On Early Photographic Processes and the Perks of Going Analogue

“I think it’s impossible for us today to imagine what a revelation the first photographs would’ve been to people…”

In today’s modern world, the rate of the advancement of photographic technology has gotten so competitive and cut-throat, that an average person would find it difficult to keep up. Sometimes, you find yourself dropping a substantial amount to get the latest and most advanced gear, but then later find out that something better, faster, and sharper is already on the horizon.

Perhaps, what makes our chosen medium more special – that is, film and analogue – is that the pressure to have the most cutting edge or sophisticated tools is not at all blatant and suffocating. We are able to enjoy a wide selection of tools and techniques, and enjoy an infinite spectrum of results thanks to the countless combinations we can create by pairing up a camera with a roll of film of our choosing.

But that’s not all. If we choose to, we can also make use of the techniques that the earliest of photographers have done. By acquiring the needed materials, we can create images on tin plates, silver, platinum, and many others and in varying sizes.

It should also be noted that the analogue medium enables us to have the small luxury of taking a step back to study more about the process and actions, and learn how to execute them properly.

Having said that, every Monday starting next week, we would like to share a mini-series of articles dedicated and inspired by 6-part video series by the George Eastman House involving the different photographic processes used throughout history – it’s equal parts fascinating and highly educational, and it’s sure to renew your appreciation for photography, so stay tuned!

You might also like:

• A Brief History of Photography: Innovations in Chemistry by Bytesize Science
• Lost Memories: A Short Film by Francois Ferracci
• Pilgrimage: Visiting and Recreating History
• Preserving History: Daguerreotypes and Nanotechnology
• National Geographic: The Last Roll of Kodachrome

written by geegraphy on 2013-02-07 #lifestyle #history #developing #classic #vintage #analogue-photography #news #analogue-cameras #editorial-series #george-eastman-house