Film of the Month: How Inglorious Leica Lovers Helped Me Rediscover Film Photography

by David Schmid

February 17th, 2025

It started with a challenge. Well, 197 challenges, to be exact. When I first joined 52Frames, I had no idea the impact it would have on my photography. For almost four years, I participated in every single weekly challenge, never missing a submission.

52Frames gives out weekly challenges for free meant to improve photography skills for those who take part. Participants have seven days to complete their assignments, and the best part is that you get to share the results with a community and give and receive feedback on how to grow and improve.

I shot food photography, tried conceptual compositions, and even interpreted song lyrics in visual form. Some themes repeated over the years, allowing me to revisit and refine my approach.

The structure kept me on my toes, forcing me to think creatively and produce something new each week. It was an amazing experience, but after nearly four years, I felt something was missing.

The one-week time limit meant that all my submissions had to be digital images. Film simply wasn’t an option, as there wasn’t enough time to shoot, develop film negatives, scan, and edit within such a tight deadline. And while I appreciated the discipline that digital photography encouraged, I began to feel that I was neglecting something I truly loved: analogue photography.

I missed the slower, more deliberate process of shooting film. I missed the anticipation of seeing an image emerge in development. I needed a change, something that would rekindle my connection with film. That’s when I found Inglorious Leica Lovers.

Finding a New Community

Someone from Leica Society International drew my attention to the Inglorious Leica Lovers WhatsApp group. I remember that it felt different from any other photography community I had been part of. It was a space where people actually talked about photography—the process, the experience, the art of it all.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The name made it sound like a Leica-exclusive club, a place where only those with the red dot on their cameras would be welcome. I very quickly realized I was wrong about that. People with all types of digital or film cameras were a part of the group and everyone felt welcomed.

Yes, many members used Leica cameras, but owning one wasn’t a prerequisite. The real entry ticket was a passion for photography. It was a refreshing change from the gatekeeping I’d encountered elsewhere.

From the first few interactions, I could tell this was a supportive, welcoming space. It reminded me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Not just for the technical aspects but for the connections it creates.

Shifting from Weekly Challenges to Film of the Month

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Inglorious Leica Lovers, for me, was 'Film of the Month'.

Unlike the rapid pace of 52Frames, which required immediate turnaround, this challenge gave me an entire month to work with a predetermined film stock on a film photography project. It was exactly what I needed, a way to slow down, rediscover analogue photography, and push myself in a different direction.

This encourages me more than ever to experiment. Instead of sticking to the films I already knew and loved, I was now trying new stocks that I might not have chosen on my own.

Each month, I had to adapt my shooting style to the characteristics of a different film type, learning how it rendered colors, handled contrast, and responded to different lighting conditions. Some films surprised me, others frustrated me, but every roll taught me something valuable.

‘Film of the Month’ awakened in me a new sense of excitement that I had missed. There was something special about waiting to see the final images, knowing that I couldn’t instantly check my results on an LCD screen. It made me more intentional with every shot. I found myself slowing down, composing more carefully, and thinking critically about each exposure.

Rediscovering the Joy of Photography

Beyond the challenges themselves, what I love most about Inglorious Leica Lovers is the culture of encouragement. Feedback is always meant to help you grow, it's constructive instead of dismissive and no one ever talks down to you. There’s no competition, no ego, just a shared love for photography.

The diversity of perspectives keeps things interesting. Some members shoot exclusively with digital cameras, some mix formats, and others, like me, have rediscovered their desire to be film photographers through the group.

In many ways, joining Inglorious Leica Lovers reminded me of why I picked up a camera in the first place. Not for accolades or social media validation, but for the sheer joy of capturing the world as I see it.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, I’m more excited than ever to keep shooting film. The shift from weekly challenges to monthly film projects has given me the breathing room to explore at my own pace, without feeling rushed.

I’m learning to appreciate the nuances of different photographic films, to embrace imperfections, and to enjoy the process as much as the final image.

And, of course, the conversations and friendships I’ve built through Inglorious Leica Lovers continue to inspire me. People see photography as solitary, but communities like this one prove that isn't entirely the case. The best film photos aren’t just the technically perfect ones, they’re the ones that tell a story, that capture a feeling, that resonate beyond the pixels or grain.

As Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” It’s a reminder that growth in photography, as in anything, is a continuous journey. Being part of this group has reinforced that for me and helped me build a portfolio I’m proud of.

So here’s to another year of photography. Whether it’s digital or film, a Leica or any other camera, the important thing is to keep shooting. To keep learning. To keep sharing. And most of all, to keep enjoying the process.