As a photographer who has experienced both the pre-digital era and the rise of digital photography, I’ve witnessed firsthand how dramatically things have changed.

In the days of film photography, every shot was precious. Loading film rolls into my camera, I knew I had a limited number of exposures. Each click of the shutter was a calculated decision, requiring a deep understanding of manual settings like aperture, shutter speed, and focus. The process didn’t end with taking photos; developing film in the darkroom was an art in itself. I spent hours carefully following each step, waiting to see if my efforts had paid off. Sharing those photos meant physically mailing prints or inviting friends and family over to view albums, creating a slower, more intimate way of sharing memories.

The digital revolution changed everything. Suddenly, I could take as many photos as I wanted without worrying about film costs. Instantly reviewing and deleting photos on my camera’s screen was a game-changer, allowing me to make adjustments on the fly and capture the perfect shot. This instant feedback encouraged more experimentation and creativity.

Digital photography also brought the convenience of storage and sharing. Instead of bulky albums and boxes of prints, I could store thousands of images on my computer or in the cloud. Sharing photos became effortless, connecting me with a global audience with just a few clicks.

However, I sometimes miss the slower, more deliberate pace of film photography. Handling film and working in the darkroom felt special, each print a unique piece of art crafted with care. The discipline required for film photography fostered a different kind of mindfulness and artistry.

Digital photography has undoubtedly made capturing and sharing moments easier and more accessible, democratizing the art form and allowing anyone with a smartphone to become a photographer. This explosion of creativity is wonderful, but the sheer volume of images can sometimes feel overwhelming.

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Having lived through both eras, I appreciate the benefits of digital photography while cherishing the skills and experiences I gained from the film era. Each has its own unique magic, and together, they have shaped me into the photographer I am today.

Prompted By Joelcy Kay (Editor) “digital photograph“ ChatGPT4.0