Looking back on 2020, I think we’d all agree it wasn’t our best of years. That being said, I was very presently surprised with the amount of fond memories I can reflect through photographs in 2020. Sure it wasn’t the year filled with festivals and large scale events but the times spent with small groups of those who matter most is what really counts anyhow, right?
Over time, I’ve learned how to acknowledge just how fast people enter and exit your life or even this universe for that matter. That’s part of the beauty of photographing. Freezing one of these moments with the people I’ve spent time with on this trip through life. You never know what will happen to the people you photograph or your involvement with them. I guess that makes taking the time to make a photograph that much more exciting. Will your subjects be around for the rest of your life? Your business partner? Best friend? Will this person start to ruin your life? Maybe play a useless role? Who knows but don’t doddle TAKE THEIR PICTURE, I promise it will be interesting later.
As someone who works as a digital photographer, I prefer shooting film while off the clock. Film gives me my fix as a photographer yet doesn’t feel like work. I don’t feel burdened to get the files to the computer quickly or ask someone to re take a photo that didn’t turn out perfect. I find the limits of the equipment or imperfections of film create far more creative features in the photographs than I could create or enable myself.
Film for me is like taking that vintage car out for a spin or playing your favorite vinyl record…. Wearing that concert t shirt from 30yrs ago. It’s comfortable, original and reminds you of far more than the object and medium itself.
