Film (photographic material)

Film is a light-sensitive material used to capture images in traditional photography. Composed of a plastic base coated with tiny silver halide crystals, it records the scene's light exposure through chemical reactions. When exposed to light, these crystals form a latent image that, during development, is transformed into a visible picture with varying densities of silver. This process results in a negative or positive image that can be printed or scanned. Despite digital alternatives, film is valued for its distinctive aesthetic, dynamic range, and archival qualities, making it a preferred choice for artistic and professional photography.