We present to you Matcanalog, a new category dedicated to everything about shooting analog and the ever-growing film community.
It’s rather unnecessary to start by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of shooting analog or digital, as each medium has their own distinct features and serves photographers’ particular purposes – what is more “convenient”, more “pretty” or “cooler” is all up to the individual. We always believe no camera is better than the one you have with you, be it a professional DSLR, a vintage Rolleiflex, or simply a smartphone you carry around everyday. However, as we venture further into the world of photography, we realize it is a big mistake to miss the process of shooting and developing films.
First and foremost, as photographers, it is of key importance to get to know the history of the silver-coated plastic sheet that has given birth to a new form of art. Let’s postpone discussing the ‘pleasure’ of shooting film for now, as above all, knowing how to operate a camera manually helps us to understand and control light much more efficiently. Moreover, the specific effects of each camera, type of film or processing method will bring about plenty of experimenting opportunities, pushing the artist to explore their creativity. Just like that, film remains the most important medium in both professional and amateur practice. It is without doubt that the flow of analog photography has always been constant, despite more compact digital products with higher shutter speed out on the market everyday.
As Tram Nguyen has shared with Matca in an interview about photo books: “Perhaps in ‘the age of modern technology’ or ‘age of mechanical reproduction’, the idea of the object and our relationship to us could be considered enhanced. To me, these days everything seems physically far but virtually close – so maybe something you can hold – especially ‘art’ you can hold – is an unusually satisfying experience.” This is perhaps an exact explanation for the loyal following of analog photography, despite the tiresome and uncertain process of this practice.
In this category, we plan to discuss everything about analog processing, from introducing cameras and types of films to guiding how to develop and store films. We hope that you will regard Matcanalog as a source of reference materials in your journey of experimenting with this fundamental and long-lasting photographic medium.
