Analog vs. Digital Photography: What Analog Photography Teaches Me

Analog vs. Digital Photography: The Magical Moment of Waiting

One of the most defining experiences of analog photography is the waiting. Seeing the developed images for the first time always feels like a small miracle. Weeks pass without knowing if the shots turned out, and this gap between capturing and reviewing has a unique effect: I can look at the images with fresh eyes.

In digital photography, I deliberately avoid looking at the images immediately. I tape over the screens on my cameras – whether it’s my Fuji X-Pro 1 or 2, Leica M10 (DIY Project M10-D), or my old Canon – and review the images only after several days or weeks. This gap allows me to be more objective. Often, when I finally see the images, I think: Did I really take that picture? This fresh perspective gives my work new depth and helps me detach emotionally from the shoot.

Tip: Bringing Analog into Digital
Try it yourself! Take photos and leave them untouched for a few days or weeks. This lets you view them with a neutral perspective and better evaluate which shots truly stand out.

Learning to See – with Digital Cameras That Retain the Soul of Analog

A key difference between analog and digital photography lies in learning to see. I love digital cameras that feel like analog tools. Cameras like the Fuji X-Pro 1, older DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark I, or my Leica M-10 (DIY modified to an M-10-D) combine the best of both worlds.

These cameras don’t immediately show me the final result but instead let me look through a piece of glass that presents the real world. You learn to see, rather than viewing the finished image on a display or EVF.

I recommend trying one of these cameras to anyone. They offer a completely different way of photographing – one where the process takes center stage and the joy of creating images returns.

Mindfulness in Analog and Digital Photography

In analog photography, every shot is a deliberate act. With only 36 frames on a roll of film, you can’t just shoot aimlessly. I carefully study every subject, check the light, and decide whether the shot is truly worth taking.

I follow the same principle in digital photography. One trick I use is going out with a deliberately limited memory card. This restricts the abundance of digital storage and pushes me to photograph more mindfully.

Nerd Tip: If you can’t find a small memory card, here’s an easy hack: create a large file on your card to artificially reduce its storage capacity. This lets you mimic the analog experience and challenge yourself to make every shot count.

Analog vs. Digital Photography: The Magic of Post-Processing

Analog post-processing in the darkroom is an art form in itself. For a single image, I first need to determine the correct exposure time by creating test exposures – known as strips. Then, I figure out the right contrast, which requires further testing. Every step is a long process for just one image and demands focus and dedication.

With techniques like dodging and burning, specific areas of an image can be lightened or darkened – not with a click but through physical manipulation using stencils or hands. It’s a slow, hands-on process that requires patience and precision.

Today, I use digital tools like Lightroom or Photoshop, but I often think back to these analog roots. The convenience and precision of digital post-processing are remarkable, but I approach it with the same mindful attitude I had in the darkroom: every adjustment must have a clear purpose.

This approach helps me avoid over-editing and preserve the natural impact of my images. Instead of randomly trying filters and effects, I ask myself: How can I highlight the essence of this image?