Photography | Grain, grit, texture: in a digital world, film photography is thriving

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Within the bustling heart of downtown San Antonio, there's a captivating scene unfolding. Photographer Kat Swansey meticulously positions herself, capturing the essence of the 18th-century De La Garza house, a mere stone's throw from Texas Public Radio's downtown headquarters. In this moment, she's not just taking a photo; she's crafting an art piece, attentively adjusting her vintage camera to achieve the perfect shot.

"It's reminiscent of the landscapes in West Texas," Swansey muses, her hands methodically winding the film after every capture. Her dedication to the analog craft speaks volumes. There's a certain charm in the manual approach she embraces, from meticulously lining up each shot to manually focusing the lens and ensuring the aperture is just right.

Photography

In an age dominated by digital technology, there exists a haven for those who appreciate the authenticity of film. Enter Lomography, a torchbearer of the analog era, providing a vibrant spectrum of film stocks that invite artists to explore and experiment. Birgit Buchart, General Manager of Lomography in the United States, extols the virtues of film's unpredictability, highlighting the exhilaration of receiving developed film back from the lab—each roll, a surprise package of vivid colors and unique perspectives.

Swansey's narrative unfolds further in her latest creation, "Texas Textures." This visual odyssey encapsulates the forgotten relics of Texas—old gas stations, weathered farmhouses, and the nostalgic allure of classic signage. But it's not merely a photography book; it's a historical narrative, a journey back in time woven into each captivating image.

Venturing through the endless vistas of West Texas, Swansey finds solace in the textured grains and occasional dust that finds its way onto her film. To her, these imperfections breathe life into her photographs, enriching them with character and depth. There's a tangible satisfaction in creating something physical, something tangible, with each click of the shutter—a nostalgic sentiment that digital photography often struggles to replicate.

Buchart notes a shifting trend—a resurgence in analog amidst the digital deluge. "The more digitized our world becomes, the more people yearn for the tangible," she observes. Indeed, film photography isn't just a hobby; it's a sensory experience—a tactile journey through tangible moments captured on a roll of film. And it's more accessible than one might think. Affordable cameras and film rolls make it an inviting avenue for those curious about this art form.

For Swansey, film photography isn't just about capturing visuals; it's a passage connecting her with individuals worldwide and unveiling the unseen beauty lurking within the familiar. It's an adventure that reveals hidden stories in places often overlooked—the De La Garza house, a symbol of timeless narratives waiting to be retold through Swansey's lens. In each frame lies a narrative waiting to be discovered anew, a glimpse into a world often missed in the haste of our daily lives.

Source : https://www.tpr.org/arts-culture/2023-09-12/grain-grit-texture-in-a-digital-world-film-photography-is-thriving