• The 12 different kinds of film photography •

Some folks say there’s only one type of film photography. Others say fifty. Well Kemosabe, you're both wrong. Below are the 12 different types of film photography guaranteed to make you a better shooter, and probably a better person.

1. Epic Sunsets

You’ll know an epic sunset when you see one. Please don’t try to pass off an epic sunrise as an epic sunset. The photography community is built on trust.

2. Where something looks lonely

You’re fine to take “where something looks lonely” shots vertically.

But I find things look even lonelier (which is your aim here) when photographed horizontally.

3. Where there’s a pair of things but they still look lonely for some reason

This is without a doubt the toughest photography style of all time. When there’s two of something we think of fellowship and fraternity. Well brother, with a little practice you’ll be able to point your camera at those two things and bring out the despair. And that’s when the student becomes the master.

4. The back of a horse

This is exactly what it sounds like. Don’t overthink this.

5. Morocco

You can try “Morocco” in other countries if you dare, but don't come crying to me when it all blows up in your face.

6. Where you shoot the same meadow over and over

This photography style only works with meadows. *UPDATE*: I actually tried this on a glen this weekend and it still worked.

7. Guys being dudes on the volleyball court

You might think other sports are better for photos, but believe me, volleyball is where it’s at. No shirt, no shoes, no problem. Nothing between you and your friends’ weird, misshapen nipples; pointing straight up at eternity. It’s the sport of kings and paupers alike. You’d be wise to document its manifest wonders.

Be sure to look into how long it takes to edit a photo before you offer to take shots of your friends with no shirts on. In the film community we call this "self-care."

8. A girl who is not pregnant doing different activities in black and white

Present them back-to-back and it looks like a whole life’s getting lived.

9. A girl who is pregnant posing for maternity photos in Brantford, Ontario

You could try this style in other communities though. Should work.

10. Your own dad

Try to get him in his native habitat; out back fussing over something you’d never have noticed in a million years.

11. Spooky

You can try this with colour film but black and white is best. Ilford FP4 is the spookiest film stock. The Mamiya 645 is the spookiest medium format camera. I’m giving myself a little fright just thinking about them.

Included in the vertical set is the spookiest photo of them all: our merciless Lord's earth-bound ambassador.

12. Outdoors

Bar none my favourite film style. “Outdoors” is where things get wild… literally. Point your favourite camera at whatever you want. A beaver. A pair of beavers fighting over a yogurt lid. A half dozen beavers organizing some kind of beaver fight club. Whatever you want. Doesn’t have to all be beaver stuff.