The Happy Chemicals of Film: Why Shooting Analogue Feels So Good

It doesn't matter if you've only just picked up your first film camera or you've been shooting on it since the eighties, there's no denying that not only is it a special medium, it makes us feel good too.

Beyond the nostalgic grain and tactile process of analogue photography, if we look past the lens, there's actually some pretty good ways to extract more of the brains natural feel good chemicals when we need a boost.

From the dopamine rush of getting your scans back to the serotonin boost of golden hour shooting, every roll develops more than just memories, and here are the big four happiness chemicals and how to activate them with your camera to hand!

Dopamine – For Pleasure and Reward

Dopamine is often called the “feel-good” or “reward” chemical. It’s released in the brain when we experience something pleasurable or achieve a goal, like finishing a roll of film or receiving your scans. That little rush of excitement? That’s dopamine at work, reinforcing behaviours that bring joy and satisfaction.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, dopamine plays a key role in motivation, habit formation, and feelings of reward, especially when we anticipate something positive.

In film photography, this shows up when:

• You try a new film stock and feel the thrill of the unknown.

• You finish a roll—clicking that last frame is oddly satisfying.

• You send your film off for developing, full of anticipation.

• You get your scans back and finally see the results (even better when the turnaround is so quick!) it’s like Christmas morning.

Endorphins – For Pain and Stress

Endorphins are the body’s natural pain and stress relievers. They’re released during activities that push us a little, like developing your own film, heading out for an adventurous shoot, or trying experimental shots. That sense of calm or even euphoria you feel afterward? That’s endorphins doing their thing.

As explained by Cleveland Clinic, endorphins are chemicals your body produces to relieve stress and pain, often released during physical activity or creative engagement.

Film can be a surprisingly therapeutic outlet. Endorphins kick in when:

• You crack open a fresh roll and get excited for what’s to come.

• You head out for an adventure session, camera in hand.

• You experiment with shots that might totally flop (but who cares!).

• You develop your own film—a hands-on ritual that soothes the soul.

Oxytocin – For Love and Connection

Oxytocin is often called the “bonding” or “love” hormone. It’s released during meaningful social interactions, this could include acticities such as going on a photowalk or shooting portraits of loved ones.

These small, heartfelt moments help strengthen connection and trust, both of which boost your mood and overall wellbeing.

According to Medical News Today, oxytocin plays a key role in emotional bonding, social interaction, and creating feelings of closeness between people.

Film brings people together. Oxytocin flows when:

• You join a photowalk and bond with fellow creatives.

• You shoot portraits of loved ones and capture honest, emotional moments. If you're a dog person, nothing beats shooting a dog you love!

• You revisit prints or scans with someone close to you.

• You give someone a photo as a gift—it’s one of the most meaningful things you can share.

Shot on Kodak Portra 800

Serotonin – For Mood and Wellbeing

Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and overall sense of wellbeing. It’s often linked to feelings of calm and contentment, like when you’re taking photos in nature, shooting at golden hour, or quietly journalling about your film process. These reflective moments can help lift your mood and ease anxiety.

As noted by Verywell Mind, serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that affects mood, happiness, and emotional balance, often boosted by time in nature and creative expression.

In the world of film, it’s triggered by:

• Taking photos in nature, connecting with your environment.

• Shooting during golden hour and soaking in the light. Getting outside to shoot after a dark winter is just delightful.

• Browsing through old negatives and reliving memories.

• Journalling your film process, creating space for reflection.

Whether you're scanning negatives, hiking with a camera, or gifting someone a print—film photography does more than preserve moments. It literally makes you happier.

So next time you pick up your film camera, know that you're not just shooting frames. You're giving your brain a little boost too.

*We’re not scientists, just passionate film lovers sharing what we’ve learned. If you’re curious, there’s loads of fascinating research out there on how creativity and connection affect the brain - some which we have included here!