Chasing moments, not megapixels
You know that moment - you pull out your smartphone, point it at your subject, and start tapping the shutter like you’re playing a video game. Dozens of shots fly by in a second, all in the hope that one will have just the right lighting, a sharp focus, and if you’re lucky - no one blinking.
Diana Mini and a flat white at a local coffee shop.
Sure, you can edit them after. Adjust the brightness, throw on a filter, maybe blur the background just right (cool kids refer to them as bokeh). But somewhere along the way, it starts to feel less like capturing a memory and more like manufacturing one. The intention behind each shot - the mindfulness, the pause, the choice - is often lost.
Don’t get me wrong I’m all for the tech. Modern digital cameras, from DSLRs to smartphones, are nothing short of amazing. Add AI into the mix and you’ve basically got a pocket-sized photography assistant ensuring every snap is social media ready.
But there’s something about film. Something tactile. Something deliberate. It’s what keeps pulling me in deeper.
There’s even a whole community on Reddit (r/AnalogCommunity, if you’re curious) where people share their passion for film photography. It’s far from a forgotten art - if anything, it’s quietly thriving, held up by those who still believe in slowing down and savouring the process.
I’m starting my own journey with a beginner-friendly camera: the Diana Mini by Lomography. This little plastic wonder has been sitting on our shelf since we picked it up in Hong Kong 15 years ago. Now, I’m finally putting it to the test.
Why the Diana Mini? In my mind, if I can coax some decent images out of this humble little camera, then I’ll feel ready to move on to something more advanced. It’s simple: four focus zones, a single shutter speed, and a manual option if I feel brave. That’s it. No screen, no instant feedback. Just me, a roll of film, and a little bit of hope.
So here I go. Back to basics. Slower, quieter, more thoughtful. I’ll post some results in my next entry.