The benefits of going analog.

Hello and welcome back, no need to remind you but I did  indeed miss last weeks blog. But hey, here we are about to ramble on about something that came to me on a dark and early morning run. For some background I recently picked up a 35mm film camera and took it to Europe and since being back in Bali i have really noticed some aspects of myself and the way I appreciate moments a little more. So this week’s blog will speak about those findings and the beauty of capturing a moment.

(Corfu, Greece 2025 )

The first thing that comes to mind is how different we collect moments and memories to the past generations. Imagine you had to pay for each photo on your phone before you got to see it? I’d imagine you would be a lot more intentional with what you choose to point your phone at and we would all have about 5949370 less photos in our photo roll. 

My mom has a collection of photo albums that include her mother’s collection of photo albums and somehow she knows who’s who in a sepia toned family photo from 60 years ago. She will take out photos from behind their sticky clear shield on the page and usually the date and some brief reminder will be written in beautiful handwriting on the backside. Two completely lost arts, printed photos and beautiful handwriting. 

(My Grandma after winning a typewriting contest )

I love the thrill side of the reveal as much as the focused intention that is brought foreward when shooting with an analog camera. I look for angles, pay more attention to light and how I imagine the photo to look. Granted it’s about 1% of the time the photo comes out how I had imagined it in my mind. My camera also doesn’t have zoom so there is an added element of space involved in capturing the moment you wish. While on my iPhone I’m zooming in, switching modes and taking 6 photos of one subject knowing damn well that I’ll never look at that sunset photo again.

(Uyuni, Bolivia 2017)

When I receive the photos back there is a slight dopamine hit in anticipation for seeing what worked and it’s such a nice surprise when photos turn out or how a light leak changes the whole thing. I can understand why certain photos didn’t work and how a certain film has its own characteristics that make things interesting. There is a certain timeless beauty behind film. The whole process is very special.

If I can pin point a few takeaways or ways this little camera has impacted me I would start with the speed at which I move through life. Im not as rushed, I slow down and am almost seeking out moments of light, moments of life and love. It makes me really appreciate the moment. Although they are all fleeting the analog camera is so honest in the way it captures and shares the moments I choose to stop for.

(A collection of photos from Cycling through Bolivia 2017 )

This little camera also brings me so much gratitude for my family, friends and the moments we get to share together. In the actual moment itself and then again a week later when the film is developed we get to relive them. 

So, if you find yourself bored, uninspired or just simply not appreciating your surroundings I would suggest investing into a simple 35mm camera. Go out as a naive amateur and figure it out. Learn how to ask people if you can take their photo. Take pictures of your friends and little moments you find special. I really think It can help bring us into a space of appreciation and a slow down the pace at which the world is moving around us. 

Don’t forget to SMILE!

Hope to catch you for a coffee and run sometime soon,

Big love.

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