Old cameras hold more than just film; they carry stories, memories, and connections. This video uses one such camera to explore not only the results of shooting film after decades but also a deeply personal journey. It reminds you how photography, whether old or new, has the power to connect us to the past in unexpected ways.
Coming to you from Jason Row Photography, this compelling video begins with Row revisiting his late father's vintage camera, a tool untouched for years. Row navigates the quirks of working with a manual camera after decades away from film photography. From remembering to wind the film to checking exposures with a modern camera, he balances old and new methods. The resulting negatives reveal striking details but also noticeable grain.
The video takes a turn as Row shares the sentimental backstory of the camera. His father once dreamed of moving to Durham with his fiancée, a plan tragically cut short. Revisiting this location, Row layers his current images with historical ones, linking photography to personal history. His journey didn’t just stop at re-exploring the area. Through a chance discovery on Google, he identified the exact hotel from his father’s photos, decades after it had been renovated. This moment encapsulates how photos—even those shared anonymously online—can fill in gaps in personal narratives.
Row’s video isn’t only about nostalgia. It also highlights photography’s broader impact, from iconic images that change world history to casual snapshots that redefine personal memories. By comparing film photography, digital workflows, and the evolving role of AI in photography, Row encourages reflection on how these tools shape your relationship with the medium. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Row.
