Though much of today’s world is centered around the latest in technology, many students in Photography I still prefer old-school cameras over digital ones.
According to photography teacher Leon Kestenbaum, the difference between analog and digital cameras is drastic.
“Even though they both come under the heading of photography, they really are like two separate mediums,” said Kestenbaum.
Kestenbaum said most students come into Photography I without much experience with photography, and that over the course of the semester, students gain an understanding of the possibilities of both analog and digital cameras.
When using analog cameras to create a photo, students take a roll of pictures on film. To develop them, students put the film in chemicals located in the class’ darkroom. Later, the images are cut into strips and placed in an enlarger, a projector that creates photographic prints.
To create photos digitally, students in the class takes pictures on a digital camera, import them onto a computer, and use Adobe Photoshop to edit and enhance them. Senior Dougie Yu said he likes to use an analog camera because it allows him to show a contrast in color, specifically black and white.
Yu also said he likes the skill required in order to capture a photo using analog cameras.
“You have to find the right location to take your picture. Then you have to set up your shot, find the right angle and set up your camera to the right shutter speed, the right f-stop,” said Yu. “Everything has to be perfect in order for you to take your picture.”
Sophomore Tahira Saalik said that using an analog camera, though time-consuming, is rewarding. She said getting to use the darkroom as a reason for her liking analog cameras.
Saalik recently used an analog camera to capture a photo of the Prudential Tower and the Fenway Park scoreboard while attending the Frozen Fenway hockey games. She said she wanted to use an analog camera because the lighting was so interesting.
For sophomore Brittany Nagle, it is all about freedom of expression. An analog camera, she says, grants her that.
“You can do so much with just one photo,” said Nagle. “I think it’s really cool.”
Matthias Muendel can be contacted at [email protected].
