by Colette Hsu
Film, or analog, photography, was the dominant form of photography before the 21st century. Previous to digital photography photographers had to load film and develop it with liquid chemicals to create film prints. However, digital cameras and smartphones have replaced film cameras because of their convenience and accessibility, particularly for the ability to check the photographs immediately before the cost of developing. But, the art of film is not completely passé. Instead, analog photography is enjoying a revival among younger generations, showcased in intramural collegiate events.
Film cameras are part of the vintage fashion, photograph by Colette Hsu
Vintage fashion
As in the saying, “Fashion goes round in circles,” in recent years, there has been a revival in vintage fashion, and many youngsters and hipsters have started to embrace this “nostalgia” with a revived interest in products of the past, such as vintage clothing, vinyl records, and film cameras, especially mechanical cameras for the last.
This April, students from six universities’ photo clubs held an event entitled “Pianchipianhe Film Market” to promote film cameras and photography to students in Taipei. Inspired by these recent trends, the event organizers aimed to simplify the camera-shopping process by providing a platform for customers to be introduced to this blast from the past and obtain sufficient information before purchasing a suitable camera. One staff member, Dee’dee Tsai explained, “Nostalgia is always a special concept in both humanities and literature. Things like film cameras and clothing were the norm when our parents were young, but the sense of nostalgia from items of the past era can attract you to discover the specialness of old memories.”
As in the saying, “Fashion goes round in circles,” in recent years, there has been a revival in vintage fashion, and many youngsters and hipsters have started to embrace this “nostalgia” with a revived interest in products of the past, such as vintage clothing, vinyl records, and film cameras, especially mechanical cameras for the last.
This April, students from six universities’ photo clubs held an event entitled “Pianchipianhe Film Market” to promote film cameras and photography to students in Taipei. Inspired by these recent trends, the event organizers aimed to simplify the camera-shopping process by providing a platform for customers to be introduced to this blast from the past and obtain sufficient information before purchasing a suitable camera. One staff member, Dee’dee Tsai explained, “Nostalgia is always a special concept in both humanities and literature. Things like film cameras and clothing were the norm when our parents were young, but the sense of nostalgia from items of the past era can attract you to discover the specialness of old memories.”
An old camera can make people enter the time tunnel, photograph by Colette Hsu
Beauty of imperfection
Compared to digital photography, the textures of film photography make it unique and inimitable. “The grains on film photography are like painting on canvas rather than the image noise on digital photography. Some people may think that it can be imitated by using filters or editing photographs digitally, but the texture is different and more aesthetically pleasing,” said Angie Lee, a professional film photographer.
Through the unique qualities of film photography, Lee found that she became more trusting of her own artistic instinct. “Though you can check the photos on a digital camera or smartphone directly, you may cherish every chance more when you press the button of a film camera,” she said. This is the risk of film photography but she found that her clients enjoy the “uncertain” nature of film, and then she truly embraced the uniqueness of analog film. For her, the limitations of film photography are not disadvantages; rather they exhibit the beauty of imperfection as well as the enjoyment of creating art.
Compared to digital photography, the textures of film photography make it unique and inimitable. “The grains on film photography are like painting on canvas rather than the image noise on digital photography. Some people may think that it can be imitated by using filters or editing photographs digitally, but the texture is different and more aesthetically pleasing,” said Angie Lee, a professional film photographer.
Through the unique qualities of film photography, Lee found that she became more trusting of her own artistic instinct. “Though you can check the photos on a digital camera or smartphone directly, you may cherish every chance more when you press the button of a film camera,” she said. This is the risk of film photography but she found that her clients enjoy the “uncertain” nature of film, and then she truly embraced the uniqueness of analog film. For her, the limitations of film photography are not disadvantages; rather they exhibit the beauty of imperfection as well as the enjoyment of creating art.
Pianchipianhe Film market, photograph by Colette Hsu
Social media and the internet
Another reason for this revival may be “the influence of the internet and social media.” Don Hsiao, the owner of Lilai Photo, offered this explanation. Founded in 1986, Lilai is a well-known film developing and printing shop in Taipei, standing as a “witness” of changes in customers’ habits and preferences in regard to photography.
Nowadays, Instagram has gradually become the top choice for younger generations to share every precious moment in life. This, of course, means using photos. Hsiao said, “Younger generations tend to prefer buying and using expired films or films that have special effects to make their photos look more appealing. This preference is relatively different from that of customers in the past because they took photos simply for collecting memories and recording.”
Online information also allows people to learn how to choose and use cameras. There are several online forums, Facebook groups, and many other means making it easier for people to share their experiences and discuss camera models and film photography. Long ago, people could only learn about professional photography and shooting techniques through courses, in-person clubs, or associations, which were relatively exclusive and inconvenient.
Another reason for this revival may be “the influence of the internet and social media.” Don Hsiao, the owner of Lilai Photo, offered this explanation. Founded in 1986, Lilai is a well-known film developing and printing shop in Taipei, standing as a “witness” of changes in customers’ habits and preferences in regard to photography.
Nowadays, Instagram has gradually become the top choice for younger generations to share every precious moment in life. This, of course, means using photos. Hsiao said, “Younger generations tend to prefer buying and using expired films or films that have special effects to make their photos look more appealing. This preference is relatively different from that of customers in the past because they took photos simply for collecting memories and recording.”
Online information also allows people to learn how to choose and use cameras. There are several online forums, Facebook groups, and many other means making it easier for people to share their experiences and discuss camera models and film photography. Long ago, people could only learn about professional photography and shooting techniques through courses, in-person clubs, or associations, which were relatively exclusive and inconvenient.
An example of film photography, photograph by Colette Hsu
Prospect of film
Although film photography seems to have made its way back to the cultural zeitgeist in Taiwan, one thing can’t be ignored: the discontinuation and rising prices of certain branded films, so film enthusiasts worry about whether it can be regarded as an alarm for the realm of film photography. Hsiao explained, "Global film markets have shrunk over the past twenty years, so inevitably increased prices are necessary to keep the production line going." Also, certain production lines may be influenced by shortage of materials or consumers’ preferences, so the prices of film are now much higher than decades ago.
“However, at the same time, there are some brands, such as Lomography, that continue to invent new types of film. This shows that some brands can see the prospect of films optimistically, and are willing to invest,” Hsiao added. As for consumers, some of them may give up using film cameras due to high costs, but others may cherish every chance to take film photography even more.
Although film photography seems to have made its way back to the cultural zeitgeist in Taiwan, one thing can’t be ignored: the discontinuation and rising prices of certain branded films, so film enthusiasts worry about whether it can be regarded as an alarm for the realm of film photography. Hsiao explained, "Global film markets have shrunk over the past twenty years, so inevitably increased prices are necessary to keep the production line going." Also, certain production lines may be influenced by shortage of materials or consumers’ preferences, so the prices of film are now much higher than decades ago.
“However, at the same time, there are some brands, such as Lomography, that continue to invent new types of film. This shows that some brands can see the prospect of films optimistically, and are willing to invest,” Hsiao added. As for consumers, some of them may give up using film cameras due to high costs, but others may cherish every chance to take film photography even more.