Pics- Tejas KudtarkarOn a Saturday morning, a group of photographers traded instant gratification for patience.Armed with vintage film cameras instead of smartphones, they walked through Bandra’s streets capturing florists arranging bouquets, vegetable vendors setting up shop, fading bungalows and colourful walls — everyday scenes that often go unnoticed in the city’s relentless pace.The two-hour analogue photowalk is part of a growing trend among young photographers and creatives who are rediscovering film photography.In an era of unlimited digital clicks, analogue photography is offering something increasingly rare: the need to slow down.“People are craving experiences that make them more present,” said Vishal Kullarwar, founder of The Panchrome Project, which regularly hosts film photography walks across Mumbai. “A lot of people are unsure to shoot on their own. When you come with a group, you learn from others, experience new things and gain confidence.”Unlike digital cameras, film offers no instant previews or endless retakes. Every roll has a limited number of frames, forcing photographers to think carefully before pressing the shutter.“Most of the equipment we use consists of vintage cameras that are no longer in production. You only see the results after the film is developed, and that completely changes the way you shoot. After every walk, weprocess the films, scan them and review the images together,” Kullarwar said.The walks attract a diverse mix of participants — from seasoned photographers and cinematographers to complete beginners. Some bring family heirloom cameras, while others borrow film cameras from the organisers to experience analogue photography for the first time.Entrepreneur Rahul Parmar shared, “I love photography, but this is my first photowalk. My girlfriend is into photography, and we thought it would be a great activity to do together.”For marketer Akshay Gurnani, who spent nearly two decades shooting digitally before switching to film, analogue photography has reshaped his perspective. “With digital, you can keep clicking endlessly. With analogue, I slow down and become more mindful about every frame,” he said.Visual designer Srishti Pabra takes along a film camera that once belonged to her grandfather, adding a personal connection to the experience. “Film photography makes you pause and think before you capture a moment,” she said. “What you feel in that moment is what you get.”
What is Analogue Photography?Analogue photography uses film instead of a digital sensor to capture images. Photographs can only be viewed after the film is developed and processed. With a limited number of shots per roll, photographers must be more thoughtful and deliberate. Many film enthusiasts today use vintage cameras that are no longer manufactured.
Shooting on old cameras requires patience. We’re moving away from physical things because of AI and digital technology. This brings back older ways of creating and helps preserve creativity and art– Idika Kothari, healthcare professional
