Analyog photography recognized as an abstract UNESCO cultural heritage in Germany

Analog photography was successfully recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Germany. The German UNESCO Commission confirmed the recording and thus appreciated techniques in which photographers work with light-sensitive materials such as film or photo paper. Unlike digital photography, pictures are made through chemical-physical processes. Often it is developed positively or negatively in the dark chamber and still occurs on a presentation medium how photo paper is exposed.

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The initiative for recognition was based on Claudia determination from the Ministry of Culture and Science, the Northern Rhine-Westphalia state, Christian Claint from German Photot and Thomas Gervers from German Society for Photography (DGPH). After the decision, intensive examination was given by experts, who evaluated both historical importance and current relevance of analog photography.

Christian Clunt, a working group leader of AG Artistic Photography in German photo, insisted: “Die Recognition of analog photography as an abstract cultural heritage of UNESCO There is an important step in Protection of valuable knowledge and skills of manual photographic processes,

Analog photography as part of German history

Leica I revolutionized photography 100 years ago. With his “liliput” camera, Oskar Barnac created a completely new concept: with compact, handi and 36 recording on a film. Barnac chased a clear goal: he wanted to take pictures without drawing heavy record cameras and tripodes. Its simple solution was the rotation of 90 degrees to 35 mm cinema film, which today created a classic 24 × 36 mm format. The focal length of 50 millimeters became an ideal agreement for image quality and camera balance.

Despite the initial suspicion, in 1924, Ernst Letz II dared to produce series production with words: “This is the risk.” A brave step in financially difficult times. Professional photographers made fun of the camera in the form of a toy, but since 1931, Leika has already made 70 percent of the company’s sales.

The invention of Barnac not only changed technology, but also changed the type of photography: spontaneous, incompatible and dynamic. Initially smiled as a curious experiment that eventually defines the standard of photography for an entire century.

Renaissance of analog photography

Analog photography then forces photographers to function consciously. With only 36 or less recording per film, you think twice before triggering. Black and white films can be developed on their own and their photos can be exposed to their laboratory at home. On the other hand, colorful movies, usually go to a professional laboratory. But older techniques, such as photography on glass with professional cameras, are also part of cultural heritage.

At the time of digital perfection, analog photography has been making a lot of comeback for many years that attracts both old and young generations. This attraction of analog is not in technical superiority – digital photography clearly dominates here. Rather, erotic aspects inspire: noticeable trigger sound, resistance in film transport, smell of developer chemistry. These haptic experiences form an emotional relationship for photography, often lack of digital.

The market used also testifies to the long and diverse tradition of analog photography. You can find medium -sized cameras from the 70s and 80s classic SLR cameras such as Nikon FG, Point and Shoot Models such as Olympus MJU series or Mamia or Hasselblad.

The selection of the film decisively shapes the character of images. The bandwidth analog film content has been greatly expanded since the time of Barnac. Production collapsed with the onset of digital photography and the manufacturers quit production. Today the selection is big again. There are different types of movies, such as positive films, such as used for slides, black and white movies such as Kodak Tricks, which provide a large exposure freedom, color negative films such as Kodak Portra for Natural Colors, or special films such as Lomocrome Purple for Experimental results.

Analog photography also provides a huge space for creativity and sensual experiences. Therefore, it becomes unexpectedly a design element. Instead of correct control, photographers can also rely on surprise through exciting techniques – for example expired movies, cross development and double exposure – each motif, provides a unique aesthetics regarding film content and development.

Remedies to maintain obligations

With recognition as a UNESCO cultural heritage, Germany undertakes to maintain and pass the knowledge of analog photography. This includes solid remedies such as promoting educational proposals in schools and universities, support for workshops and laboratories as well as systematic documentation of traditional photographic procedures.

The President of the Conference of Culture Ministers and the Saxon Minister of Culture and Tourism State, Barbara Clapsch, see the decision to prove “lively cultural diversity and creativity in Germany”.

The German UNESCO Deputy Chairman Christoph Wolf emphasized social importance: “Abstract cultural heritage shapes our life and our society. It adds generations, beats bridges between very different people and strengthens co -existence”.

future prospects

The cultural heritage register suggests: Analog photography is more than indifference-it is a symbol of a vibrant cultural property that wants to protect and develop further. As the next phase, the German photo plans to create a platform that networks the current initiative for analog photography. He also wants to work for international recognition of this technology.

(CBR)