FIRST OF THE ROLL: EXPLORING NEW DIMENSIONS IN PHOTOGRAPHY – Copy

Remember when we used to shoot entire rolls of film? Back then, the first image often came out half-burned 

because the film was exposed when it was first loaded into the camera. 

Today, not many photographers use film anymore, but the ‘retro’ and ‘vintage’ cultures are inspiring a return to old formats. It’s truly fascinating how this nostalgia for analog photography is bringing back the magic of film. 

This exhibition focuses on a very specific and important moment in the life of every roll of 35mm film: the first image. Often imperfect but full of character, these early frames have become an iconic part of photography’s history. While digital technology has transformed the way we capture and store images, the unique qualities of film–the grain, the unpredictability and the physicality–remain a symbol of authenticity and nostalgia for many photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Through this collection, we aim to celebrate that first frame: its beauty, its flaws, and its place in the ongoing story of photography. This exhibition invites you to step back in time and appreciate the raw, unpolished beginnings of an image before the perfection of digital editing took over. 

Photographers such as – (still to compile) and many more will be part of this exhibition. 

Is this just another pretentious film photography exhibition, lacking depth and nuance? 

Some of the exhibited photographers will be given a 360° camera, which allows them to explore various ways of capturing the city and the world. The results will also be exhibited alongside their film photographs. 

Weekly workshops and photowalks will be held, where participants will have the opportunity to learn various photography techniques and secrets from free or paid classes taught by professionals. During the photowalks, participants will be able to join group outings through the ‘Bang Rak’ neighborhood, capturing the essence of the area together as they explore and shoot. 

This exhibition marks a pivotal moment where the timelessness of film photography meets the boundless possibilities of 360-degree imagery and immersive art, reshaping how we capture, experience, and engage with visual storytelling.