Film photography is on the rise and more people are seeing it as a new way to share experiences.
The lo-fi lomography movement has converted some digital users to film, bringing back the 1960s feel of older toy cameras like the Diana or Holga. The movement, started by Viennese students in 1992, has brought back the production of several older cameras and has also made new tools and digital platforms for sharing film photos online.
Nick Devost, a student at the University of New Brunswick, thinks film photography is becoming more popular because of technology.
“Apps like Instagram have brought back the feel of film photography,” Devost said.
Though Instagram, Camera+ and Retromatic may have helped peak the interest of using film, some have said the recent rise of the hobby was expected just as simply as trends have made their way back into our lives, like old school video games and high waisted jeans.
For some it’s hard to understand why people are beginning to appreciate film over a digital format when digital is much easier.
“It’s a lot more involved than digital photography. You have to have an idea of what’s happening around you, it’s not something you can just click away at and figure out later,” said Devost.
Even though it’s fun, using film can bring some challenges. Jerry-Faye Flatt, a Saint John artist, explained the pains of using a film camera.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You’ll make some shitty rolls of film. You might even get back a roll and none of them even turned out, but when you get something good, the memory will last a lifetime.”
As popularity of film photography increases there are fewer places to develop film. Flatt says finding a camera is the easy part.
“Buy a roll of film, pop it in any camera from Value Village and you will love what you get back,” Flatt said.
Many amateur and professional photographers find they have better, more intimate experiences when shooting with film.
“When I went to Osheaga in Montreal, I took only my film camera because digital wasn’t allowed. It really pushed my shooting skills. I took it everywhere I went,” said Flatt.
