The Grain That Holds Time: The Comeback of Analog Photography

Why is it that a flawed photo can feel so beautiful?

When you think about it, the reason analog frames have returned so powerfully to our lives might be something as simple — and as human — as this: the beauty of imperfection. Burnt edges, light leaks, heavy grain... On a digital photo, we might call them mistakes. But in analog, they’re character. They carry the spirit of the moment. Maybe that’s why these photographs feel more meaningful when they’re in our hands, not on our screens.

I use an analog camera myself. I’ve tried different types of film, explored different brands. Each one has its own voice. Some give softer, pastel tones; others feel richer, more nostalgic. But the common thread is this: when you look at an analog photo, you pause. Unlike the endless scroll of digital images, analog frames make you stop and stay with them. You can feel that there's a story behind them.

Of course, there are now many apps that imitate this aesthetic. Some are surprisingly good, producing near-authentic results. But still, many people choose to buy film, load it, and shoot frame by frame — even though it's much more effort today. And I believe it’s not just about how it looks — it’s about experiencing the process.

With digital, you can take dozens of shots and pick the best. With analog, you only have one chance. You might not see how it turned out for weeks. Maybe by the time the roll is full, you’ve even forgotten the first images you took. And when you finally develop them and hold them in your hands, it feels like opening a gift.

There’s also a nostalgic pull. For those born in the ’90s or earlier, these cameras are tied to childhood memories. These images carry not just a visual, but a feeling. In today’s fast-paced, instant-sharing world, maybe analog is what we reach for when we want to slow down a little.

Photos aren’t just about capturing memories anymore. They’re a part of our style, an extension of our aesthetic. And like fashion, analog photography isn’t only about how something looks, but how it feels. Maybe when you shoot a ME LIKE Summer beach outfit on film, you’re not just capturing the outfit — you’re capturing the heat of the sun, the breeze on your skin, the hush of the sand.

So maybe this is why analog is having its moment again. Because it doesn’t just store an image — it holds the memory.