Expired films: The secret ingredient for unique analog photos.

The search for expired films: a journey in itself.

One of the things that fascinates me about expired films is the adventure they bring to the creative process. Recently, I came across a batch on Leboncoin, some of which were over 10 years expired. Although this was my first time working with expired films, I was excited to embrace the unpredictability. This choice isn’t just a creative challenge for me as the photographer—it’s also an adventurous and bold choice for the client. Meeting analog enthusiasts in a little Parisian café along the way, and hearing their stories, only added to the richness of this process.

To be brutally honest one of the reasons I initially turned to expired films was out of necessity. I couldn’t find the new films I wanted at an affordable price—some were going for 20 euros per roll, and even then, there was no guarantee of when they’d be available. That’s when I decided to explore expired films as an alternative, driven by both the cost and the challenge of working with what was accessible.

The context: film shortages and the revival of analog photography

In recent years, the global shortage of analog film has become a growing concern for analog photographers. With major film manufacturers scaling back production, obtaining film rolls has become both a challenge and a treasured experience. However, this scarcity has also reignited an appreciation for the craft of analog photography, especially in younger generations. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in bringing back the popularity of analog photography, with its poetic and nostalgic allure capturing the imagination of many.

The unpredictability of expired films adds to this appeal. It’s not just about capturing a moment but embracing the imperfections that make each shot unique. The grain, texture, and color shifts evoke a sense of time passing, reminding us that these images are more than just digital pixels—they’re tangible pieces of art.

What is analog photography with expired films?

Analog photography with expired films is an artistic approach that embraces the imperfections and unpredictability of film that has passed its expiration date. While traditional film photography provides rich textures and tones, using expired films introduces unexpected color shifts, grain, and light leaks that create a unique visual aesthetic. Each photo becomes a one-of-a-kind piece, shaped by both the film’s aging process and the photographer’s vision.

A personal testimony: slow and thoughtful photography

When I shoot with a film camera, I never think in terms of quantity. Every shot is intentional. Each photograph is carefully composed, and the process itself is slow. From measuring the light to capturing the image, every step is deliberate. Then there’s the waiting—the anticipation of developing the film and seeing the results, which can take days usually or sometimes weeks. This is the opposite of modern photography, where everything is instantaneous, swiped left and right in a rush.

Analog photography requires patience and a sense of adventure. You must be willing to embrace imperfection. The grain, the texture, the unexpected light leaks—these are part of the beauty of shooting on expired film. If you’re someone who needs predictability, then this is not for you. But for those who welcome the unknown, analog photography offers a creative, meditative escape from the fast pace of modern life.