Unleash Your Creativity: Submit to Eau Claire Analog Today!

TAKE YOUR SHOT. Eau Claire Analog serves as a link for local photographers and enthusiasts, assembling photos for its upcoming zine. (Photo via Instagram)

Eau Claire Analog has waxed and waned in activity since it emerged around 2017. Its emphasis on film photography – a medium that has experienced a resurgence in popularity over recent years despite the growing accessibility of digital cameras – has attracted photographers and film lovers alike.

Originally established by local photographers, including Brendon Hertz and Jon Edmonds, Eau Claire Analog began as a passion project among a collective of area photographers and enthusiasts. Throughout the years, Eau Claire Analog has organized gatherings and released two photography zines.

More of a community organizer than a defined club, Eau Claire Analog does not have regularly scheduled meetings, membership dues, etc. “It’s essentially just individuals who are passionate about photography and film, looking to connect and socialize with others who share their interests,” remarked Casey Utke, a dedicated local photographer.

Utke is one of the individuals striving to revive the group’s activity after a few years of dormancy. Eau Claire Analog, which primarily engages through its Instagram account, saw a decline in activity in 2020, picking up again in 2024 when Utke and Max Childs, a film developer at Sharp Photo in Eau Claire, took over the Instagram account.

Eau Claire Analog reshapes local photography on its Instagram profile – users can simply tag the account @ecanalog or use the hashtag #ecanalog for consideration – and hosted an in-person “print swap” at SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar this past October. Since then, Utke has been developing a new zine, which will be the third produced by Eau Claire Analog upon its release near the end of January.

“Film makes you slow down and compels you to delve deeper into a moment and be purposeful. You lack unlimited shots to take, unlike with a digital camera.”

CASEY UTKE

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

The zine continues to welcome submissions until mid-January and will exclusively highlight film photography. There is no particular theme, although all submissions should connect to the Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley region.

A selection of photos chosen for inclusion in the upcoming zine will also be displayed at SHIFT on its gallery wall throughout February.

While no definitive future events or plans are established yet for Eau Claire Analog, Utke expressed hope that it can unite individuals with a shared passion for photography and particularly, film photography. Although Utke’s personal journey in photography has transformed over the years – technically beginning in middle school with a disposable camera at summer camp – he believes the renewed interest in film photography mirrors the appeal of vinyl records: People still cherish physical media.

“I think many would resonate with my own reasons for falling in love with film photography, notably the absence of instant gratification,” Utke remarked. “For some, it’s simply the aesthetic and ambiance of film (that captivates them). Then there are those experimenting with film photography in truly unique and strange ways, given its openness to experimentation, unlike digital formats.”

“Film makes you slow down and compels you to delve deeper into a moment and be purposeful. You lack unlimited shots to take, unlike with a digital camera,” he reiterated.

Submissions for the zine remain open and can be sent via email to [email protected] until mid-January. Photographers whose works are selected for the zine and/or SHIFT gallery will receive notification via email.

Interested in Eau Claire Analog? Follow its Instagram (@ecanalog) for updates on future events and news.