Stronger than ever – the underlying effects of the return of digital and analogue photography amongst Gen Z

Keys, wallet, phone and … camera?

The basic essentials of my going-out bag peek up at me, but why is there the need for this many devices? For what reason will we, later in the night, grin into the rusty lens of an old digital camera, choosing to ignore our high-tech phones? How come, we as the digital generation, having for the first time ever grown up with technology by our side, decide to resort back to old-school cameras when capturing our favourite moments?

The overwhelming return towards ‘vintage’ photography has been so normalised in recent times, that we don’t stop to consider the meaning behind our retro tendencies. Let’s unpack the phenomenon together.

By being forced to work with what we have got: one shot, we manage to capture the ‘mess’

The blatantly obvious irony in this situation is worth reflecting on. My worn-out camera bashes against my much higher quality iPhone lens in my bag on the dance floor. Yet, the actual pictures taken on said camera will certainly not fail to later meet the appreciation of my Instagram followers. Ironic really, how we purposefully choose to take photographs on an older device, just to then upload them on social media. This is precisely because of that vintage feel they have to them.

The appeal of a camera is easily understandable. Having the knowledge that whatever picture being taken on the camera will have to be sufficient, since there is limited possibility to take more, is ultimately freeing. When I pack my analogue camera, point, and shoot, I get to capture a singular moment. My photo-subjects will not require me to try again or immediately inquire to make sure they are satisfied with their looks in the picture – simply because it is impossible to. This magic of the finite chance to get the ‘perfect’ picture, makes the result, whatever it may be, sufficiently satisfying. By being forced to work with what we have got: one shot, we manage to capture the ‘mess’. Yes, probably someone’s eyes will be closed, or another person will be photographed in the middle of a sentence, but at least the result is utterly real and allows one to portray authenticity. It is precisely this authentic sense of freedom that allows Gen Z to finally let go of our internalised toxic relationship with photography in a rapidly digitalised world.

When constantly being surrounded by an artificial curation of photography, Gen Z is on a quest to find authenticity

The same can absolutely not be said about modern technology and phones. The contrary applies. When placed in front of a phone lens, we all subconsciously become aware of the strive for perfection. This present moment will soon be frozen through 50 different images, of which the best five will be posted on an Instagram feed or TikTok screen accompanied by the perfectly curated soundtrack. The poses we choose to make in the next 10 minutes, will determine the way in which all of our online following, and thus the people around us, perceive us. On one hand, this gives us, to some extent, the control to choose how we present ourselves to the world. However, on the other, this ultimately introduces inauthenticity. The fact that social media and the internet provides space for artificiality, is not a revolutionary thought. It is as obvious as the colour of the sky. Yet, the prevailing and more importantly underlying issue, starts from the get-go: how we choose to capture the moment.

So, it makes sense, that when constantly being surrounded by an artificial curation of photography, Gen Z is on a quest to find authenticity. And they have found their answer by returning to analogue and digital cameras. While some will shake their heads, not understanding why – why choose to take off quality pictures in a world of advanced technology? The why is part of an underlying social phenomenon of our time. Namely, the effects the internet has on the perception of ourselves, both within oneself and towards the outside world.

I will continue to carry my handed-down, rusty Canon with me, taking videos without sound and blurry photographs, because they capture the imperfection of daily life. Although my bag is a bit heavier on nights out, and my Instagram does indeed have a highlight titled ‘film’, I would never change my generation’s rebellion against the artificiality of social media.