I too have been flexing my artistic muscle as of late. A new set of watercolors, brushes and paper have me occupied right now. Next, I'll reconnect with my SLR camera that I never quite dedicated myself to when I purchased it 10 years ago. Last year my ficus was learning ceramics and the art of throwing clay on a wheel. My desire to express myself creatively has gotten stronger in the past year. Never a thought to perfect any of these side projects, just a yearning to express some pent up energy in a constructive manner.
One of my favorite college classes was an introduction to photography, which taught me how to develop black and white photos. I had to budget the costs for film and photo paper. I spent hours in the darkroom, fascinated by the images that slowly swept across the paper. I miss that meditative process, but I do appreciate my convenient phone camera.
I loved this reflection. I've been shooting for almost as long as you. I even went back to community college in the 90s so I could learn the rules and technique, use a darkroom and equipment I couldn't afford at the time. I loved the process, critique, all of it. I reluctantly switched to digital in 2007 and while I also appreciated the instant gratification, I've recently been loving on my old, beautiful film cameras again. Have fun with your digital back! Xo.
I have recently bought a medium format film camera after taking digital for the last 20+ years and I agree it is slower and mindful which takes me back to my roots in photography. This medium format camera is older than me (so yes it’s vintage) and totally mechanical- no light meter, need to manually set exposure, etc but it’s a joy to use. It really slows you down and makes you think about each shot. The wait for the development of the film is frustrating but part of the new mindfulness. What digital back did you get for your medium format?
Hi Stuart! My camera is a vintage Hasseblad 501c (so like yours, fully manual), and the company’s relatively new 907x 50c digital camera can replace the film back. It’s a ton of fun. 🙂
I bought a Rolleiflex 2.8D after watching the inspirational documentary “Finding Vivian Maier” - worth watching! I’m just 2 rolls of B&W film in but hooked.
Oh my god, yes! The process is the point, one of my teachers used to say.
Also, medium format photography is the absolute best- every image is so rich!! I’m excited for you finding new joy and Beingness in this old love of yours. HNY
I too have been flexing my artistic muscle as of late. A new set of watercolors, brushes and paper have me occupied right now. Next, I'll reconnect with my SLR camera that I never quite dedicated myself to when I purchased it 10 years ago. Last year my ficus was learning ceramics and the art of throwing clay on a wheel. My desire to express myself creatively has gotten stronger in the past year. Never a thought to perfect any of these side projects, just a yearning to express some pent up energy in a constructive manner.
💯same (and in fact, this might be what my next book is about … spoiler … 😉)
Expressing oneself creativity has so much benefit that it's worth shouting it from the mountain tops. Can't wait to read your next book!
One of my favorite parts of mindfulness is returning to the slow. The during (love that term).
When I hand paint, my mind is in color and strokes. Tones and blank space.
When I hand stitch, my mind is on threading my needle. Anchoring to my piece with knots and the variety is stitches available.
Intuitive delight.
Thank you for reminding me of the before times in photography.
We can still do contemporary things but with the deliberation required when we use our hands as the tools.
I love this imagery, Tori -- thanks for sharing!
One of my favorite college classes was an introduction to photography, which taught me how to develop black and white photos. I had to budget the costs for film and photo paper. I spent hours in the darkroom, fascinated by the images that slowly swept across the paper. I miss that meditative process, but I do appreciate my convenient phone camera.
Oh, absolutely. Slow is beautiful, but fast is convenient, no doubt! 😄
I loved this reflection. I've been shooting for almost as long as you. I even went back to community college in the 90s so I could learn the rules and technique, use a darkroom and equipment I couldn't afford at the time. I loved the process, critique, all of it. I reluctantly switched to digital in 2007 and while I also appreciated the instant gratification, I've recently been loving on my old, beautiful film cameras again. Have fun with your digital back! Xo.
And have an amazing time with your film cameras! Nothing can replace the look and feel of film, man.
I have recently bought a medium format film camera after taking digital for the last 20+ years and I agree it is slower and mindful which takes me back to my roots in photography. This medium format camera is older than me (so yes it’s vintage) and totally mechanical- no light meter, need to manually set exposure, etc but it’s a joy to use. It really slows you down and makes you think about each shot. The wait for the development of the film is frustrating but part of the new mindfulness. What digital back did you get for your medium format?
Hi Stuart! My camera is a vintage Hasseblad 501c (so like yours, fully manual), and the company’s relatively new 907x 50c digital camera can replace the film back. It’s a ton of fun. 🙂
I bought a Rolleiflex 2.8D after watching the inspirational documentary “Finding Vivian Maier” - worth watching! I’m just 2 rolls of B&W film in but hooked.
GREAT documentary. And I hope you have so much fun with the Rolleiflex! It’s a whole new muscle to exercise looking *down* into the camera, isn’t it?
Yes, good thing though people don’t realize your taking a photo
😄
Oh my god, yes! The process is the point, one of my teachers used to say.
Also, medium format photography is the absolute best- every image is so rich!! I’m excited for you finding new joy and Beingness in this old love of yours. HNY
“The process is the point” — yessssss. 🙌🏾