JenniI’ve always been fascinated by the magic of photography—the way a single frame can capture a moment in time, evoke emotions, and tell a story. Yet, despite my love for the art, it took me years to embrace the world of analogue photography. For someone who has spent much of their life immersed in digital photography, stepping into the analogue realm felt like opening a door to a hidden world filled with secrets and mysteries.
As a child, I tinkered with my dad’s old, semi-broken 1980s SLR camera. It was a relic with a stuck 50mm lens and a 200mm telephoto lens I used more like binoculars than a tool for creating art. The camera’s knobs, rings, and buttons seemed like an impenetrable code. How did this little box with its mechanical intricacies produce such beautiful images? How did a thin strip of film transform into photographs that could capture a moment so perfectly? The process felt like alchemy, and my young mind was both fascinated and intimidated.
Years later, the digital revolution made photography more accessible, and I eagerly dived in. Social media platforms and online tutorials provided a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to connect with other photographers. It was an exciting time to be a part of the photographic community. However, the allure of analogue photography never faded. The tactile process, the anticipation of developing film, and the hands-on experience of printing in a darkroom continued to beckon me.
Analogue and Academia
Finally, four years into my digital photography journey, I decided to take the plunge and enroll in a university-level photography course that included a focus on analogue techniques. I was both terrified and exhilarated by the prospect. This summer course promised to be a transformative experience, pushing me out of my digital comfort zone and into the tactile, hands-on world of film photography.
Embarking on this new chapter, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The course syllabus revealed that half of the term would be dedicated to analogue photography. I would learn to handle and use an analogue camera, process and develop film, and produce quality prints in the darkroom. The thought of creating images entirely by hand was thrilling yet daunting.
The prospect of crafting my own images from start to finish felt like an immense privilege. I would have the opportunity to explore, experiment, and even fail in a supportive environment. There was a deep sense of heritage in learning traditional photographic methods, a connection to the roots of the craft that digital photography couldn’t quite replicate.
Patience, Precision, and Process
In the darkroom, I discovered a new facet of my creativity. The process of developing film was painstaking but incredibly rewarding. Watching an image emerge from a blank sheet of paper was nothing short of magical. Each session in the darkroom became a labor of love, a dance of light and shadow that required patience and precision.
I quickly realized that the journey was not about creating perfect images but about embracing the process. The hours spent in the darkroom, the smell of chemicals, and the feel of the photographic paper all became part of a ritual that deepened my appreciation for the art form. Encouraged by my professors and peers, I learned to let go of the outcome and immerse myself in the creative process.
Through this experience, I discovered a newfound respect for the tactile nature of analogue photography. It demanded a different kind of attention and presence, a slower pace that allowed for deeper connection and contemplation. This summer course became a turning point in my artistic journey, bridging the gap between digital convenience and analogue craftsmanship.
Beyond My Analogue Summer
As I look back on this transformative summer, I am grateful for the challenges and rewards that came with embracing analogue photography. It taught me to see the world differently, to appreciate the nuances of light and shadow, and to find beauty in the imperfections. I continue to shoot analogue images to this day, and it remains an integral part of my creative journey. This journey has enriched my understanding of photography and deepened my passion for capturing moments that tell a story.
