The Sultanate of Oman in the 70s had photography enthusiasts capturing the moments and sceneries after which the film roll would be mailed off to UK or Germany.
At least that is what my father did.
Next, it was a wait that was full of anticipation. It was not just about getting the film roll developed to see the pictures. The photographs had to be presented well and so we needed albums. And there were beautiful albums with fascinating cover pictures that could make one go on a day dream.
The 70s were very creative. In the 60s it was still black and white and the albums thick covers, but the sheets were light paper black in colour in most cases and they were separated with a sort of tracing paper lest the photographs got stuck. We had to turn the pages gently to ensure that we don’t tear them.
Looking through these old albums and pictures one must admit that the clarity was remarkable. The best part is to gaze at the photographs and think about the days, the laughter, the thoughts and concerns. They in return had given their best pose allowing us to take a glimpse at the fashionable trends of those days.
The 70s we’re bringing in the colour era. It looks like shades of yellows and browns were trendy. People liked candid pictures too. Cameras had become lighter and friendlier. There was a tone and tint in the pictures. There was freshness and a free style that was unique to the 70s. That decade saw musical albums - not at all what you are thinking about.
By this decade the photo album had become imaginative, each sheet was strong and the photographs were placed in and then covered with a transparent, sheet that was self adhesive. This kept the pictures protected from dust at the same time in place.
The self adhesive photo albums had become a possession everyone must have. It was something a person would reach out, flip through the pages and reflect.
So what was that paper that was used in albums?
It was glassine paper and used to store the negatives as well in addition to being used as and interleaving paper in photographic albums. But it had a problem and that was according to the professionals it could become acidic over time and that could easily cause damage to the photographs.
Now the musical album was fascinating because it applied the same principle of the music box. Open it and the music would begin. Thankfully it was not battery operated one had to just wind it and keep it ready.
One would go through the pictures numerous times.
The hot shot cameras were just making their entry, but by the 80s the light was brighter, and the colours were shining. There was plenty of attitude and everyone liked to be in a frame. The studios which developed films were many. The duration to develop them had become shorter, it was even minutes and the studios gave fancy gifts as give always. The studios were mainly in Ruwi.
The nineties were still caught between the trends and then the digital age swept the world along with photography. The Y2K confusion was like a graduation. There was no looking back and we have been clicking away pictures like no one’s business. And that is because the photo taking device is being held in our hands.
Mobile phones have taken us to an era where photographs are not just personal but a data that is liked and shared on social media. We do not go for albums but rather choose between SD cards, desk drives and clouds.
And we look at the albums of yesteryears with nostalgia and some of the photographs bring smiles and others bring tears as few of the subjects are not around us anymore.
They have been providing their services in recollecting memories and keeping them intact.
We have just celebrated the World Photography Day and it just reminds us how much this medium has been part of our lives.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
