Analogue photography still has its charm and fans

Wong points to analogue cameras and film for sale at his shop at BDC Commercial Centre.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Nov 15: There’s not much room for error if one only has a limited number of times to take a photo, says photography studio operator Wong Siew Yee, when commenting on using analogue camera and film to take photos.

Wong, a photographer by training, said one cannot simply shoot a photo even if it is just for fun, and this is why it is often challenging for someone to take photos using an analogue camera and film.

“A professional photographer or anybody who does the (analogue) photo shoot would also get excited wanting to know their end product. The anticipation could take a few minutes to days while waiting for the film to be processed in order to get the results,” he said.

Wong, 55, who has been in the photography business for more than 30 years, revealed that in Kuching and notably in West Malaysia, analogue photography is making a comeback.

“There are more enthusiasts in it now. I am not surprised as it could also be a trend where photographers think that using analogue cameras and film is ‘cool’ or ‘real’ photography.

“Honestly, it’s quite a challenge as a photographer with all the technical skills on your equipment, cannot check immediately on the photo taken until the film is processed. There would be an element of surprise attached.

“With digital camera, you can check immediately,and if the picture is not perfect you could delete it,” he explained when interviewed recently by DayakDaily.

Wong, who used to work as a production technician in Singapore, opined analogue photography’s resurgence could be because more photographers want to get better results, and analogue photography forces them to more closely analyse their performance and skills and check the quality of their photographs.

“I believe for these photographers, that would be their ultimate thrill and satisfaction.

Wong Siew Yee

Hailing from Kuching, Wong, who has been operating a photography business since 1994, is familiar with analogue cameras and film and sells analogue cameras and films, in addition to photo processing services and photo studio shoots.

“Ever since the era of digital cameras and new technology, analogue cameras and film became almost non-existent in the mid-2000s. So, we have to adapt to a new kind of photography business.

“I am proud to say that I am the first photography services shop to use a digital machine to process photographs for my customers in Kuching when it came to the market.”

Wong shared that it can be expensive to own an analogue camera and use analogue photo film these days even though they are available.

“Digital camera is sure to stay with more advanced technology. Only a skilled and enthusiastic photographer would want to spend much money and use an analogue camera and film.

“But, if that’s what people want these days, we are here to provide such services,” he said.

Wong’s shop Memories Photo Centre is located at BDC Commercial Centre. For inquiries, call 017-820 4822. — DayakDaily