Holowave field guides

Practical guides for film and creative photography.

Clear, step-by-step help for handling film, preparing cleaner scans, understanding exposure, viewing slides, and improving composition.

Film Handling · 7 min read

How to Cut 35mm Film Negatives Safely

A practical guide to identifying frame lines, handling negatives, making clean cuts, and storing 35mm film after scanning or development.

Film Scanning · 6 min read

Learn a safe dry-cleaning workflow for reducing dust and static on 35mm and 120 film before scanning.

Film Handling · 6 min read

Protect exposed 120 roll film from loosening, light leaks, moisture, and identification mistakes before development.

Film Scanning · 8 min read

A complete film-preparation workflow covering inspection, dry cleaning, safe escalation, holder cleaning, and final scan checks.

Exposure · 8 min read

Translate a meter reading into intentional shadow and highlight placement with a practical Zone System exposure workflow.

Camera Technique · 7 min read

Compare camera height, subject interaction, composition speed, stability, and practical uses of waist-level and eye-level viewfinders.

Film Viewing · 6 min read

Handle, inspect, illuminate, and display mounted 35mm slides and reversal film while protecting color and emulsion.

Composition · 8 min read

Compare two familiar composition guides and learn when grids, spirals, diagonals, and subject movement can strengthen a photograph.