A friend’s facebook post prompted me to think about mediums. I have a couple of friends that shoot a lot of film. They shoot a wide range of different formats. 35, 120, 4x5 et al. Some (Cory Lum) have amazing cameras from the yesteryear of photography that have been updated and remade into a camera of the modern age (sans digital tho).

There’s been a lot of discussion on the internet about “The best camera is the one you have with you.” and how the iPhone has changed photography in the sense that it was readily made photography available to the masses. Instagram changed the way people distribute images in a sense too. However the phrase ‘available to the masses’ can be a ‘misnomer’. For some time now, the photographic process has been available to the general public at large. The 1980s really saw the rise of the compact camera, and the only difference between now and then is film and digital. However, is one better than the other? Why is film better than digital or vice versa?

Honestly I find it infuriating that people engage in this nonsensical arguments. What matters most of all is the image. the content, the asthetic and the meaning behind it. Photographs are a means to start a dialogue not only with viewers of the work but with the photographer and their subjects.

Plain and simple…CONTEXT and CONTENT MATTER.

As per a discussion with my good friend Cory, digital and film can’t really be compared. As with different sizes of film and formats, digital photography and film photography are different mediums. plain and simple. In today’s world of instant news, instant imagery, instant (insert photo-related noun here)… almost instantaneous transmission of the image is required. especially for the working photojournalist. No matter how amazing the photo is, it still needs to be transmitted instantly to your agency/paper/client. Film just doesn’t allow for that sadly.

These guys who say that “Film is better” or “Digital is better” need to come to the realization that while truth is not absolute and that a person’s perception invariably affects and colors reality; Everything around us, everything in our world, and everything in our lives can be universally understood and related to through the still image, whether it be on a roll of Tri-X or stored in Lightroom.

But like I said, It’s always been about, and will always be about the content of your imagery. That is where the heart, and soul of the image reside.

So wether or not your prefer film, or your prefer digital, keep making photographs. Check exposure, press the shutter button, share, and repeat.