In with the old, out with the new

Polaroid cameras have progressively turned into antiques over the past decade. Along with black and white film development, Polaroid cameras have been replaced with new up-to-date image capturing devices such as DSLR's, and even the more common iPhone. These tools have made capturing images much easier and cheaper. But are these devices draining the originality of the art of photography?

Many 'old fashioned' individuals try to stay true to the pure methods of photography. Additionally, there has been a growing interest in these older techniques among younger aspiring photographers. But, these keen photo enthusiast are faced with the same issue that surrounds most dying art forms, extremely hefty costs.

I can guarantee that once in your lifetime, you will hear a photographer complaining about 'everyone being photographer'. They fear that the value of the photo profession is being weakened by the increased sense of ease and accessibility with the growing technology of our time. Our phones now have cameras that captured images 10x better than most compact cameras. Shows how far we've come since the camera obscura. Furthermore, we no longer need to rely on a dark room with its chemicals. Now, all that needs to be done is to upload the images onto a computer and click a few buttons. If the photographer was feeling adventurous, the photo can also be cropped, darkened, brightened, and manipulated on devices smaller than a human hand.

Yes, any average Joe can point, click and record a bird sitting on a fence, but there is a lot more to the candid nature of photography. Particularly in film photography, where every exposure is timely thought out to the finest detail. There is such a strong sense of patients and awareness that has be adopted by the one holding the camera. A photographer needs to have the ability to turn the everyday image into something truly remarkable and one of a kind. The details of planet earth are over emphasised when looking through a lens, and it is the ones that can utilize this sight that stand out from the crowd.

The increasing trend of younger generations exploring older techniques in photography has given hope to a somewhat deflated art form. More college students are seen in the dark room, and more students are investing in older devices such as the classic Polaroid. There is just something about the vintage style of the exposures on instant film that strikes such an attraction in younger adults, especially college students. Plus, witnessing the film process right in front of your eyes is something truly amazing.