Digital cameras and Y2K-inspired photos are making a big comeback among teens, especially at the Academy. Many girls are embracing the nostalgic charm of their cameras and the trend as a whole.
The digital camera craze originally began in the late 1990s and peaked in the early 2000s, where celebrities and everyday people carried them everywhere. Although the emergence of smartphones has caused cameras to fade into the background for over a decade, they are making a comeback. Today, they are the most popular with teenage girls, who view their cameras not just as a device for taking photos but also as a vessel for capturing meaningful and candid memories.
Several girls at Academy have expressed their appreciation for their own digital cameras. Jackie Johnson (‘27) said that she bought her camera because she “likes the vintage quality of the photos” she gets. The photos are not the best quality, “but that’s what I like about it.”The digital camera is appealing to so many because it gives a look of intentional imperfection, perfect for capturing the early 2000s aesthetic.
Fiona Wall (‘27) also added her love for the vintage look. She said, “It looks more nostalgic. It looks more like a memory rather than being crystal clear.”
Rylan Meredith (‘27) uses her 2005 digital camera for the majority of her pictures, and that the picture quality reminds her of the 2000s era. On an additional note, she said that digital cameras “reduce the use of phones, which is a plus.”
Adriana Trapuzzano (‘26) expressed a similar sentiment. She brings her Canon G7-X everywhere she goes, saying, “It makes you feel like you’re off your phone more. Being on your phone, you’re always taking videos, you’re always taking pictures, but when I bring my camera I’m not really using my phone because that’s what I’m using to take the pictures. It’s more centered around photography, not really social media.”
Digital cameras reflect a new landscape of photo-taking.
“I feel like people are getting more artistic with their photography,” said Fiona Wall.
The emergence of digital photography has opened doors for a new generation of creatives, from taking cute photos with their friends to exploring creative photography. As the trend continues to grow, it is exciting to see how it adapts to the cultural landscape around the Academy.
