Who would have thought that film would have made a comeback 10 years ago, but here we are with film photography continuing to grow in popularity across ages, demographics and social platforms. We love to see it!
2025 is set to be an exciting year for film, and with our own industry insights and projections, we've put together the top film photography trends to watch in 2025.
Top Film Photography Trends For 2025
Experimental Film Stocks
If you're a well seasoned film photographer or have enjoyed dipping your toes back into this nostalgic medium, you might already have your set of favourite films that you draw from time and time again. But, the anticipation to experiment is likely to start kicking in.
With the recent revival in film, there have been numerous film brands flooding the market designed for things such as infrared photography and pre-exposed souped films.
Expired films also bring a level of intrigue, and they are often more inexpensive to pick up than off the shelf films that are in date.
These creative films will become even more popular in 2025, allowing you to really push the boundaries on your photography.
Growing Film Communities
There really is no other community that compares to the analogue family, and 2025 will see a rise in collaboration, whether it's through social media challenges, print sales, photowalks or more innovative ways to work together.
We will have hosted two photowalks in 2024, and with an amazing response, expect to see this aspect grow even more from us through 2025.
If there's anything in particular that you'd love to see from us in the film community, please do drop your thoughts in a comment below.
Film As Fine Art
Film photography is becoming more recognised as a fine art medium, with galleries and museums showcasing analogue work.
In 2025, collectors and art enthusiasts are seeking out limited-edition prints made from analogue negatives. Mixed-media projects combining film photography with other art forms and large-format landscapes and portraits gaining prominence in the art world.
We're seeing more collaborative art events with film photographers who are showcasing and selling their art too. We can definitely see these two trends working hand in hand with each other throughout the following year and beyond.
Expect New Film Cameras To The Market
Over the last couple of years we have seen revamped film cameras joining the market, these lightweight, portable options are not only easy to use but are also attracting a younger generation of photographers eager to explore analogue for the first time.
However, it’s not just the classics making waves—new film cameras are hitting the market, reigniting excitement in the community.
One of the most significant milestones was Pentax’s return to film cameras in 2024 with their first release in decades. Pentax’s bold move not only celebrated their rich heritage but also proved there’s demand for brand-new analogue cameras in a digital-dominated market. Their compact 35mm SLR combined vintage aesthetics with modern usability, inspiring other manufacturers to reconsider film production.
Following Pentax’s success, there are whispers of other industry giants preparing to launch new film cameras over the coming year. Nikon and Canon enthusiasts are particularly hopeful.
Alongside this, indie manufacturers are bridging the gap, creating simple yet robust cameras for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Companies like Reveni Labs and Reflex are designing modular cameras, blending flexibility with analogue charm.
Sustainability In Film Photography
As environmental consciousness grows, so does the demand for eco-friendly film photography practices. Back in the 90's, sustainability wasn't really a main consideration, but of course, fast forward to now, and reducing plastics and being sustainable with our purchases has become ever more important.
Disposable cameras are still a very popular choice for point and shoot fun, but we will see more of a return to entry level reusable film cameras which are better for the environment than disposable options.
Film canisters have long been a byproduct of analogue photography, and whilst we can't see this sort of packaging change echoing throughout the industry just yet, there are solutions to help make film choices more sustainable. Some manufacturers and labs offer a canister recycling programme, whilst there are some fab creative reuse ideas to upcycle film canisters into functional or decorative items, such as keyrings, planters or tiny storage containers.
And, if you grew up in the 90's, you might even remember your parents shipping you off to school with your dinner money for the day inside the canister!
Film Subscription Services
To keep up with demand and encourage experimentation, subscription services are popping up, delivering curated film packages to photographers monthly. These services often include limited-edition film stocks, rare emulsions, or bundled deals on popular brands.
Not only will it ensure you're never short of a film roll, but it's a great way to experiment with films that you might not normally try.
We recommend our mystery film bundle if you're looking for some new films and not sure where to start!
2025 is set to be another great year for film photography, are there any trends you would love to see next year? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments