Research increasingly links smartphones and social media to rising rates of childhood anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Against this bleak background, analog photography is emerging as a counterbalance to phone-based childhood, offering a hands-on, immersive experience that fosters a deeper connection to the physical world and imbues kids’ lives with meaning.

Recently at In-Sight Photography Project in Brattleboro, youth analog photography classes fill up more quickly than digital ones. This enthusiasm indicates something a lot of grownup film camera enthusiasts remember — throwback photography is a lot of fun.

“Using film cameras and being in the darkroom is a unique experience and radically different from the day to day for most youth,” says Emily Wagner, Executive Director at In-Sight, “In the darkroom, students have found friendships and community as well as a new connection to art and science that doesn’t involve a screen.”

In-Sight teaches students the entire flow of analog photography, from handling film, to learning the mathematics of exposure, to developing film, to making prints in a darkroom. The art form demands patience and care at every step, something children are naturally drawn to. It is highly effective at teaching important values that are being lost in the digital age, such as the value of slowing down and appreciating the moment.

“Analog photography requires the photographer to be present and consider a lot of factors, often taken for granted in digital photography,” Emily explains, “and in processing the film and images students learn to slow down and wait for the chemical reactions to take place, without being able to look at their phones.”

The tactile experience of handling film-based cameras, especially older ones which have a different, more mechanical feel when adjusting settings, loading the film, clicking a real shutter button and feeling the vibration, and even advancing the film after an exposure, can have unique payoffs. Physically developing the film, then entering the sightless world of the darkroom to create prints with enlargers and chemical trays, can provide a tangible sense of achievement and creativity, unlike the easy, no-stakes nature of capturing digital images.

In fact, In-Sight uses the darkroom as a way to teach principles of mindfulness, since the key sense of vision is nearly eliminated. Attitudes and voices naturally quiet in the darkroom and while there are moments of focus there are moments of celebration when unexpected results are achieved. Touch, time, and memory become very important. This is an ironic pleasure of the darkroom given how important light is in the origins of any photo, and it has been almost entirely lost today.

As kids delve into the world of analog photography, they find it’s not just about stepping away from screens. It’s about embracing a different rhythm of life that values the process as much as the result. There’s also a distinct embrace of mystery since so much needs to happen, from the time they frame a shot to looking at what they exposed, that they will often be surprised — sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way. Not knowing becomes a foundation for the whole mode of analog photography.

Another value children learn is how to develop a deeper connection to their environment, learning to observe and appreciate details they might otherwise overlook, since successfully creating a real photograph involves so much work and good fortune. In his 1952 book exploring the “decisive moment,” Henri Cartier-Bresson, an iconic photographer, reveals how capturing a significant moment in human activity requires a perfect blend of anticipation, composition, and timing. He could not have foreseen how cameras would one day be pulled away from our faces, that we would see the final exposure and print displayed to us as we capture it, and how it would erode our level of awareness and observation.

“As a parent, I was thrilled to see my child inspired to stop and observe the world in new and slower ways, through the lens of the camera,” remarked a parent of a recent analog student. “In our digital era, 35mm basics provided a rare opportunity for them to experience the magic of silver emulsion photography.”

This engagement with the process and history of analog photography opens the door to many lost skills, including patience, focus, and a genuine appreciation for the art of storytelling through images. As such, analog photography becomes more than a hobby; it transforms into a meaningful antidote to the digital harms of smartphones in our children’s lives, offering a pathway to creativity, mindfulness, and a renewed sense of connection to the physical world.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is unapologetic in offering the best of the company’s current mobile technology in a single device. The Leica-tuned camera experience is a huge part of the phone’s appeal and for those keen to get the absolute most out of it, Xiaomi has also launched the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Photography Kit, which adds physical controls, better ergonomics and an additional battery. Even so, I think it could have gone further.

As you’ll see in the unboxing below, the (sold separately for £179 / €199.99 – approximately $225 / AU$345) consists of a dedicated case with a grippy woven leather-like finish, two interchangeable decorative metals rings that surround the phone’s camera, a 67mm camera filter adapter ring, a lanyard and the all-important Photography Grip – which includes an integrated 1,500mAh battery, a USB-C port for charging, a dual-detent shutter button, zoom lever, exposure dial and a video record button.

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♬ Blossom – Crispy Beats

So what could Xiaomi have possibly added to make the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Photography Kit even more potent? Here’s a shortlist of five killer features that would have rendered it best there is.

Tripod thread

The 14 Ultra already includes dedicated shooting modes for a variety of long-exposure scenarios; from moving crowds and light painting, to modes like Starry Sky and Star Trails. But in order to pull of these latter two shooting modes effectively, photographers will already know that such scenes require an incredibly still camera in order to achieve the best results. Attaching a tripod seems like the most logical way to do that.

The underside of the Photography Grip already plays host to the lanyard loop, USB-C port and a power indicator LED for the internal battery, but with a little shuffling around, there’s little reason why Xiaomi couldn’t have squeezed a conventional 1/4-inch 20mm female tripod thread on there too; likely having to extend or better secure the grip around the phone, so too much force isn’t placed on the USB-C connection on the base of the phone.

USB passthrough

The Photography Grip connects to the phone via an inset USB, so naturally, there’s an additional USB-C port on its underside to let users recharge the grip’s internal 1,500mAh battery (said to extend the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s longevity by up to 23%) and in turn charge the phone’s main 5,000mAh battery (90W fast charging is also supported).

While the boon of the grip’s additional power cell is great to extend shooting sessions – as well as general usage, it would be incredibly useful if – akin to some of the best gaming phones – users could also change modes and connect power to this port to keep the phone alive without charging the battery.

From a photography standpoint, this could allow for even longer exposure times in low light or astrophotography scenarios, as well as when capturing time-lapse video footage – for which the Xiaomi 14 Ultra already has a dedicated mode for. Doing so would have reduced strain on the batteries (both the phone’s and the grip’s), while making the Ultra an even more versatile camera phone.

As in the case of gaming phones, USB passthrough would also allow for extended gaming sessions with excessive strain on the phone’s battery too.

Focus ring

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s Photography Kit included a dual-detent shutter button and a zoom lever, which the company has expanded upon on the 14 Ultra’s equivalent Kit, also adding an exposure dial and a dedicated video record button. However, there’s one more physical control that would have elevated the shooting experience even further: a focus ring.

While the case that comes as part of the 14 Ultra’s Photography Kit already allows for interchangeable decorative rings and that excellent 67mm lens adapter, considering the bulk the kit as a whole already adds there’d be little issue in also implementing a physical focus ring, letting you pull focus while maintaining a steady grip on the 14 Ultra during shooting.

Like the rest of the physical controls, the real sweetener would be the ring’s ability to be reprogrammed, so that it could be made responsible for zoom – or even perhaps exposure.

Xenon flash

Xenon flashes used to be the go-to flash on point-and-shoot cameras, as well as digital cameras. With the age of the smartphone, however, while many a camera phone has dabbled with these more intense means of illumination (the Nokia Lumia 1020 springs to mind), xenon flashes have fallen foul of the convenience the comparatively underwhelming dual LED flash offers. It helps that the dual LED also leads a double life as your phone’s flashlight.

Extending the top edge of the camera grip along the phone’s body in order to integrate a proper xenon flash seems like a worthwhile upgrade.

Hot shoe

If the xenon flash doesn’t float your boat, or you like the idea of even more versatility from the camera kit, then a full-fledged hot shoe would be the greatest addition. 

Its existence as a camera standard ensures compatibility with a range of photographic accessories; from flashguns to shotgun mics, opening up potential for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra as a next-level vlogging phone, as well.

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The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference stands as a beacon for both emerging talent and seasoned professionals. With the photography industry witnessing rapid changes in technology, style, and business practices, WPPI’s role in a photographer’s career has sparked intriguing discussions.

The Allure of WPPI for Newcomers

For those at the beginning of their photography journey (or contemplating the leap into a full-fledged business), WPPI presents a golden opportunity. The conference’s inclusive atmosphere is fertile ground for learning, with workshops and seminars designed to elevate your craft, business acumen, and confidence. First-time attendees can expect to immerse themselves in a comprehensive educational experience, gaining invaluable knowledge on technical skills, creative expression, and business strategies essential for a successful start.

Evolving With the Audience: A Veteran’s Perspective

As we progress in our photography careers, the quest for growth transitions from mastering the basics to refining a unique style and expanding business frontiers. Regular WPPI attendees have witnessed its transformation and how it caters to an expanding audience spectrum. While the conference remains a source of inspiration and networking, seasoned photographers might find the curriculum leaning toward the foundational aspects of photography. This shift reflects WPPI’s aim to be accessible and beneficial to a broad audience, including those at the nascent stages of their career.

The Integration of Portrait Masters: A New Chapter?

A pivotal development in WPPI’s trajectory is the incorporation of the Portrait Masters, a move that promised to blend high-caliber education with the broader appeal of WPPI’s existing programming. This integration was anticipated to enrich the learning experience, especially for those seeking advanced mastery in portrait photography. However, feedback suggests that the essence of the presentations, including keynotes by renowned photographers such as Sue Bryce, still gravitates toward foundational themes. This observation underscores a strategic opportunity for WPPI to balance its offerings, ensuring that both beginners and advanced practitioners find value and advancement in their craft and business.

Strategies for Maximizing Your WPPI Experience

1. Set Clear Objectives: Before attending WPPI, identify your goals. Are you looking to enhance specific skills, explore new trends, or expand your professional network? A clear focus will guide your session selections and activities.

2. Diversify Your Agenda: Balance your schedule between technical workshops, creative sessions, and business seminars. This holistic approach will ensure a well-rounded enhancement of your photography career.

3. Engage Beyond Classrooms: WPPI is not just about the sessions; it’s a vibrant community. Leverage networking events, product exhibitions, and informal meet-ups to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.

4. Seek Advanced Workshops: While navigating the program, look for sessions that challenge your current level of expertise. Advanced workshops and master classes can offer the deep dives necessary for growth.

5. Provide Feedback: WPPI evolves through community input. Share your experiences and suggestions for future events to help shape a more inclusive and enriching conference.

Final Thoughts

WPPI remains a cornerstone event in the photography community, offering a rich tapestry of learning and networking opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, the key to extracting the most value from WPPI lies in strategic participation and open-minded engagement. As the conference continues to evolve, it holds the potential to cater to the diverse needs of the photography industry, fostering growth, innovation, and a shared passion for capturing life’s moments.

Corky Lee spent decades photographing Asian American life, in New York and across the US, capturing the rise of the Asian American movement as well as everyday happenings in immigrant communities often overlooked by the powers that be.

He saw his calling as more than just observing and documenting – he was righting a wrong by immortalizing Asian Americans in the civic makeup of the US.

“In all my photographs, I’m trying to include pages that should be in American history books, that have been omitted,” he said. “I’m practicing photographic justice.”

Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story, a documentary opening in New York on Friday, explores the life and photography of Lee, who died in 2021 from Covid-19. Through his own words and through commentary from a number of well-known figures in the Asian American community, the documentary delves into the lasting impact of Lee’s work – and the importance of bearing witness on a community level.

“Corky helped change the American landscape through his lens,” Jennifer Takaki, the film’s director, said in an interview. “He had the knowledge of American history and the insight of a community organizer, so he could offer insight into a community that he was personally involved with, but also documented in a way to show that they were larger pieces missing from American history.”

Takaki first met Lee in 2003, at an event at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. She asked him where the bathroom was. He proceeded to recount for her the history of the building in which they stood. That was just who Lee was – through his years photographing Asian American events around New York, he had accumulated a vast knowledge of local history and lore. “He is institutional memory,” author Joann Lee said in the documentary. “A walking encyclopedia.”

Takaki had originally intended to film a five-minute vignette on Lee and his life, but the more she spoke to him and learned from him, the more she realized that would not be enough. The documentary ended up spanning 19 years, during which Lee took countless more photographs documenting Asian American life – yet it was still just a drop in the bucket when compared with the breadth and scope of Lee’s body of work.

Lee’s approach to his craft was to always show up. He made a point of being at as many Asian American events as he possibly could, no matter how big or how small – everything from lunar new year parades to the viewing of dilapidated Chinatown apartments to musical performances to demonstrations that showed the full might of the Asian American bloc. “It isn’t an Asian American Pacific Islander event if Corky Lee isn’t around,” Norman Mineta, former US transportation secretary, says in the documentary.

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“He never had a sense of self-importance of like, I’m only looking for protests or I’m only looking for big events,” Takaki said. “Corky was on the ground all the time, at everyone’s event. He thought everything was important, and I think because he didn’t edit what was important, he has this incredible treasure trove of images.”

In always showing up, Lee was present at a number of significant moments in Asian American history. He photographed police injuring a protester at a police brutality protest in the 1970s. He shot images of Asian American first responders in the aftermath of 9/11. Up until his unexpected death, he was in the community, capturing the fear and uncertainty that came with an uptick in anti-Asian violence connected to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some history he helped create. Lee often spoke about the moment that inspired him to become a documentarian of Asian American life: when he was in school, learning about the tens of thousands of Chinese migrant workers who built the transcontinental railroad, he found in a history book the 1869 photo commemorating the completion of the railroad. Dozens of workers gathered where the east and westbound lines met at Promontory Summit, Utah, surrounding two engineers in the center, shaking hands. Not a single face was Chinese.

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In 2014, Lee organized a group of Asian Americans, including some direct descendants of the Chinese railroad workers, and restaged the photo. In the documentary, Lee, with his camera in hand, rallied those posing in front the locomotives: “We came today to reclaim American history,” he shouted as the group cheered.

“The Asian American movement, I believe, is still alive,” Lee says in the documentary. “Whenever there’s a crisis, more people step up to the plate. There will be setbacks, there will be times when you feel depressed about what’s going on, but you have to believe that things are going to get better.

“If you’re a photographer, keep shooting.”

• Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story is out in New York on 19 April, Los Angeles on 26 April and on PBS on 13 May with a UK date to be announced