In a recent post, I evaluated some film simulation software. If you’re a purist and a hater, hear this out. Maybe you’ll pick up some basics about color grading film photos that are shown on a computer screen.

1. Software that emulates film over digital files isn’t a foolproof way to get an accurate film look. You still have to fine-tune each photo to match what you think is right for a given film stock.

2. When you scan negative film, you also need to convert. Scanning has a minor impact on the result; converting is where the real science happens. And scanning software uses presets. That IS film simulation in a sandbox.

3. The criticism is only valid if you’re comparing with darkroom printing, and even then, there are ways to manipulate the final result. If it’s displayed on a screen, it’s a digital file.

I don’t shoot film for the look. I shoot it because it makes me more deliberate, since I’m working with physical media that has no instant preview.