From Darkness Into Light

This journey began with a simple desire to connect with fellow film photographers. What started as a casual meet-up soon blossomed into a regular gathering where we shared skills and tips on getting the best out of our film cameras, whether they were 35mm, medium-format, 110, folding, rangefinder, or single-lens reflex. From the luxurious Leicas to the charmingly affordable Prakticas, every camera produced stunning photographs-once the light leaks were fixed and the focus was spot on.

But it wasn't just about the technicalities; it was about forming conversations and creating a dialogue around our shared passion.

Over the past year, a diverse group of photographers found themselves exploring cities, parks, train stations, and woodlands, all in pursuit of bringing their subjects from darkness into light. Our challenges were reviewed in a WhatsApp chat, where we critiqued each other's work while always offering encouragement. Those who were timid at the start have grown into confident artists, deeply passionate about their craft. Regardless of age, we have all learned from one another and found motivation to create more.

This book, featuring 124 photographs from 12 photographers, is a visual essay of that journey. For some, it may feel like a spiritual experience; for others, it's the joy of using old technology with its four simple features: film sensitivity, iris, shutter, and focus. Through a mix of calculated precision and serendipitous guesswork, we've crafted this collection of photography.