1. ISO/ASA: What film sensitivity means, why it matters, real examples, and how ISO is chosen per roll rather than per frame.


2. STOPS: The core exposure concept broken down simply, how stops actually show up when shooting film, and the exact ways I personally use overexposure and bracketing.


3. PUSHING AND PULLING FILM: How exposure and development interact, what actually changes in the negative, and when rating film differently is a practical workaround.

A clear foundation for understanding how film responds to light, exposure choices, and rating decisions so you can shoot with intention instead of guessing.

1. FILM FORMATS: How 35mm, 120, and large format differ in real use, what changes as negative size changes, and when each format begins to feel right in your hands.


2. CAMERA TYPES: The main film camera categories explained through shooting experience, strengths, limitations, and the preferences that develop with time.


3. FILM STOCKS: Common stocks, their visual identifiers, why people might love or avoid them, and the ones I personally return to again and again.

A look at the physical pieces of film photography so you can choose gear that supports the way you naturally see and shoot. Your gear should inspire you, and this is the first step to learning your preference.

1. SCANNERS: Frontier, Noritsu, drum, and camera scanning, and how each one subtly shapes color, contrast, and overall feel.


2. SCANNER EXAMPLES: Clear visual comparisons with the scanners I have personally used, and what make scanner differences easy to recognize and understand.


3. SIZES / CUSTOMIZING: How scan size connects to quality and cost, and what adjustments you can request from your lab.


4. DARKROOM TERMS: Essential developing language you may hear from labs, explained simply for confidence and clarity.


5. DEVELOPING PROCESS: A straightforward walkthrough of what happens between dropping off film and receiving scans.

A run down of everything that happens after you drop off your rolls at the lab, so you understand how your film becomes the final image you see.

1. LAB CHECKLIST: The exact information to share with your lab each time to support consistent results.


2. CHECKING YOUR OWN SCANS: How to review scans thoughtfully and recognize what may be related to exposure, scanning, or film.


3. SENDING YOUR LAB AN EMAIL: A clear, respectful template you can copy and use whenever you need it.

A practical system for communicating with your lab so your scans come back aligned with what you envisioned.

A list of extra film vocabulary that appears often, gathered in one place so nothing feels unfamiliar or unclear.

1. 35MM: The well-known 35mm bodies that come up constantly, what they’re known for, and why photographers continue to reach for them.


2. MEDIUM FORMAT: The medium format cameras people talk about most, how they shape the shooting experience, and what draws photographers toward them.

The cameras I hear my peers mention all the time and have had to Google myself, because sometimes simply recognizing a name is enough to help you feel more confident in the conversation.

1. TERMS THAT MATTER EARLY: The exposure and film concepts that create immediate clarity and make consistent results possible.


2. PROCESS CONCEPTS THAT MATTER EARLY: The bigger-picture understanding behind variation in scans, development, and overall image feel.


3. GEAR THAT MATTERS EARLY: How to choose a camera that supports growth, reliability, and long-term confidence in your workflow.

I know this guide has a ton of info, so this section is a starting point if you still feel lost.
It's a focused look at the small group of ideas that bring steadiness to film in the beginning and help the process feel intentional rather than uncertain.

1. 35MM: The bodies and lenses I rely on most, the backups I keep at hand, and the few additions I still plan to make.


2. 120: I'm more of a 35mm girl,  so I'm very picky about my medium format gear. These are the items I’ve chosen, and how they fit into the way I photograph.


3. ACCESSORIES: The lighting, carrying systems, triggers, reflectors, and organization tools that took my work from "I like it" to "I love it".


4. FAVORITE FILM STOCKS: The stocks I consistently trust, along with the ones I’m looking forward to exploring more

A fully transparent look at the gear I actually use, because I keep my setup simple, invest in what I truly love, and don’t hold onto anything that isn’t worth it.

1. WHERE TO GO FROM HERE: Guidance for recognizing what needs attention, following personal taste, learning in community, and developing skill with patience and clarity.

Knowing where to start is half the battle.
I wanted to end this guide with a starting point, as simple as that sounds, because these are the things I would tell a younger version of myself if I could.