APUG

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APUG is the Analog Photography Users Group, an International group of photographers dedicated to film based analog photography.
The user group was founded September of 2002, and today has roughly 18,000 members, including paying subscribers. The website is kept running through user donations, subscriptions, advertising revenue as well as corporate sponsorship to a degree.

[edit] Philosophy

As the title implies, the website is focused on "Analog" photography, or traditional photography using film and darkroom techniques to produce negatives, slides or prints, and embraces all aspects of traditional photography including alternative traditional processes, such as cyanotype, platinum printing, etc. While the subject of digital imaging crops up from time to time, it is usually in the context of discussing traditional methods, and while the galleries have scanned photographic materials posted, the scans concern the methods and results of traditional processes, as the members are very partial towards the traditional methods of image reproduction. Member discussions usually concern some aspect of micro format, 35mm, medium format, or large format film photography, development, enlargement and contact printing, or photographic art and craft.

The community is extremely open, friendly and helpful to those both starting in film and those with much experience. Very few other places on the web have heated discussions on the right dilutions of certain types of developer, entry into Medium Format, how one might resurrect an ancient plate camera, the market for traditional prints, and so on.

In May of 2006 the Associated Press published an article[1] concerning traditional photography, and APUG's role in the preservation of silver based photography

In 2006 first annual APUG conference [2] was held in Toronto, Canada, sponsored in part by Ilford Photo.

There is also a large gallery based upon the level of community review allowed.

[edit] Notable Features and Users

APUG's most vocal members are staunch believers in film based traditional methods and results, including enlargement, contact printing, and photogram, as a distinct art and craft.