19-year-old Aila Ru has been practicing photography for four years now, and she has her companion— a 100-year-old camera, which helps her take stunning vintage shots. “I love alternative and historical photographic processes,” she told Modern Met.
The teenager often takes photos of her friends with the century-old camera. She thinks, “There’s something very special about older methods of photography. It’s becoming somewhat of a forgotten art, so that’s what inspired me to take photos on such an old camera.”
The reemergence of vintage cameras
Ru posted photos of her friends to her TikTok vintage collection, featuring a lot of her work. “Nerding out so hard over this. I love old cameras,” her caption reads. Ru, who adds her unique touch to the pictures, also has the No. 2 Folding Autographic Brownie by Kodak, which was manufactured between 1915 and 1926. It helps to add a refined professional look to the works Ru is so proud to display online.
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Many of Ru’s photos can be identified by their warm tones, soft edges, and highlights. They are like a mix of past and present, with the modern backdrop and young people striking poses. “I really love testing the boundaries of what a photograph can be,” Ru, who also runs an Instagram page with the handle @shotbyarc, says.
Ru has gained a fan base on TikTok, and they often praise her photography skills in the comments. “This is the coolest thing I have seen in a while,” one wrote, while another added, “These are so beautiful!” Ru also gets encouraging words on Instagram, where she shows off small-time photo shoots, series, and related work.
Being a lover of her craft, Ru is turning photography from a hobby to a career by engaging in projects that will help her “grow as an artist.” “I’m currently a senior in high school planning to attend art school next year, where I can hopefully…pursue more projects like this,” the young lady gushed.