It’s easier than ever to take and store thousands of photos on your device – but there’s a growing trend of returning to the considered, imperfect nature of photographing with film. The practice of 35mm film photography is now a meditative and creative outlet – exactly what Brisbane-based photographer and content creator, Esther Zheng, loves about it. “You’re more intentional with each frame because you have limited shots,” says Esther. “That slower rhythm feels refreshing and encourages people to be more present with their surroundings.”

Learn about 35mm film basics, pick up expert tips and test out interesting ways to practise your skills, whether you’re with friends or flying solo.

Hands holding a strip of 35mm film negatives to the light, inspecting frames in a warm indoor studio with cameras and prints blurred in the background.

What is 35mm Film Photography and How Does It Work?

Film photography is the process of exposing light onto material that is covered in a light-sensitive coating, typically a 35mm plastic strip. When you press the shutter button, light enters the camera and hits this coating, creating a hidden image (a negative) that’s developed with chemicals and then scanned or printed into visible photos. 

Exposure is controlled by three main factors: aperture, shutter speed and ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation – the global body that sets the standard scale for film sensitivity).

  • Aperture is how wide the lens opens. It affects brightness and depth of field.
  • Shutter speed is how long light hits the film. It affects motion blur.
  • ISO is how sensitive the film is to light. It affects grain and low‑light performance.

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Hands loading a strip of 35mm film into an open SLR camera on a wooden desk, with a lens and unspooled negatives nearby.

Which 35mm Film Camera Is Best? 

When you’re first getting familiar with the world of film photography, here are the different types of cameras to learn about:

  • Disposable cameras are single‑use and come preloaded with film and a built-in flash. “They’re a great and affordable way to try film photography without feeling overwhelmed by settings or gear,” says Esther. You don’t need to worry about aperture or shutter speeds – just wind the film, turn your flash on or off and hit the shutter button.
  • Reusable cameras can be reloaded with film to be used again and again. The types of reusable cameras available range from automatic, point-and-shoot-style cameras to manual cameras, which give you the ability to experiment with exposure and other settings. “Point-and-shoot cameras handle most settings, so you can focus purely on composition,” says Esther. “Manual cameras give you more control, allowing you to adjust aperture and shutter speed yourself.”

Expert 35mm Film Tips: How to Take Better Photos

A 35mm film photo of a narrow laneway between red‑brick buildings; hospitality staff in white aprons taking a break, with a leafy tree down the centre.
35mm film photography by Esther Zheng

Film Photo Ideas for Beginners: Start With Everyday Moments 

Part of the beauty of photography is that you can capture beautiful images no matter where you are, so starting with your immediate surroundings is the perfect place to begin.

“Document your friends, your neighbourhood, moments that feel ordinary but meaningful,” says Esther. “The mundane, ordinary moments are what keep me reaching for my camera, because they hold the most emotion and honesty.”

Three 35mm film portrait photos side by side: a person walking toward the camera in front of a shopping centre: a tight portrait of a person posing with a hand on their sunglasses; a low-angle flash shot of a person posing in a stairwell.
35mm film photography by Esther Zheng

How to Frame a Photo

Framing is an essential part of capturing a good photo: what you leave out of the frame is equally as important as what you include. 

“Ask yourself what the photo is really about. Once you’re clear on that, remove anything that distracts from that subject or feeling,” says Esther. “[Before I hit the shutter button] I quickly scan the edges of the frame for distractions. Small details at the edges can change the entire image.”

How to Read Light for Better Film Photos

Learning how light and different light sources can affect your photos will make a big difference to your images. For example, direct lighting will overexpose your subject and backlighting your subject will make them dark and shadowy. Sometimes you don’t want these effects, but at other times that might be the very effect you’re after.

“Understanding how light changes throughout the day will improve your photography far more than memorising camera settings,” says Esther. “Once you start noticing direction, softness and shadows, everything else becomes easier.”

When to Use Flash on 35mm Film

The flash on your camera can be a photo-saver in darker conditions like parties or concerts, especially when you’re shooting on a disposable or point and shoot camera.

“A very common mistake is underexposing indoor or evening shots,” says Esther. “The fix is being mindful of lighting conditions. If you’re shooting in darker environments, using flash makes a big difference.”

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Fun Ways to Practise 35mm Film Photography

Join or Host a Photo Walk

Spending time with fellow photography lovers is one of the best ways to grow your skills and passion. “During a photo walk, you naturally slow down and notice details that you might overlook every day,” says Esther. “But the biggest impact comes from [the sense of] community. That shared encouragement helps improve skills much faster than practising alone.”

Create a Photo Diary

Practise by documenting a day in your life, or record a whole month with a photo a day. It will encourage your creative eye by searching for interesting shots on a regular afternoon!

A 35mm film photo of an empty red‑walled underground Hong Kong station with a bank of escalators, some roped off with red barriers; fluorescent lights and signage overhead.
35mm film photography by Esther Zheng

‍Follow a Trail of Colour

Esther recommends trying a colour hunt; the perfect activity to take on solo or with a group of friends. “Focus on photographing one specific colour throughout the day. It’s a great way to train your eye. You start noticing details you would normally ignore,” says Esther.

Focus in on a Subject or Theme 

“Try choosing a theme for the day, like reflections, shadows or movement. Limiting yourself in this way actually makes you more creative because you become more intentional with what you’re looking for,” says Esther.

Go on a Photography Scavenger Hunt

Make a game out of capturing fun photos and making memorable moments. Write your own list of challenges, dares or items to find, split into teams with disposable cameras and by the end of the day you’ll have a unique collection of photos.

A 35mm film photo of a Hong Kong street with a green “Chow Kee” grocer and a butcher displaying hanging meats; shoppers browse stalls of vegetables and fruit as a man walks past the shopfronts.
35mm film photography by Esther Zheng

Officeworks’ Film Processing Coming Soon

35mm film photography processing is coming to an Officeworks store near you. You can get your cameras, film, prints – and soon you will be able to drop off your film at the Print + Create counter for processing.

What to Try

Beyond 35mm: Exploring Digital and Instant Cameras

While the slow, deliberate pace of 35mm film is rewarding, sometimes you might need the flexibility to take more shots with the expansive memory of a digital camera, or enjoy the immediate gratification of a photo that prints instantly. Using instant and digital cameras alongside your 35mm is a great way to test exposure, try different compositions and capture backups you can share on the spot.

What to Try

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