The very first Kodak film camera was offered for sale in 1888, so why do people still care about a form of photography over a century outdated?

I don’t think there’s one easy explanation for the re-emergence of film, but according to Axios Raleigh, “film cameras, like the Canon A2E and the Nikon N8008, saw their prices shoot up by 80% between 2019 and 2021.” 

Undeniably, there’s an excitement that comes with waiting for your photos to be developed. But one thing is for certain: film brings together professional and amateur photographers.

There’s something nostalgic about the imagery that film produces. 

It postpones the instant gratification that comes with digital photography and allows people to relish in more moments of life. 

It subtracts the stress of capturing the perfect photo and instead encapsulates the memories for later days. 

In the 1990s it was very popular for wedding receptions to scatter disposable cameras throughout the venue to allow guests to capture their own memories. 

It doesn’t take a professional to operate a disposable camera, which increases the appeal. Point, shoot and make sure your finger isn’t covering the lens!

Not only does film photography have appeal because of its simplicity, but the vintage appearance of the end results are almost dreamy. 

They don’t require any extra editing or enhancements from Photoshop or apps such as VSCO. Their retro essence need not be touched. 

With the huge presence of social media, it’s no surprise that celebrities have played a hand in the spike of film camera “hype.” 

For instance, according to Analog Jan, model Kendall Jenner has been accredited for the surge in price  of the Contax T2, which was originally released in 1990. 

Apparently, you’d be considered lucky if you stumbled across this camera for less than $1,000.

Renowned model Gigi Hadid, like Kendall Jenner, also dedicates her free time to the art of film photography, but with a disposable instead. 

She even created a separate Instagram account titled “Gisposable” to publish inside content on her life. 

Warning: Gigi’s pastel-esque shots of her celebrity friends may give you a case of FOMO (fear of missing out). 

Film provides an opportunity for those using it to live in the moment. Getting film back is like a love letter. 

There’s no greater feeling than sifting through printed pictures in hand, reminiscing  memories from just weeks ago. 

Plus, you do not have to be a celebrity with a separate Instagram account for your photos.

Stuff a camera in your back pocket and enjoy the freedom of capturing moments without having to worry about whether or not they turned out. Trust the process. 

Just remember to point, shoot and keep your finger off of the lens.