It is good to read of Sundus Abdi’s renunciation of digital photography as a means to capture the personal and ephemeral aspects of her photographic life (The one change that worked: I began a quiet, satisfying rebellion against the digital age, 10 February). Photography with a smartphone has much to answer for the disposable image, often captured in an instant with little attention.
In contrast, analogue photography, as she states, demands time, patience and thought. It also requires an investment in film and processing, knowing there are only 36 exposures on a roll of 35mm film. It has been hugely encouraging to discover a rise in the number of film-processing laboratories around Britain, which are clearly answering a need. Also, there are now many more new exciting film emulsions on the market.
Digital imaging memory hardware is no match for the photographic scrapbook, which does not require a battery or power supply. Hard-copy prints take on their own existence as part of a continuing historical narrative; something that future historians and librarians will, I’m sure, be thankful for. I wish Sundus Abdi much joy in being part of this ongoing story.
Julius Smit
Eastbourne, East Sussex
I experienced a moment of joy and recognition on reading Sundus’s account. Last year, I decided to give this a try. My refurbished 1970s vintage SLR camera has more than satisfied my inspiration; Sundus is right about the anticipation that comes with the wait for developed pictures, and I’ve also enjoyed learning techniques to improve my results. Every picture is a carefully planned and considered composition, and a learning experience – everything that digital snaps are not. My only concession to digitalisation is a light meter app.
David R Freke
London
This article brought back many happy childhood memories of the anticipation of having my box brownie films developed by the local chemist. The thrill of seeing the successful prints, offset by the not infrequent disappointment of seeing a blank or grainy print, with its attached advisory sticker.
In this increasingly digital age, the traditional family photo album will be a thing of the past. Accessing images stored in a cloud is soulless exercise compared with leafing through a photo album and sharing the memories, however imperfect the pictures may be. Undoubtedly the technology behind all things digital is extremely clever, but with the rapid growth and reliance on apps, we are creating a society that is similarly all image but sadly unreal.
As it always has been, the choice of how we use technology is ours. Let’s hope for all our sakes we choose wisely.
Roger Foster
Ripley, Derbyshire
I read this with real interest because I, too, still use a film camera. The deferral of seeing the result adds to the anticipation and is a throwback to days before instant gratification. Because of this, each picture requires some consideration prior to releasing the shutter, but this can improve your powers of observation. Also, prints that you can hold are far nicer to view and can easily be kept in albums. The simple pleasure of discovering a stash of old photographs is going to become a lot rarer for future generations, which is a shame.
Finally, I also admit to really liking black-and-white photography. I particularly like the effect that it can add to all manner of subjects. It is also easy to develop and print yourself, but now I’m probably entering into nerd territory.
David Baugh
Swanage, Dorset
