Is film making a comeback?
Invitations to go 'back to the future' seem to be popping up everywhere.
Decades after its very public demise, the demand for film (yes, that very analogue method of practicing photography) appears to be making somewhat of a comeback.
Why?
With the remarkably frictionless appeal of digital photography that is available to us these days, why would the clunkiness of film still be commercially appealing to some?
Firstly, let's just clarify something here.
There is no doubt a great temptation to categorise; 'taking pictures with a cellphone', 'taking pictures with a digital SLR / mirrorless camera' and 'taking pictures on a film camera' as all the same thing.
This would be a lazy oversimplification.
The same person may find significant utility in each one of these activities, without questioning the relevance of any of them individually.
'Creating content' is not the same as 'taking a photograph' which is remarkably different to 'shooting with film'.
Each has their place, each offers value.
We would hazard a guess that the re-emergence of film as a means to practice photography is because of a demand from enthusiasts who are keen to explore and develop their picture-taking skillset, free from the technological safety nets that pretty much ensure that anyone can shoot like Herb Ritts.
By intentionally choosing a route of friction instead of the mainstream alternatives, you also choose a deeper level of exploration into the craft, which comes with its own rewards.
Film isn't going to replace digital (to be fair, it doesn't compete against digital), but it still offers unique pleasure to enthusiasts who choose to improve their approach given added processing constraint.
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