The Allure of 'Emo' Created by Inconvenience That Captivates Gen Z | Knowledge #126
Cover photo by Yukihiro
In an era dominated by digital technology, film cameras are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially among Gen Z. While smartphones and digital cameras allow for easy capture of beautiful photos, the unique effort and unpredictability of film are praised as 'emo', attracting attention as a fresh experience.
Moreover, new ways of using film, such as saving developed data on smartphones, are becoming established in the digital age.
The Magic of 'Emo' Created by Inconvenience
Digital photos are appealing because you can instantly check the results, but with film photos, you won't know the outcome until they're developed. This extra step is refreshing for Gen Z, who find the unpredictable results, including failures, to be 'emo'.
Additionally, the warm tones and grainy textures unique to negative film bring out a richness not found in perfect digital photos, adding personality to the work and gaining popularity.
Enjoying Film Photography through SNS and Digitalization
A characteristic of the film camera boom is the ease of digitalizing photos without printing them and sharing them on social media. Cameras that don't capture perfect images, like the Olympus 'μ' series, are particularly favored, enjoying high popularity thanks to influencers.
More young people are discarding developed negatives and enjoying only the data, integrating film photography into daily life in a new digitalized form.
Savoring a Slow, Analog Experience in the Digital Age
Another charm of film photography is the 'slow shooting experience', which contrasts with the 'speed' of digital. The risk of failure and waiting time make each shot more meaningful.
For Gen Z, the process of carefully considering the composition and waiting for the results enriches the heart and is the reason they are captivated by the 'emo' of film.
