Analogue Photography Finds New Life as Mumbai's Young Creatives Embrace the Art of Slowing Down

Armed with analogue cameras instead of smartphones, the group spent two hours photographing florists arranging bouquets, vegetable vendors preparing for the day, fading heritage bungalows, and brightly coloured walls. The walk highlighted scenes that often go unnoticed amid the city's relentless pace, reflecting a renewed appreciation for thoughtful visual storytelling.

The analogue photowalk was organised by The Panchrome Project, an initiative that regularly hosts film photography walks across Mumbai. According to founder Vishal Kullarwar, the growing popularity of these events reflects a desire among people to become more present and intentional in their creative pursuits.

"People are craving experiences that make them more present," Kullarwar said. "A lot of people are unsure to shoot on their own. When you come with a group, you learn from others, experience new things and gain confidence."

Unlike digital photography, film cameras do not provide instant previews or unlimited opportunities to retake photographs. Every roll of film contains a limited number of frames, requiring photographers to carefully consider each shot before pressing the shutter.

Kullarwar explained that most of the equipment used during the walks consists of vintage cameras that are no longer in production. Participants only see the results after the film has been developed and processed, fundamentally changing the way they approach photography. After every walk, the organisers develop the film, scan the photographs, and review the images together with participants.

The photowalks attract a diverse range of people, including experienced photographers, cinematographers, and complete beginners. Some participants bring vintage cameras passed down through their families, while others borrow film cameras from the organisers to experience analogue photography for the first time.

Entrepreneur Rahul Parmar, who attended his first photowalk, described the experience as both creative and personal.

"I love photography, but this is my first photowalk. My girlfriend is into photography, and we thought it would be a great activity to do together," he said.

Marketer Akshay Gurnani, who spent nearly two decades working with digital photography before switching to film, said analogue photography had transformed the way he approached every image.

"With digital, you can keep clicking endlessly. With analogue, I slow down and become more mindful about every frame," Gurnani said.

Visual designer Srishti Pabra also brought a film camera that once belonged to her grandfather, giving the experience a deeper personal connection.

"Film photography makes you pause and think before you capture a moment," she said. "What you feel in that moment is what you get."

Analogue photography uses photographic film instead of a digital image sensor to capture photographs. Images can only be viewed after the film has been developed and processed. Because each roll contains a limited number of exposures, photographers must be more thoughtful and deliberate with every frame. Many enthusiasts continue to use vintage cameras that are no longer manufactured, preserving a traditional photographic process in an increasingly digital world.

The growing popularity of analogue photography reflects a broader shift among young creatives seeking meaningful, mindful experiences over instant digital convenience. Through carefully composed images and the discipline of limited exposures, film photography is once again becoming a powerful medium for appreciating everyday moments that often pass unnoticed.