A Northeastern Admission Essay: The Film Camera

In a world where pictures can take away from reality, I choose the unconventional path that embraces rawness and vulnerability through my black, boxy travel partner—my film camera. While others take for granted the unlimited opportunities that come with a button and a screen, I find beauty in the simplicity and anticipation of each shot.

As I peer through the small viewfinder, I am reminded to take life at its own pace. Developing a film photo requires patience, meticulousness, and trust, qualities that are increasingly rare to find in this fast-paced world. It doesn’t compare to the quick transfer of photos of the digital world nor does it try to keep up with the pace of other cameras. But it still creates a beautiful image in its own timing. This process reflects my personal belief that everything has its own pace, and I don’t need to measure my journey against the speed of others.

Growing up, I was held to high expectations—constantly enrolled in different academic programs, competitive dance, art, and piano. One day, as I looked at my schedule packed with endless tasks, I couldn’t remember the last time I did something for myself. This realization was pivotal—I began to let go of activities that didn’t fulfill me. Initially, it felt like I was falling behind as others continued their fast-paced lives. However, I eventually understood that moving at my own pace mattered as it allowed me to see things I could not see before and delve deeper into my self-identity. Success was not about staying ahead of others but about making the most of each moment at my own pace.

What fascinates me the most about film photography is its uncompromising authenticity. Unlike any other camera, I am stripped of the comfort of instant previews, unlimited retakes, and easy editing for perfection. As I snap each picture, I relinquish control, realizing I have no ability to swipe away the flaws. Instead, I fully embrace the authenticity it captures—the raw, yet beautiful, essence of the moment. Each time I receive a roll of memories back, I find errors, flaws, and blurs. Some shots are overexposed and others out of focus. However, there is beauty in these imperfections as the photo carries the moment as it truly was.

These authentic, yet imperfect, photos remind me that life, too, does not always unfold the way I envision. I have moments on my life film roll where scenes are blurry and out of frame. But I’ve learned to embrace these imperfect moments because they are what make life genuine. I choose to move forward by accepting every moment, even the bad ones, allowing them to shape my identity.

With only 32 shots and no delete button, a distinctive aspect of film photography is its limitations. Retaking photos or experimenting with settings until perfection is not allowed. Every shot counts, meaning intentionality is key with every photo. This limitation reminds me that life, like film, is finite, and I won’t have countless chances. This is why I consistently urge myself to seize opportunities to grow and learn, to focus on the positives with gratitude, and to choose growth over regret in times of mistakes and failures.

Just like each film roll is limited and invaluable, so too are the moments in life. Film photography has taught me to seek authenticity over perfection, to move at my own pace, and to cherish every moment as it comes. By abandoning the need of control and perfection, I have learned to be present in every moment reminding myself each opportunity is a chance for improvement and reflection. Like the frames in my camera, I am filling my life with moments that are genuine, unedited, and true to who I am. In a fast moving world that often lacks authenticity, I choose to savor each shot, each memory, and every part of my journey.