Film vs Digital for Street Photography

The Case for Film

Pros

Organic grain: Film grain has a texture that digital noise can't replicate
Limited shots: 36 frames forces intentionality
No chimping: You can't review — you just shoot
The surprise: Not knowing until development adds magic
Slows you down: You think more about each shot

Cons

Expensive: Film + development costs add up
Slow feedback: You don't see results for days/weeks
Limited ISO: Film has a ceiling (usually 3200-6400 pushed)
Mechanical failure: Film cameras can jam, break

The Case for Digital

Pros

Instant feedback: See results immediately
Unlimited shots: Shoot as much as you want
High ISO: Modern cameras handle 12800+ easily
Post-processing: Full control in Lightroom/Photoshop
Cost-effective: No film/development costs

Cons

Digital grain: Noise looks different from film grain
Chimping: Temptation to review every shot
Over-processing: Easy to over-edit
Less intentional: Unlimited shots = less thinking

The Verdict

There's no "better" — only different. Many photographers shoot both, using film for personal projects and digital for commissioned work.

The Are-Bure-Boke aesthetic originated with film, but digital photographers have successfully adapted it. The key isn't the medium — it's the approach.

Shoot what feels right. The camera is just a tool. Your eye is what matters.