Why “Retro” Photography Is Back (and How to Get Started)

They say the best camera is the one you have. But if everyone has at least a decent camera on their phone, why should Gen Z (and really, everyone) be? fascinated by retro photography? Despite the decline of many film, standalone cameras, the beauty and look of old-school photography still has a lot to offer.

When we talk about “retro” photography, there are many things we can say, but there is a specific revival around 80s- and 90s-style gear and aesthetics that we want to focus on. Think Polaroid cameras and automatic point-and-shoots. And if you haven’t yet been drawn to the appeal of tangible photos and nostalgic vibes, let me make the case for why you should.

What is the appeal of retro photography?

There is a tendency to think of camera technology as advancing slowly in the same way. But for creative purposes, it’s often more helpful to think of it in terms of aesthetic time. Each type of camera has unique physical characteristics that contribute to the appearance of the images it creates. And those qualities, over time, become associated with the moments and images they capture.

For one obvious example, consider film grain. Like this video title From the YouTube channel Nerdwriter reviews, film grain was originally an artifact of how film cameras work. However, as it became possible to eliminate film grain, our minds began to associate this grain with old cinema, or the typical “film look”. With more control over how the grain of the film appears in the image, it can be used to create an intentionally chaotic dynamic in an otherwise still-existing format.

This principle applies to virtually every era of camera technology. 90s point-and-shoots, for example, were characterized by harsh, unattractive lights. They often had poor low-light performance, so sometimes a blinding light was the only effective light source. Now, with better cameras and lighting equipment, that look can become an intentional style choice.

Films and instant cameras also provide a visual experience that compels deliberate choice. You may notice that your old family photos have a fuzzy, edited, and there is a reason for that. When you only had twelve opportunities to take a picture, you had to be more careful to make sure that everyone was positioned and in the frame, eyes open, etc. Now, it is easy to take many photos until you find the right one, but going back and using less cameras can force you to go back and think about the picture you want.

And when it comes to instant cameras, there’s nothing quite like the experience of having an instant physical memento. Everyone has piles of photos in their camera roll that they’ll never look at again, but if someone gives you a Polaroid of you and your loved ones, there’s a good chance it’ll make its way onto your fridge or scrapbook.

If nothing else, there’s also something to be said for taking photos without all the AI ​​madness that’s inevitable right now. We have guidelines on how to take photos on Android or iOS without all the junk mail. But that can only go so far. To some extent, every modern smartphone does some kind of digital processing to create a look that appeals to most users. That can result in a bland, generic look that may not be what you want.

These are the best options for retro photography

So, okay, you’re sold on the idea of ​​experimenting with nostalgic divination. Where can you start? The good news here is that you have over a century of camera history to play with. Used camera equipment will be your friend, and you can often find great equipment at low prices either online or at your local photography shop.

Overall, there are several interesting categories of dedicated cameras that you should check out:

• Polaroid type instant cameras. Through a combined bankruptcy, buyout, and restart process, Polaroid is backbut it’s not the only game in town anymore. Fujifilm, Kodak, and Lomography all offer their range of instant cameras which can take pictures and print them instantly.

• Old digital data. Today’s cameras are more geared towards photographers who want a higher level of control. But you can find a lot of cheap, used digital cameras from a couple of the last decades still taking photos It’s amazing that it’s good. In many cases, digital noise or lens artifacts that would have been considered defects when these cameras were new can provide creative opportunities to achieve a certain nostalgic look.

• Old smartphones. The first smartphones from the late 2000s had terrible cameras by today’s standards. But they also lacked much of the AI ​​and advanced processing that has come to rule the world today. You can find cheap, used smartphones on places like eBay for as little as $50, which can be an easy way to find vintage photos without making them.

Some camera accessories—especially when it comes to DSLR and mirrorless camera lenses and accessories—can hold their value for a long time. But there are many different types of used or used camera equipment that offer different looks and feel. When reviewing vintage cameras, pay attention to the unique features of the photos they take, and see how you can use those features to tell a different story.

How to get started with retro photography

Camera and smartphone makers won’t let you forget about their latest and greatest devices, but where do you go to find the best devices of the last decade or two? The used photography equipment market can be scattered and broken, but here are some tips to get you started on your hunt:

• Check out local photo or thrift stores. Few things can be more useful to a photographer than that one shop in town that always seems to have the used lens or home power adapter you need for your camera. And sometimes, if they sell used camera equipment, you can find unique equipment that you can’t find anywhere else. If you develop an ongoing relationship with your camera store, you can get a chance to try out equipment that you may have to buy to try out.

• Search for special sites for camera equipment. You can always find used cameras on regular auction sites like eBay, but for my money, I like to check out specialized sites like. Adorama and The right camera. These sites offer a selection of used camera equipment, and sometimes you’ll find a better selection than you’ll find on eBay. Every once in a while, I’ll round up a cheap used camera section and run through to see what kind of budget options are on offer.

• Join a local photography club. Camera equipment is expensive, but you don’t always need to invest a lot of money to explore different beauty. In many cities, groups of people who are passionate about photography will meet for the photo is moving or just to meet and sell tips. Making friends with other photographers is a great way to learn from each other and even share experiences with each other’s tools.

Even if you don’t want to invest in special camera equipment, it can be a helpful exercise to look back on photos from the past and see what they have in common. Pull out your old family photo albums and compare them to the photos on your phone. Take a movie from your childhood and check how it looks different from the updated version that just came out a few years ago.

In photography—and all art—details matter. Differences in color saturation, noise texture, and even the way a picture is made can convey a whole world of meaning. As you explore the beauty of retro photography, your understanding of modern media can expand, allowing you to better express yourself through the visual arts.