They say the best camera is the one you have with you. But if everyone’s phone has at least one pretty good camera, why would Gen Z (and really, everyone else have one) Attracted to retro photography? Despite the disadvantages of bulky, standalone film cameras, there is still much to offer in the aesthetics and tangibility of old-school photography.
When we talk about “retro” photography, we can mean a lot of things, but there’s a distinct revival trend around 80s and 90s-style camera gear and aesthetics that we want to focus on. Think Polaroid cameras and standalone point-and-shoots. And if you haven’t already been seduced by tangible photos and the appeal of nostalgia, allow me to explain why you should.
What is the allure of retro photography?
There is a tendency to think that camera technology is constantly advancing in a linear manner. But for creative purposes, it’s often more helpful to think about it in terms of aesthetic age. Each type of camera has specific physical properties that contribute to the appearance of the images they produce. And those qualities, over time, become attached to the time and images they capture.
For a very clear example, consider film grain. As This video essay Investigations by YouTube channel Nerdwriter reveal that film grain was initially simply an artifact of how film cameras work. However, as it became possible to eliminate the film excerpt, our brains began to associate the excerpt with older cinema, or the more general “film look.” With greater control over how and what film particles appear in an image, it can be used to intentionally create a chaotic energy in otherwise static footage.
The same principle applies to the aesthetics of every era of camera technology. For example, point-and-shoots of the ’90s were characterized by harsh, ineffective lighting. Their performance in low light was generally poor, so the blinding flash was sometimes the only viable source of light. Now, with better cameras and lighting equipment, that look can become a deliberate stylistic choice.
Film and instant cameras also provide a surreal experience that forces more thoughtful choices. You may have noticed that many of your old family photos have a kind of strange, stagey atmosphere. there’s a reason for that. When you only had a dozen or so chances to take a photo, you had to be more careful to make sure everyone was in the photo and in frame, eyes open, etc. Now, it’s easy to take dozens of photos until you find the perfect one, but going back to limited-use cameras may force you to think ahead about the image you want.
And when it comes to instant cameras, there’s nothing like the experience of having an instant physical memento. Everyone has a ton of photos in their camera roll that they’ll never see again, but if someone gives you a Polaroid of you and your loved ones, chances are it’s going to be on your fridge or in your scrapbook.
If nothing else, there’s something to be said for photography without the AI ​​nonsense that is now so inevitable. We have guides on how to take photos on android Or iOS without all the post processing junk. But this can only go so far. At some level, every modern smartphone is performing some form of digital processing to deliver a look that appeals to most users. This can result in a sleek, generic look that may not actually be what you want.
These are the best retro photography options
So, okay, you’re onto the idea of ​​experimenting with nostalgic aesthetics. Where can you start? The good news here is that you have over a century of camera history to play with. Used camera gear is going to be your friend, and you can often find great equipment online or at local photography shops for relatively cheap.
What do you think so far?
In general, there are some interesting categories of dedicated cameras to check out:
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Polaroid-style instant cameras. Through a complex process of bankruptcies, acquisitions and relaunches, polaroid is backBut it’s no longer the only game in town. Fujifilm, Kodak and Lomography all offer Their own brand of instant cameras Which can take pictures and print them instantly.
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Classic digital point-and-shoot. Today’s point-and-shoots are somewhat geared toward professional photographers who want a high level of control. But you can find plenty of cheap, used digital cameras from the last few decades that still take surprisingly good photos. In many cases, digital noise or lens artifacts that were considered flaws when these cameras were new can provide creative opportunities to achieve a distinctive nostalgic look.
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Ancient smartphone. Early smartphones from the late 2000s had some pretty terrible cameras by modern standards. But they also lacked much of the AI ​​and post-processing that dominates the landscape today. You can find cheap, used smartphones for as little as $50 on sites like eBay, which can be an easy way to get some authentically vintage photos without any pretense.
Some camera gear—especially when it comes to DSLR and mirrorless camera lenses and systems—can retain their value for a long time. But there is a wide range of used or vintage camera gear circulating that offer a distinctive look and feel. As you explore vintage cameras, pay attention to the unique aspects of the photos they produced, and experiment with how you can use those features to tell a different story.
How to start retro photography
Camera and smartphone makers will never forget you about their latest and greatest hardware, but where will you find the best gear from a decade or two ago? The market for used photography equipment can be scattered and fragmented, but here are some suggestions to get you started in your search:
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Check out your local photography or thrift stores. Few things can be more useful to a photographer than that shop across town that always has a used lens or the proprietary power adapter you need for your camera. And sometimes, if they trade used camera gear, you may find unique equipment that you won’t find anywhere else. If you establish an ongoing relationship with your local camera shop, you may also get the opportunity to try equipment you might otherwise have to purchase to experiment with.
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Find specialized camera gear sites. You can always find used cameras on general auction sites like eBay, but for your money, I prefer to check specialty sites. Adorama And precision camera. These sites offer a selection of used camera gear, and sometimes have a better selection than you can find on eBay. From time to time, I’ll sort the used camera section by lowest price and scroll through to see what kind of budget options are available.
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Join a local photography group. Camera gear is expensive, but you don’t always have to invest a lot of money to explore different aesthetics. Groups of photography enthusiasts will gather together in many cities. photo moves Or just to meet and trade tips. Making friends with other photographers is a great way to learn from others and even share experiences with each other’s equipment.
Even if you don’t want to specifically invest in camera gear, it can be a useful exercise to look at photos from previous eras and see what they have in common. Take out your old family photo albums and compare them to the photos on your phone. Take a movie from your childhood and check out how it looks different from the wonderful reboot that came out a few years ago.
In photography—and all art—details matter. Differences in color saturation, noise texture, or even how an image has been composed can convey a world of meaning. As you explore the aesthetics of retro photography, your grasp of contemporary visual media may increase, making you better able to express yourself through the visual arts.
