How-to Take a Picture on a Canon AE-1

Although I've alluded to the process of taking a photograph on a film camera in a few of my previous posts, I have yet to discuss the technicalities of the process. Although it is relatively simple, and becomes natural with time, there are a handful of key steps in order to get your image contacted onto the film itself.

1. Load your film. For amateur photographers, this is sometimes easier said than done. Although the process of loading film varies slightly from camera to camera, you can find a comprehensive tutorial video below that pertains to the Canon AE-1 here, as that's the main camera in discussion on this blog.
2. Make sure your film rewind knob turns when you press the shutter release button. On the Canon AE-1, you have to press the shutter release button twice before it actually begins taking photos. When doing this, be sure that your film rewind knob is turning, indicating that the film is moving inside your camera onto the spool. If this does not happen, you have loaded your film incorrectly, and you won't actually be taking photographs. 
3. Double check your ISO. Sometimes called the ASA, the ISO/ASA is typically indicated on the roll of film you are using, and tends to be either 200 or 400 when using cheaper kinds of film. Be sure this is set on your camera, or change it if you feel the light is too bright. In this case, you can switch your ISO to 200. However, you need to keep your entire roll at the same ISO in order to develop all of the photos properly. 
4. Set your shutter speed. You're now ready to take a photo, but there are still a few things to consider. You need to choose your shutter speed, which can change from photo to photo. When shooting the everyday, I tend to stay at a 250 shutter speed, or sometimes 500, depending on the light. However, if you're shooting on a moderately sunny day, 250 is a good choice. 
5. Set your aperture. Thankfully, the Canon AE-1 has a light meter that indicates what aperture to set your camera to when you hold down on the shutter button. As a general rule of thumb, it's always smart to point the center of your lens at the shadow in your image, set your aperture, and then take the photograph. This will ensure that you capture everything in the image, as you can develop for highlights in the darkroom. 
6. Set your depth of field. This is basically your focal point, or where you decide you want your image to be focused. This feels the most "digital" when taking the photo, as even DSLRs need to be focused if you are not shooting on auto-focus mode.
7. Take your picture! Congratulations, you've done it. Take your photograph, and repeat steps 4 through 6 until you've taken all of the shots on your roll of film. 

Although this might seem like a daunting task, it becomes natural in no time at all. Not only do you learn an interesting skill, but you learn how to have the utmost control of photographs you're taking. 

Happy shooting!