Saved by Keely Adler
‘You only have one shot’: how film cameras won over a younger generation
“I feel so much more drawn to film because it’s so much more exciting,” she says. “There’s an element of surprise, and unknowing and creativity.”
The Guardian • ‘You only have one shot’: how film cameras won over a younger generation
For Shields, it’s the solace in “staying present” and an uncertain outcome, which to her “feels like magic” – unlike when she uses her phone.
The Guardian • ‘You only have one shot’: how film cameras won over a younger generation
The lack of instant feedback is important for Jayaraj. “When you’re taking photos on your phone, it’s almost like you’re disconnected to what you’re actually doing – when you’re standing there hammering that camera button, you can kind of manipulate the scene or the situation you’re in … you can keep retaking it until you’re happy with it.”
The Guardian • ‘You only have one shot’: how film cameras won over a younger generation
It yields surprises, at a time when there aren't many to be had. “During the lockdown, one joyful thing I had was sending my film away to get it developed. That was something to look forward to when there wasn’t anything else, even if I had no idea what I had taken photos of because I hadn’t been doing anything,”
The Guardian • ‘You only have one shot’: how film cameras won over a younger generation
Jayaraj is not the only Gen Z member using film as an antidote to digital fatigue. Since finding film, she has watched it rise in popularity within her own friendship circle.