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

They say the best camera is the one you have with you. But if everyone has at least a decent camera on their phone, why should Generation Z (or anyone, really) gravitate toward retro photography ? Despite the shortcomings of bulky film cameras, the aesthetics and tactile appeal of old-school photography still have a lot to offer.

When we talk about “retro” photography, we can mean many things, but there’s a clear trend right now of reviving the photographic equipment and aesthetics of the 80s and 90s, and we’d like to focus on that. Think Polaroid cameras and standalone compact cameras. And if the allure of tangible photographs and their nostalgic atmosphere hasn’t yet caught your attention, let me explain why you should.

What is the appeal of retro photography?

There’s a tendency to view the development of photographic technology as a steady, linear progression. But for creative purposes, it’s often more useful to think about it in terms of aesthetic eras. Each type of camera has distinct physical qualities that influence the appearance of the images it produces. And over time, these qualities become associated with the era and the images they capture.

As a particularly illustrative example, consider film grain. As this video essay from the YouTube channel Nerdwriter demonstrates, film grain was originally simply an artifact of film cameras. However, when it became possible to remove it, our brains began to associate this grain with old cinematography or a more general “film look.” With greater control over how—or whether—film grain appears in an image, it can be used to intentionally create chaotic energy in otherwise static footage.

The same principle applies to the aesthetics of photographic equipment of all eras. For example, compact cameras of the 1990s were characterized by harsh, dull lighting. They typically performed poorly in low-light conditions, so sometimes the only acceptable light source was a blinding flash. Now, with the advent of more advanced cameras and lighting equipment, this look can become a conscious stylistic choice.

Film and instant cameras also provide a tangible experience that forces you to make more thoughtful choices. You may notice that many of your old family photos look a bit awkward and staged, and there’s a reason for that . When you only had a dozen or so opportunities to take a photo, you had to be more attentive to making sure everyone was posing and in the frame, their eyes were open, and so on. Now, it’s easy to take dozens of photos until you get the perfect shot, but returning to cameras with limited use can force you to think ahead again about the image you want.

And when it comes to instant cameras, nothing compares to the feeling of instantly receiving a physical souvenir. Everyone has a photo gallery full of photos they’ll never see again, but if someone gives you a Polaroid of you and your loved ones, there’s a good chance it’ll end up on your fridge or in your photo album.

Besides, there’s value in photography without all the now-inevitable AI processing. We have guides on how to take photos on Android or iOS without all that post-processing . But that doesn’t solve all the problems. At some level, every modern smartphone performs digital processing to create a look that appeals to the vast majority of users. The result is a smooth, formulaic look that may not suit you.

These are the best options for retro photographs.

So, you’ve convinced yourself that experimenting with a nostalgic aesthetic is essential. Where do you start? The great news is that you have over a century of photographic history at your disposal. Used camera equipment will become your best friend, and you can often find excellent tools at relatively low prices both online and at local camera stores.

Overall, there are several interesting categories of specialized cameras worth considering:

• Polaroid-style instant cameras. After a complex process of bankruptcy, acquisitions, and relaunches, Polaroid has returned , but it’s no longer the only player in the market. Fujifilm, Kodak, and Lomography offer their own brands of instant cameras that allow you to take photos and print them immediately.

• Classic point-and-shoot digital cameras. Today’s point-and-shoot cameras are more aimed at professional photographers who require a high level of control. But you can find many inexpensive used digital cameras from the last two decades that still produce surprisingly good photos. In many cases, digital noise or lens artifacts, which would have been considered flaws when these cameras were new, can provide creative opportunities for achieving a certain nostalgic effect.

• Old smartphones. The first smartphones of the late 2000s had pretty terrible cameras by today’s standards. They also lacked many of the AI ​​and post-processing features that dominate the market today. On sites like eBay, you can find cheap used smartphones for as little as $50, which can be a convenient way to get authentic photos from the early 2000s without having to fake them.

Some camera equipment—especially lenses and system kits for DSLR and mirrorless cameras—can retain their value for a long time. However, the market offers a wide range of used or vintage camera equipment, each with its own unique look and feel. When exploring vintage cameras, pay attention to the unique characteristics of the photographs they produce and experiment with how to use these characteristics to tell a different story.

How to get started with retro photography

Camera and smartphone manufacturers never let you forget about their latest and greatest gear, but where can you find the best models from ten or twenty years ago? The used camera market can be fragmented and disjointed, but here are a few tips to get you started:

• Check out local camera stores and thrift shops. There’s little more helpful for a photographer than that one store in town that always has a used lens or a brand-name power adapter for their camera. And sometimes, if they accept trade-ins, you can find unique gear you can’t find anywhere else. If you establish a long-term relationship with a local camera store, you might even have the opportunity to test out equipment you’d otherwise have to buy for experimentation.

• Search specialized photography sites. Used cameras are always available on regular auction sites like eBay, but I personally prefer to check specialized sites like Adorama and Precision Camera . These sites offer a wide selection of used camera equipment, and sometimes the selection is even better than eBay. From time to time, I sort the used camera section by lowest price and browse the listings to see what budget options are available.

• Join a local photography group. Camera equipment is expensive, but you don’t always need to spend a fortune to explore different aesthetics. In many cities, photography groups gather for photo walks or simply meet to exchange tips. Making friends with other photographers is a great way to learn from others and even share experiences using equipment.

Even if you don’t want to invest in camera equipment, it’s helpful to look through photos from past years and see what they have in common. Pull out old family photo albums and compare them with the photos on your phone. Pick up a movie from your childhood and see how it differs from the polished version released a couple of years ago.

In photography—and in all forms of art—details matter. Differences in color saturation, noise texture, or even composition can convey a whole world of meaning. As you explore the aesthetics of retro photography, your understanding of modern visual media can expand, empowering you to better express yourself through visual art.

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