October 8, 2026 · WAQAR BUZDAR · Kodak Portra 400
One of the biggest challenges when starting film photography is getting the exposure right. Unlike digital cameras, you usually cannot check the photograph immediately after pressing the shutter.
The good news is that exposure becomes much easier once you understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Start With the Light
Before changing any camera settings, look at the available light.
Is the subject outside in bright sunlight? Are you shooting in the shade? Is it an overcast day? Are you photographing indoors?
These simple observations can help you decide how much light your film needs.
A sunny afternoon may allow you to use a faster shutter speed and a smaller aperture, while a darker environment may require a wider aperture or slower shutter speed.
Understand the Three Main Settings
Aperture
Aperture controls how much light enters through the lens.
A wider aperture, such as f/2, lets in more light and can create a softer background. A smaller aperture, such as f/11, lets in less light and can keep more of the scene in focus.
For portraits, a wider aperture can help separate the subject from the background. For landscapes and street scenes, a smaller aperture can be useful when you want more of the scene to remain sharp.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed controls how long the film is exposed to light.
A fast shutter speed can help freeze movement. A slower shutter speed lets in more light but can introduce motion blur if the camera or subject moves.
If you're photographing people walking through a busy street, for example, a faster shutter speed can make it easier to capture a sharp frame.
ISO
Film ISO is determined by the film stock you load into your camera.
A 400-speed film is a versatile choice because it can work well in a variety of lighting conditions. Slower films can be excellent in bright conditions, while faster films can be useful when there is less available light.
Don't Ignore Your Light Meter
A camera's built-in meter, a handheld light meter, or even a reliable metering app can help you make better exposure decisions.
Instead of guessing every frame, use the meter as a starting point and then consider the subject and lighting conditions.
With practice, you'll gradually become better at estimating exposure yourself.
Give Yourself Room to Learn
Your first few rolls may not be perfect.
You might get frames that are too dark, too bright, blurry, or simply different from what you imagined. That's normal.
Keep notes about your settings when possible. If a photograph turns out particularly well, remember the lighting conditions, aperture, and shutter speed you used.
Over time, these small observations become experience.
The Best Way to Improve
The easiest way to become better at film photography is to shoot with intention.
Don't just take more photographs. Pay attention to why a particular exposure worked or failed.
Learn to read the light, understand your camera settings, and review your developed negatives carefully.
Film gives you fewer opportunities to experiment than digital photography, but that limitation can actually make you a more thoughtful photographer.
What exposure technique has helped you the most when shooting film? Share your tips and experiences with the community — someone picking up a film camera for the first time might learn from your next frame.