One of the best advantages of full frame photography is the ability to create shallow depth of field. This isn't a feature that I need all of the time, but there certainly are situations where I crave it.

"Train Stop Bench" - Contax G1, Zeiss 45mm f/2 lens at f/2.8, Kodak ColorPlus 200 film. Photo by Derrick Story.

Full frame digital cameras come with a hefty price tag. But you can enjoy the creative benefits of shallow depth of field for about a tenth of the price... with a high quality, inexpensive 35mm film camera.

The average cost of a 35mm SLR with wide aperture prime in my TheFilmCameraShop is less than $100. I typically pay around $5 for a 36 exposure roll of film, and the lab charge for processing and scanning is $15. So even though the cost is low, the creative possibilities are very high.

This can be particularly appealing if you a smartphone photographer working with a tiny sensor. You can augment your digital work with some creative film images, then post those scans on your social sites.

You're viewers will be delighted (and curious) about the unique images.

Do You Like Film?

Take a look at theAnalogstory - Film Photography in the Digital Age. We cover great 35mm cameras, personal stories from film photographers, quick tips, and even a camera shop. Stop by, won't you?

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