1. How can I choose a good beginner analogue camera on a small budget?
Start by thinking about what you’d actually like to use, and what matters most to you. Do you want a point-and-shoot because you’d love something small that can live in your bag every day? Or a reflex camera with an interchangeable lens?
Once you’ve figured that out, go to a specialised camera shop so you can be sure the camera works properly. Tell them it’s your first film camera and ask for advice. If you don’t feel convinced, wait before buying anything. This is the beginning of a love story – and the partner deserves to be chosen carefully.
2. Should I start with a zoom lens or a prime lens?
I’d recommend starting with a prime lens. If I had to pick one, based on my own taste, I’d say a 50mm or an 85mm with an aperture of f/1.8. They’re flexible, you can use them for both street and portrait photography, and without a zoom you’ll learn to do one key thing: move your body to get the image and composition you want. Begin with a simple setup, get to know your camera really well, and then grow your kit over time.
3. What kind of camera do you recommend for beginners?
I can tell you what I started with: a Revueflex SC2, with no autofocus. It forced me to learn how to focus quickly on my subjects.
My first analogue camera with autofocus was a Nikon F75, while my first point-and-shoot was an Olympus Pen EE, gifted to me by a photographer friend here in Berlin. The special thing about the Pen EE is that it shoots half-frames, so you get twice as many photos out of one roll.
4. Which film stock do you suggest for analogue photography?
I’ve already mentioned a couple of favourites. When I shoot portraits on film, Kodak Portra is almost a must for me (though I use it sparingly — it’s not exactly cheap). Ilford HP5 is still one of my go-tos for black and white.
5. Which ISO and type of film are best for beginners in analogue photography?
A 400 ISO film is a great compromise because it’s versatile and forgiving. You can shoot it in daylight, in the shade and even indoors if there’s some light around.
But this information will never replace the most important thing: your own vision. Start with one colour roll and one black-and-white roll, then really look at the results. That will tell you very quickly what you like — and what you want to try next.