Introduction
What is it about analog aesthetics that makes everything feel more alive? For me, there’s something powerful about the raw, unfiltered feel of vintage photography—it’s like each photo tells a story all on its own, with imperfections that feel as real as life itself. Growing up in New York City, I’ve been drawn to capturing moments in ways that feel honest and timeless, just like my favorite films. I’ve always believed that a good image, like a good movie, should make you feel something real and unpolished. Digital photos have their place, but vintage film somehow brings out that quiet beauty we often overlook in the chaos of everyday life.
I’m Nico, a film fanatic and screenwriter at heart. While my main passion is storytelling through film, I’ve recently fallen in love with the analog aesthetic, especially in photography. It reminds me of classic cinematography, where every shot has purpose and emotion. There’s a whole art to capturing moments when you know you won’t be able to edit them a thousand times. It’s raw, unpredictable, and—just like the best movies—full of feeling. Here’s why I think analog aesthetics are more than just a trend; they’re an art form that connects us with the past in ways we didn’t even realize we missed.
1. The Beauty of Imperfection
Digital photography often strives for that “perfect” shot, but with analog, perfection isn’t the goal. Every shot has its own unique flaws—slight blurs, grainy textures, and unpredictable lighting—that give it character. It’s like watching an old film where the harshness and grain add to the mood, making each frame feel like it has its own soul. These subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle imperfections are always a breath of fresh air, reminding me that beauty isn’t always found in what’s flawless but in what feels genuine and alive.2. The Power of Slowing Down
With digital cameras and smartphones, we’re snapping hundreds and hundreds of photos without really thinking about them - there's just no..."plan." But with analog, you’re forced to slow down. You have to set up each shot, consider the lighting, and think about what you’re trying to capture, almost like planning a scene in a screenplay. Each detail matters, and there’s no “undo” button, so you’re fully present in the moment. Just like crafting a scene, analog photography is about intention and focus.3. A Story in Every Frame
Every time I look at old family photos or film prints, they feel like scenes straight from a movie—stories that happened before my time, preserved exactly as they were. Each print captures not just the people or places, but the atmosphere and emotion, like they’re frozen in time. When I shoot analog, I’m not just taking a picture; I’m telling a story in a single frame, which feels like the most cinematic way to document life. It’s like creating visual “scenes” from my life, each one adding to a larger narrative.
4. A Bridge to the Past
Analog photography connects us to a world we sometimes only experience through old movies or family stories. For me, shooting on film feels like a nod to my heritage, a way of honoring my family’s stories in a modern way. My dad used to tell me stories about New York when he was younger, and through analog, I feel like I’m capturing my own version of his world, with that same cinematic feel. It's the closest I get to traveling back in time. There’s something grounding about it, as if I’m creating my own visual history.5. The Surprise Factor
One of the absolute best parts of analog is the waiting—after taking a roll of film, you don’t get to see the results right away. It’s like anticipating the release of a new movie, where you don’t know if the end product will be exactly what you envisioned. When I get my prints back, it’s always a mix of excitement and surprise; some shots turn out completely different from what I expected, and that makes them even better. It reminds me of film screenings, where you wait to see how a scene plays out and adds its own twist to the story. One thing I can honestly say for certain is that I've never been disappointed. I never correlate "Different" with "Bad." The sublime is always hiding just out-of-sight.6. Texture and Depth
Analog has a certain texture and depth that digital photos just can’t replicate. The graininess, the contrast, and the way light leaks onto the film all add a richness to the image. It reminds me of older films shot on actual film stock—the aesthetic feels layered, almost like you can touch the memory it captured. Just as my favorite movies create atmosphere with every frame, analog photos create that same depth, drawing you in with every detail.7. Nostalgia for Moments Not Yet Lived
There’s a reason analog feels so romantic. When I take a photo on film, it’s like I’m capturing not just the moment itself but also the feeling of remembering it. It’s almost like watching a movie set in a different era; analog aesthetics give everything a timeless quality, allowing you to look back on memories with a sense of nostalgia even as you’re making them. They remind me of classic films that resonate no matter when they’re watched, filled with a nostalgia that transcends time.8. Authenticity Over “Likes”
In an age where every photo seems curated for social media, analog photography lets you create art that’s for yourself, not for likes or shares. Shooting analog has taught me to appreciate authenticity in a world full of filters, reminding me that there’s value in capturing life as it is, not as we want it to appear. It’s like screenwriting—stripping away the superficial and telling a story that’s honest and true. I will point out, however, that analog is hard to hate; people are simply drawn to it.9. A Way to Preserve the Mundane
Analog makes the everyday feel cinematic. Whether it’s the way the light hits a coffee cup or the shadow of a building on a rainy day, analog gives weight to the small, overlooked parts of life. It turns ordinary moments into scenes worth keeping, making the “boring” seem beautiful. It’s like framing a quiet, unassuming shot in a movie, the kind that stays with you because of its simplicity.10. The Magic of the Unknown
When you shoot on film, you never really know what you’re going to get until it’s developed. There’s a bit of magic in that mystery, in not being able to predict the final rendering. It reminds me of why I love movies in the first place—the thrill of the unknown, of waiting to see how everything unfolds. Each shot feels like a tiny adventure, like you’re capturing a piece of life you can’t control but can only experience.
Final Thoughts
Analog aesthetics aren’t just a trend—they’re a reminder to slow down, embrace imperfection, and see the beauty in what’s real. Whether it’s in photography or filmmaking, these vintage styles bring us back to a time when art wasn’t just a quick click but a thoughtful process. And maybe that’s why analog is making such a big comeback. It’s a little nostalgic, sure, but it’s also the perfect way to capture life as it is: raw, messy, and completely unforgettable.
____________
Do you have a story to tell? For information on how to publish your 1990\retro journey on our website, reach out to us at: submissions@1990retro.com.
[featured image by Khoa Võ]
