4 Film Photography Exercises to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Photo by Eric Kelley

Today, we’re going to cover four film photography exercises to get your creative juices flowing.

Film photography exercises encourage you to focus on the basics of photography, such as composition, lighting, and timing. This reconnection can deepen your understanding of essential techniques.

So if you want to know some of the best photography exercises to get your creative juices flowing, you’ll love the actionable steps in this guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Monochrome Exploration

Challenge yourself to shoot an entire roll of black and white film. Monochrome photography compels you to focus on contrast, texture, and composition. Without the distraction of color, you'll learn to emphasize light and shadow, creating evocative and timeless images. Experiment with different lighting conditions, from harsh daylight to low indoor light, to capture a range of moods and emotions.

Photo by Jose Villa

Story in a Roll

Treat a single roll of film as a narrative canvas. Choose a theme or concept – it could be a day in your life, a walk in the park, or an exploration of a particular color – and capture images that collectively tell a story. This exercise encourages you to think sequentially, connecting individual shots to convey a cohesive and compelling tale when viewed together.

Photo by Tec Petaja

Limitation Challenge

Embrace limitations as a catalyst for creativity. Set strict parameters for your photography session, such as using only one focal length, shooting from a single perspective, or capturing a specific number of images. Constraints force you to think creatively within boundaries, resulting in innovative compositions and unexpected perspectives.

Double Exposures

Dive into the world of double exposures by intentionally exposing the same frame of film multiple times. This technique allows you to merge different scenes, textures, or patterns into a single image. Experiment with combinations that evoke surrealism, juxtaposition, or narrative connections. Double exposures invite you to think imaginatively and create images that blur the lines between reality and abstraction.

Photo by Eric Kelley

In Conclusion

These film photography exercises offer a platform for exploration and growth, helping you break free from routine and discover new facets of your creative potential. By embracing different techniques, themes, and challenges, you'll infuse fresh energy into your work and produce photographs that reflect your unique artistic vision.