While attending the Kodak gallery in Bradford, I came to appreciate the history of analog photography further. From my practice being solely based within the four walls of a studio, where I have the ability to change and alter anything at any given time, whilst  I appreciate the speed and immediacy of it. I  find great value and calmness from the analog process. The commercial practice offers precision, control, and instant results, demanded by the client’s fast turnaround times and the work needing to fit specific brand identity, making it ideal for high-volume shoots, allowing me as the photographer to perfect every detail.

However, I believe there is a unique ability that only analog photography holds, and that is the patience and intentionality it teaches. The unpredictability of working with film makes the connection to the final image feel more physical and personal, and the surprise I get after I receive a roll back from developing has a sense of magic that digital photography cannot replicate, ultimately taking me back to the scene where I took the photo. Whilst I will continue to work professionally after graduation in the commercial field, I will continue to take myself back to the slow, immersive process of analog photography. Offering myself valuable lessons in artistry, framing and craftsmanship, which may also influence my digital work.

Both commercial and analog photography have their place, and I find myself equally passionate about both. The precision of commercial work and the raw beauty of analog methods are not opposing force, they complement each other. When I’m working in a commercial studio, I appreciate the fast-paced nature where I can explore creative possibilities within a controlled setting. But, as I step back into the world of analog photography, I continue to embrace the slower, more contemplative process that reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.