The Resurgence of Film Photography
photo courtesy of @dianasfilmdiary instagram
It began with the resurgence of cropped jeans and bomber jackets. Next, we rediscovered the marvels of record players and vinyl. But our infatuation with the past has been taken to the next level as we now see film photography on almost every social platform thinkable. How funny is it that although we live during a time where everything is available to us instantaneously, somehow waiting two weeks to get disposable photos printed is something many people are willing to do. Why is film photography suddenly so popular again, and why do so many of our trends seem to bring us back into the past?
Remember when everyone was buying Fujifilm polaroid cameras from Urban Outfitters? Those little pastel cameras were the thing to have back in 2017, and we are sure if you talk to one of your ~hip~ friends today, at least one is bound to still have the prized treasure. Since most of us grew up in the early 2000s, we were used to seeing our photos through a screen. This trend allowed us to finally own physical copies of photos to hold in our hands, stick on our walls, or give to friends. With almost everything being based online now, it is nice to have something that doesn’t exist in the cloud along with everything else we document.
photos courtesy of @davidsdisposable instagram
Not only are polaroid cameras trendy as of late, but film and disposable cameras have also increased in popularity over the past few months. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and David Dobrik have been seen posting film photos on their Instagram’s, even though they may be the last people in the world who would need to use the economical device. David Dobrik’s disposable photos of him and friends have actually become so popular that he made a second Instagram account called @davidsdisposable, which has garnered 2.5 million followers since its first post in June 2019. Many people have followed suit and created their own second accounts just for the film. This love for faded and grainy photos isn’t new, however. With all the ‘vintage’ themed filters and photo editing apps, many people have already found ways to make today look like yesterday.
Sometimes even in the age of instant everything, we still enjoy going back in time to slow things down and reminisce. The feeling of holding a tangible, developed photo makes the memories captured within appear much more authentic. Now, do we still need them? No. But will we continue to go out and buy them? Hell yes. Things get replaced and technology advances, but eventually everything that gets old will go from being “lame” to “vintage” at some point in time. Keep an eye out for the vintage juuls due to launch 40 years from now!