Archive · 22 Aug 2025
From Darkrooms to Smartphones: Photography's Transformation
Imagine photography used to be like a magic trick you had to learn: you needed special cameras, expensive film, and a dark room.
You'd wait a long time to see your pictures.
Now, anyone with a phone can take photos instantly!
While this makes it easier to share pictures, some people who used to be photographers feel that the skill and artistry is disappearing.
Technology is also changing the rules: there is now Artificial intelligence (AI) that can fix photos automatically, and even make new ones.
Although digital is very popular, some people still love using the old ways, where you had to wait for your pictures to come out, making sure every shot counts.
Photography has shifted from a practice requiring skill and patience to an accessible activity with smartphones.
Early photographers faced challenges like transporting film and developing photos in darkrooms.
Digital photography offers instant results and easier sharing, but some feel it lacks artistry.
The rise of AI is further transforming photography, enabling instant editing and image restoration.
Despite digital dominance, analogue photography persists, valued for its unique qualities and the deliberate process.
- Who
- Photographers, journalists, and individuals involved in the history and current state of photography.
- What
- The evolution of photography from a complex art form to an accessible activity.
- When
- Photography has changed significantly from the late 20th century to the present day.
- Where
- The article discusses photography in various settings, including personal studios, events, and professional environments.
- Why
- To explore the impact of technology on photography and how it has changed the approach to the art.
Traditionalist View
Modern View
Photography as Art vs. Accessibility
Traditionalist View
Photography is losing its artistry due to easy accessibility.
Modern View
Photography has democratized and become accessible to all.
AI and Photography
Traditionalist View
AI is a mark of progress, but it might lead to dishonesty in claiming photographs.
Modern View
AI's role in photography is an important technology mark, but is a different art on its own.
- Key Figure
- Rajib De (Cricketer turned photographer)
- Original Film Format Frames
- 36
- Current AI capabilities
- Basic editing and image restoration
- Analogue Studio
- Studio Tollygrunge
- Photography Club
- Spectrum Photography Club