Photo Journal of Maputaland’s Coastal Beauty (Part 1)

Why it’s time to rediscover the charm of Analogue!

There’s something undeniably cool about the look and feel of analogue photography. The grain, texture, and colours of the film create a unique aesthetic that just can’t be replicated with a digital camera. Plus, it’s got a certain charm and nostalgia to it that’s hard to resist. Join us as we start creating a photo Journal of Maputaland’s coastal beauty!

But film photography isn’t just about looks. It also forces you to slow down and be more intentional with each shot, since you only have a limited number of frames to work with. This encourages you to really think about your composition and make each photo count. And let’s not forget about the fun of developing and printing your own photos. It’s a creative and rewarding process that allows you to have more control over the final outcome of your shots.

Perhaps most importantly, shooting with film is a great way to unplug and disconnect from the constant barrage of digital media. It’s a chance to be more present at the moment and appreciate the act of taking a photo for what it is, rather than just snapping a quick pic to post online.

So why not give film photography a try on your next adventure? Whether you’re documenting Maputaland’s gorgeous coastal scenery at a unique holiday destination or just snapping shots around town, it’s a fun and playful way to capture the world around you. And who knows? You just might fall in love with it as so many others have.

Get your film cameras ready!

This month, we’re hosting our first-ever Photographer’s Trip exclusively for analogue photographers at Gugulesizwe and Little Gugs. We’ve partnered with Cape Film Supply to gather a talented group of film enthusiasts who will capture the stunning beauty of the lodge and its surroundings. The aim is to create a photo journal of Maputaland’s coastal beauty at our unique holiday destination!

This photography retreat isn’t just about capturing memories. It’s also about exploring the ethics of travel, the impact of tourism on local communities, and the role of photography in documenting our world. Our photographers will connect with their craft and bring back images that evoke nostalgia for the time when tinkering with and physically examining film was all the rage.

During the retreat, our team will guide each photographer as they create a photo journal of the area’s beauty. Without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to the four photographers who will be joining us on our journey:

The Team

Jonathan Beard:

Growing up, my father had a couple of film cameras and was an avid photographer. He never let me touch his cameras, and honestly, that’s probably why I wanted to start taking photos. Film photography creates a more intimate connection with the image. This process also requires more involvement in the image-making process. Maybe more than anything, I’m just really stubborn and don’t like change.

Angus MacKenzie:

I started photography as a homage to my late father. He loved taking photos. I initially started with a digital, and then stumbled upon his old film camera. I fell in love with the first roll. I remember how tactile the whole experience was, loading the film, and advancing it frame by frame. It forced me to be present and to learn the affordances and constraints of photography. Since then shooting film has become second nature, and I truly love the way it looks. I feel so lucky to be a part of the niche, wholesome and thriving community that enjoy it

Geraldine Fontaine:

I shoot film because there’s nothing quite like that grainy vintage feel, that literally transports you to a different, seemingly simpler time. It forces me to slow down, be mindful and appreciate the little moments. I love the community around it and the friends I’ve made through sharing a passion for film photography. Plus, there’s nothing more exciting than getting your scans back and seeing those shots that you had completely forgotten about!

Simon Wrigley:

My fascination with light, especially the light during dawn and dusk, goes way back. As soon as I finished high school, my dad gave me his old Pentax KM and I started taking photos. The moment I tried analogue photography, I fell in love with it and never looked back. The process of loading the film manually, advancing it, and hearing the sound of the shutter clicking is simply irresistible.

Where to follow:

Follow our Instagram story feed to join us on our journey and see all the latest updates, including behind-the-scenes looks at what our photographers are capturing. We’re thrilled to share this photo journal of Maputaland’s coastal beauty at our unique holiday destination!