The re-materialization of photography in the digital Era: The case of polaroiders

Abstract:

The digitalisation of photography has often been interpreted as a process of dematerialisation. However, empirical studies show that the material dimension is still fundamental to digital photographic practices. By accepting the argument that digitalisation prompted a reconfiguration of photography's materiality, rather than its disappearance, this article examines a phenomenon that has developed on the periphery of, but relating to, digital photography: the reappropriation of analogue technology by 'serious' amateurs. By using data collected during a study on the reappropriation of Polaroid technology, this contribution traces some patterns in the reintegration of materiality within amateur practice, showing how photographers have redefined the role of objects as a reaction to the spread of digital photography.

Año de publicación:

2016

Keywords:

• Photo-amateurism
• The impossible project
• Polaroid
• Lomography
• Materiality

Fuente:

scopus