Two weeks ago, inspired by Tara Whitney, I took my film camera out on a walk. Ellerie in the stroller, music in my earbuds, camera in my hand. We took our normal walk up the hill to the market and back down. It takes about 40 minutes round trip and kills like six birds with one stone (what an awful expression). 1) we pass the time. 2) we both get fresh air. 3) I get some exercise. 4) we pick up a few odds and ends for dinner. 5) I get to browse the goodwill bookstore next to the market. 6) I clear my head.
This day, I got to do all that plus think creatively about 24 photos. I always forget how much I love film. There is nothing instantly gratifying about it, but I find I am so much more deliberate. I frame. I take a deep breath. I shoot. I can not re-shoot. I can not adjust. I just move on. And then a week later when the prints are developed I get to remember a little bit about what was going on. It's always interesting to me to see the photos that I was excited about at the time and to see the photos that I hardly thought about (most often I find I like the latter more).
And because film is the original magic maker, there are no filters needed. It just is what it is. Rich and contrasty and sometimes a bit fuzzy. Always awesome though. I would love to get my film camera out more often this year. This roll was about documenting the plant life we see on our daily walk. Other ideas for future times: a day in the life, what's happening in our backyard garden (we're planting seedlings in the next few weeks!), corners of our home, an hour with Ellerie.
I'm inspired.
I get my film developed and prints made in Little Italy at Nelson Photo. They do an outstanding job and I love to support a small local business.
enJOY it 
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