Hello everyone, and welcome to this first blog post dedicated to the fascinating world of photography! I’m thrilled to take you on this journey through a series of articles where we’ll explore a variety of topics, from equipment to techniques, history, and current trends. I plan to publish regularly and am completely open to your suggestions for topics, so don’t hesitate to subscribe to stay informed about all the updates!
A Trip Down Memory Lane: From Film to Digital
If we go back to photography in the 80s, film was undoubtedly king. Iconic cameras (Canon AE-1, Nikon F3, Minolta X-700, etc.) captivated enthusiasts from all walks of life. Developing photos was done in labs, with that little touch of magic brought by the darkroom and the unmistakable smell of chemicals. At that time, mastering technique and settings (shutter speed, aperture, film sensitivity) was essential to get your shots right the first time—there was no “quick look” on an LCD screen!
Then came the major shift to digital in the 90s and 2000s. The very first consumer digital cameras weren’t exactly groundbreaking: limited resolution, lag times, weak batteries... But manufacturers quickly understood the massive potential of digital: it’s simple, fast, and above all, you can shoot almost endlessly. From that point on, photography took on a whole new face.
Technical Evolutions... and a New Relationship With Images
With the transition to digital, technology evolved significantly: increasingly powerful sensors, ultra-fast autofocus, built-in stabilization, incredible ISO ranges... The photographic workflow was also completely transformed. Today, you shoot, transfer directly to a computer or smartphone, edit, and share on social media. The result? Photography is everywhere and accessible to everyone.
This near-instant access to images has created a different relationship with photography. On one hand, we’ve gained freedom and immediacy. On the other hand, there’s sometimes a tendency to “spray and pray,” risking neglect of composition, lighting, and creativity. The sheer volume of digital images can make selection and archiving challenging, even discouraging.
Film Isn’t Dead Yet!
A surprising comeback: film photography, far from disappearing, has experienced a resurgence over the past decade. Not only has it found an audience in artistic circles and collectors, but there’s also renewed interest among young photographers seeking the authenticity of film. Instant films like Polaroid have made a major comeback with retro-inspired ranges and looks that are hugely popular.
In the art market, original film prints have become true collector’s items, valued for their unique character and the artisanal process behind them. This trend proves that even in the digital era, the charm of film remains alive and precious.
The Challenges of Digital Photography for Amateurs
While digital photography has opened many doors, it’s also brought its share of small headaches:
The tech race: Cameras are updated at lightning speed, and keeping up (financially and technically) isn’t always easy.
Photo editing: Mastering software like Lightroom or Photoshop can quickly become time-consuming. From processing RAW files to managing layers, masks, and color corrections, it takes patience and continuous learning.
Storage and archiving: With film, negatives and prints were carefully stored in boxes. With digital, we juggle hard drives, the Cloud, and the risks of failure or data loss. A real puzzle for amateurs who want to safely preserve their work.
Image overproduction: With film, every shot had a cost. With digital, we snap away without much thought, making the sorting process… endless!
Coming Soon on the Blog
Here’s a brief overview of photography’s evolution since the 80s and the challenges that come with it. In the upcoming articles, we’ll dive deeper into various topics:
Technological advancements and their impact on our practice (autofocus, sensors, AI, etc.)
The best software to manage your workflow and edit your photos
Secrets to capturing unique shots, whether digital or film
The role of photography in the art and collector’s world
And most importantly, I’m here to answer your questions and cater to your interests! If there are topics you’d like me to cover or if you’d like to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment and subscribe to this blog. I’ll be publishing regularly, so let’s stay connected!
See you soon for more photographic adventures. Wishing you all great light!
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