Through Their Lenses: My Film Photography Journey

There’s something beautifully grounding about shooting on film — the waiting, the texture, the imperfections, and most of all, the stories held within the camera itself.

My journey with film photography didn’t start from a trendy revival or a gear obsession, but from something much closer to my heart: my grandparents.

Man sitting on bench in park taking picture with analogue camera

Film picture of woman taking picture with dicgital camera

One of my favourite cameras is a humble Nikon RF-10 point-and-shoot, passed down from my grandpa Ermanno. It’s a little gem from the ’90s — not exactly vintage, but definitely full of stories.

Mother hugging son before travel film photography

Senior woman film photography travel Lisbon

Couple traveling with vintage suitcase with point and shoot film camera

Paris Nikon RF-10 travel shot

Tour Eiffel Paris travel shot film photography

Mexico Street travel Nikon film photography

Back home in Italy, in the old house where my parents now live, there’s a large box of photographs — vibrant glimpses into summer picnics, family birthdays, and quiet village moments. While many of those older photos of my dad’s side were likely taken with other cameras I inherited, including a Rolleiflex (yes, THE Rolleiflex!!), the Nikon was the one my grandparents took on their big adventures in the ’90s.

They were exploring the world back then — Guatemala, Peru, Morocco, Egypt, Australia, parts of Asia… and that little point-and-shoot was always with them. It’s wild to think the same camera I now carry on my daily walks and trips has seen ancient temples, colourful markets, and desert landscapes at a time when many of those locations were yet to become mainstream tourist traps.

I still shoot with it today, and it feels honestly magical — like I’m adding my own chapters to a camera that’s already lived a lifetime.

Table summer film photography

Candid woman portrait film roll

Birthday candid portrait film roll

Outdoor friends and dog moment Nikon analogue camera

Fixing computer film flash moment

Home kitchen counter film flash candid moment

Dancing club night flash point and shoot film camera

Film UGC selfie travel hike in Italy couple kiss

Father dad candid happy moment on film

Family on the couch candid moment on film

Dance fun on black and white film

Unfortunately… my beloved analogue camera recently took a fall during a trip to New York, and ever since, it’s been acting up — now it shoots randomly, like it’s got a mischievous spirit of its own. I had it checked, but sadly, the damaged parts are no longer available. It’s likely never going to work properly again.

I was truly heartbroken at first. It’s not just a camera — it’s that camera, you know? Replacing it isn’t just buying a new one. But after some time, I’ve changed my mind. I just have to find another one — because honestly, it’s the perfect pocket-sized, everyday film buddy. Especially for travel: it’s light, reliable, and even has the best little automatic flash!

I’m heading to the Balkans next week (so excited!) and I need a new one ASAP. I’m currently chatting with someone on Etsy to hopefully send it directly there… wish me luck! And hey — if you know of any Nikon RF-10 leads, hit me up. 😉

And then there’s the Yashica FX-3, a true gem. It originally belonged to my other grandfather, Emilio, given to him by my mum and her siblings as a gift. He passed away the same year I was born — and my mum started using the camera soon after. Most of my early childhood photos were taken with it, and after years tucked safely in its red-and-black protective case, it now travels with me.

It has a handy built-in exposimeter (lifesaver!) and has become a quiet companion on many of my photo adventures.

When it comes to film, I’m not fussy. Expired, fresh, color, black and white — I’ll take what I can get. My motto is simple: gimme a roll at a good price and I’ll roll with it. I’m not in it for the perfect shot, I’m in it for the feeling — the click, the grain, the story.

Expired film home shot

Nikon RF-10 travel expired film analogue camera

Expired film travel roll

Expired roll architecture abstract detail

When I lived in Lisbon, I used to develop my film at Carmencita Film Lab, tucked into the always buzzing LX Factory. If you’re ever in Lisbon and shoot film, don’t think twice — Carmencita is the place to go for dreamy tones and incredible quality.

I can't wait to return soon and bring them all the films patiently waiting in my drawer!

Maybe that’s what I love most about film — how it slows time down just enough for you to feel it. To notice the light, the passing faces, the beauty in a cracked wall or a half-finished meal. Shooting with these cameras, carrying the weight of memory in my backpack, I’m reminded that photography isn’t just about capturing—it’s about connecting.

To the past. To places. To people.

And as I get ready for this next trip, film rolls packed and fingers crossed for that new RF-10, I know I’ll come back with more than pictures. I’ll come back with stories.

Check the full Gallery - Film is here to stay