[custom_adv] You've shunned the digital revolution and have proudly dusted off your film camera. Or maybe you rescued your mom's or granddad's vintage model from the attic. [custom_adv] You've loaded the film, put the strap around your neck, raised the camera to your eye ... and realized that a film camera is actually quite different from your compact digital SLR. What to do? [custom_adv] First of all, realize that you're not alone. According to Kodak's marketing manager, color film is still selling steadily, and black and white film does quite well in the market. [custom_adv] And let's not forget the hipster cred that comes with film; as of this writing, Urban Outfitters stores across the United States are carrying retro film cameras and related accessories. [custom_adv] One of the disadvantages of working with film is that you can't simply click your mouse to lighten or darken a face or background image. [custom_adv] That's why when you're shooting on film, you must be aware of how the natural (or unnatural) lighting plays out on your subject, as your ability to edit an image is not going to come as easily. [custom_adv] Remember that with film, you're manually lightening and darkening areas as you're developing prints in the darkroom. [custom_adv] While dodging (lightening a dark spot) or burning (darkening a light one), you're either blocking or prolonging exposure to get the desired effect. [custom_adv] To that end, you need to make sure you have an optimal lighting experience to start with. Too much strong sunlight can wash out an image or create shadows, so look for shaded areas or cloudy days. [custom_adv] Using reflectors like a light-colored umbrella between the sun and your subject can help you capture an optimal image from the get-go. [custom_adv] Point-and-click digital cameras sure are easy to use, but if you're a dedicated film user -- or at least testing the non-digital waters -- you should be aware of how different lenses on film cameras are going to affect your images. [custom_adv] Remember that when shooting with digital film, it's always going to be the same quality as when you shot it. [custom_adv] When photographing with film, you can scan your pictures to a digital file and then rescan them as technology progresses to get better images.