Analogue photography has been around for ages, but has only recently caught the attention of new generations of photographers, and reignited a spark in the hearts of those who grew up with it. So whether you are re-familiarising yourself or learning something new, here is a list of essential things that make it easier (and more fun!) to engage in analogue photography.

Cameras

Any photography, beginner or otherwise, needs a good camera to produce the work that they want. It doesn’t have to be expensive; as long as it does what the photographer wants it to do, it is a good camera.

Pick up at Open Eye Gallery independent shop:

Harman Ilford XP2 Super Single Use Camera. This camera has 27 exposures and features a built-in flash, C41 processing and 400 ISO film.

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay. This camera is compact and affordable, with on-demand instant photo printing.

Ilford Sprite 35-II Camera. This camera has a fixed shutter speed (1/120s) and features a built-in flash with a 15-second
recycle time for night time shooting.

Polaroid NOW. An iconic camera that comes with autofocus, a self-timer, and double exposure.

Film

An analogue camera needs film to work! An obvious point, but it is worth knowing about the choices available to you. Pick up at Open Eye Gallery independent shop:

Ilford Delta 3200 Black & White 36 exp 35mm
Kentmere 100 Black & White 24 exp 35 mm
Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White 36 exp 35 mm
Kentmere 400 Black & White 24 exp 35 mm
Fujifilm Instax Mini Film
Polaroid I-Type (Black & White; Colour)
Polaroid Originals 600 (Black & White; Colour)

Developing chemicals

If you like to develop your own film or would like to dabble into it, we have a range of chemicals to get started. Here are some we have available:

Ilford ID11 Developer
Ilford Ilfostop
Ilford Rapid Fixer
Ilford Simplicity Starter Pack
Ilford Ilfosol 3
Ilford Ilfotol Wetting Agent
Ilford Multigrade Developer

Books, Magazines and Zines

We all need a bit of inspiration from time to time. These books and magazines can act as guides or plant an idea, however you choose to use them:

Analogue Photography: Reference Manual for Shooting Film. A practical reference guide for those interested in the fundamentals of film photography, this book can help you understand the ins and outs of your camera and use it efficiently and effectively. It can be accessed in a linear or non-linear way.

The Ultimate Film & Darkroom Workbook. The Ultimate Film and Darkroom Workbook is a tool to help create a unique record of your photographic adventures. It isn’t your standard instruction manual or photography guide, rather it is a unique space to record and plan, journal your ideas, log your shoot, process & print settings and also to reflect on your practice so that you can become more confident and improve over time.

Lydia Goldblatt: Still Here. A book featuring a series of work from 2010-2013, it explores the transitional experience of the artist’s parents as they age, and stems from a desire to address the inevitable changes wrought by her elderly father’s approaching death.

Masako Tomiya: Kito. The artist explores themes of home, identity, family, transmission and the passing of time, in the backdrop of nature and seasonal transformation. The book features self-portraits and captures the daily life of the women in the artist’s family.

Aesthetica. This is an art and culture magazine and focuses on today’s most innovative practitioners across art, design, photography, architecture, music and film.

Courses and Workshops

Courses are a great way to dip your toes into the world of photography without committing to it, and figuring out what you like. Some courses and workshops to start off are:

Introduction to Darkroom by dot-art. A one-day workshop designed for those who wish to print their film photos on their own in the darkroom.

Analogue Photography Weekend by dot-art. A two-day workshop taking beginners through the whole process of shooting and developing black and white film.

Process and Print Day Workshop by Little Vintage Photography. This workshop introduces you to processing by hand and printing your own negatives.

Additional Analogue Photography Techniques by Little Vintage Photography. Choose to learn and focus on one technique out of the options of cyanotype, pinhole, large format and darkroom.

Love your Camera by Perfect Photo Company. A one-day course designed to demystify your camera controls.

All cameras, film, chemicals and books listed here are available in our independent bookshop at Open Eye Gallery, open Tuesday – Sunday, 10AM – 5PM

Text and Images by Aditi Shah