In recent years, it has become nearly impossible to escape the rise of 2000s fashion (or y2k to micro skirts and low-waisted belt fanatics). But to perfectly fit the aesthetic, the humble digicam cannot be overlooked, offering a nostalgic glow many crave to feature in their latest Instagram photo dump. So, why do we choose to add weight to our bags and red eyes to our pictures when smartphone cameras offer endless possibilities at our fingertips?
As a member of the so-called “Gen Z,” I have seen the collective defiance against the technology we are famed for understanding and providing support with. When we can take hundreds of pictures on a phone or listen to any song from Spotify we instead yearn for the development of photographic film and the faint spinning of a vinyl record. The grass is always greener, right? These parallels with past societies reflect our generation’s desire for our future selves to look back on “the good old days” with our over-exposed and blurry pictures set to enforce a wave of nostalgia. Perhaps we should focus on the now and live in the moment instead of fearing the slippage of time and the need to take photos?
The spotlight on the digicam and photography in general doesn’t just act as a window into society’s nostalgia however, but also our need to be unique and different. Does anyone really hate the frantic downloading of pictures after a night out or do we all reel in the reliance it creates as the group chat hassles you for images? Furthermore, with each type of camera (don’t even get me started on digital vs film), the case or decoration and final editing, a choice is made. This choice reflects the photographer. So ultimately, the attached “coolness” or “aesthetic” that comes with photography is down to our self expression, one which we take in our stride.
But savouring the quintessential university experience doesn’t have to be all about snapping a shot and leaving it at that. Taking inspiration from the crafty side of social media, scrapbooking, collaging or decorating your room with pictures (if you weren’t already forced to fill student accommodation pin boards) is the perfect way to actively engage with photos (cue eye roll, I know). Scrapbooking can be considered cringy or overlooked, but I found it joyous looking back through the way-too-many photos I took while travelling, pritt-stick and washi tape in hand. Now, I can’t recommend scrapbooking enough.
Ultimately, I unite with those of you taking traditional photography and scrapbooking in your stride and enjoy taking note of how it reflects our society and personalities in a time of ever evolving technology. After all, I’d much rather be flicking through a photo album ten years down the line than scrolling through my camera roll.
Photo by sarandy westfall on Unsplash