Gen Z is certainly changing the photography landscape, and there is no denying that. However, as one of the younger audiences, many are gradually pivoting to retro aesthetics; a new report also suggests that Gen Z is advancing in other spheres: image printing. How so? We question that, too. Here is a peek into what the new survey suggests.
The study was conducted by a UK-based holiday park brand, Haven, revealing that adults aged between 18 and 27 have been printing twice as many images as Millennials and Boomers. The study examined 2,000 participants living in the UK, and the final results showcased how 43% of Gen Z have been regularly printing their photographers. However, only five percent of boomers between 60 and 78 have been regulating the printing of their digital images. Furthermore, Gen Z has been printing their photographs four times a year, and only 19% of people continue to look at their digital photographs.
Conversely, Millenials have an average of 2,574 photographs on their cameras, suggesting the study. However, the survey adds that they have physical prints from their vacation. In comparison to another study conducted in 2015, Haven found that 67% of people were storing images on their phones. However, unlike the UK, this survey was done by the Professional Photographers of America.
Some have even explained this phenomenon as Gen Z wanting to battle against digital excess, slowing down life, becoming more creative, and having authenticity over social media. However, this could also be due to Gen Z purchasing vintage digital cameras or going after compact cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI and XM5. But while this is great, we must take this report with a pinch of salt. Not every Gen Z is interested in photography, and there is a chance that these groups are smaller in number. One of the reasons is that most cameras cater to hybrid users and often focus more on video than stills. So, while the sales are going up, the chances of one using a device purely for photography are still somewhat questionable.
In addition, boomers are also those who still prefer shooting on their DSLRs over a mirrorless camera. So, it is challenging to believe that they are the ones who are not printing images. After all, they have spent a large part of their lives shooting on film and then developing their images to see in print. In fact, Martin Schoeller further revealed that the younger generation does not really believe in hanging prints in their homes or houses. He advised young photographers to always have an alternative job while they pursue their careers in photography.
Millennials, on the other hand, are a mixed bunch. Some print, while others don’t. But many also prefer to have photos on their walls or on their desks. Again, this varies from region to region and depends on how fond one is of seeing pictures around them. Many millennials were also raised during the early days of digital photography, which meant that they could print their unique pictures and keep them in an album, just like Boomers.
Either way, this is good news if true, as prints can truly change one’s perception of an image. As it is often said, a photograph is not complete without being printed; similarly, memories will fade away without the tactile experience of holding a photo.
