Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
IN the last year, the world has seen a resurgence of compact digital cameras, especially among young photographers, and Bahraini shutterbugs have hopped onto the global trend, signalling a possible return of the yesteryear gadget.
Several photography enthusiasts have been finding ways to get their hands on these mostly discontinued cameras, preferring them to smartphones and professional equipment, mainly because they’re easy to use and also out of sheer nostalgia.
One such creative talent is Bahraini photographer Enas Sistani, who stumbled on a thrift store in Budapest during her recent travels, where she spotted a second-hand Rollei Compactline 55, and immediately bought it.
“It was a bargain for just BD13, and the photos it produces have this beautiful film-like quality, which I love,” the 37-year-old told GulfWeekly. She has since added to her collection of compact digicams.
“I have observed a significant revival in interest for old technology and physical media. I think people miss the palpable nature and emotional connection that comes with it. For me, it evokes a sense of simplicity in a world where everything feels fast-paced and overly complicated, bringing back that comforting feeling of slowing down and appreciating the moment,” she added.
Compact digicams don’t have interchangeable lenses, making them handy and portable. Fujifilm and Toshiba came up with the first known fully digital camera in the late 80s, which paved the way for others by brands like Dycam that were marketable hits.
“I often compare photography to poetry. An image can be interpreted in so many ways depending on who sees it and how it resonates with them. I enjoy photographing street scenes, but I also love conceptual shoots, which allow me to shed light on important social topics like mental health and women empowerment,” Enas, who lives in Hamad Town, explained.
The Business Management major from Bahrain Polytechnic dabbled into photography at the age of 17 but believes she started taking it seriously only eight years ago during a solo trip in Europe that inspired her to notice everyday scenes and capture them.
Her work has been featured across international platforms, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, BBC Arabic, CNN Arabic and National Geographic. She has also received numerous awards, most recently an honourable mention at the International Photography Awards in 2022.
Bahraini photographer Yousif AlSahhaf from Muharraq was also hit by a wave of nostalgia and felt ‘compelled’ to return to the compact camera when he saw a Sony Cyber-shot that was similar to his first camera, for sale online. He purchased it and has since added other yesteryear gadgets to his collection.
“I wanted something I could carry around in my pocket that wasn’t screaming data at me,” the University College of Bahrain public relations, advertising and applied communication graduate said.
“A camera has one job, it takes photos. Your phone takes photos too, but you get bombarded with messages, you also get calls. Sometimes, I leave my phone in the car, and I just walk out with my tiny digital (camera) and take pictures and come back,” the 29-year-old added, highlighting how the process has helped him ‘disconnect’.
Yousif has been making moments immortal since 2009. The film director and producer’s notable works include Leap of Faith: Bahrain Welcomes the Pope, a 2023 documentary film about Pope Francis’ visit to the kingdom in November 2022.
“We see many young photographers using compact cameras as it’s convenient especially in situations that require fast action or split second photography,” Bahraini photographer Herz Al Banki said.
“While I own professional cameras, I also have Sony and Fujifilm compact models. In fact Sony is making lighter and smarter lenses for professional cameras these days. The future of cameras is compact and light,” the Bahrain Arts Society member, who won the photography world cup at the 32nd FIAP Black and White Biennial 2014 in Turkey with nine members of the Bahrain Photography Club, added.
For more details, follow @solovagabond and @framesbyousif on Instagram.
