It's time to slow down
Have you ever been going through your camera roll and had no idea when or where a photo was taken? Maybe you have even fifteen of them all slightly different, but very much the same and you can almost place the memory in your head as to when you captured it, but not exactly. Is it just me? Something about taking only 36 frames at a time makes you remember. I guess it is easier to remember 36 moments from a few weeks ago compared to hundreds of thousands over the last decade. But, I think it also has something to do with the mechanics of creating a photograph with levers and gears rather than virtual buttons on a touch screen. It is true what they say - shooting film makes you slow down and actually be in the moment. Why? Because you can't just push a button, you have to be engaged, thoughtful, intentional and physically involved in making the photo happen.
This summer has been a season of slowing down. Due to some unanticipated changes in my 9-5 career, I took an extended leave and then decided to leave the firm I've been with for almost 2 years and look for other opportunities. It is a long story outside the scope of this blog, but the point is that for the first time since I was 15 I didn't have a day job. Yes there are stresses that come with that, but mostly it has been such a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to recalibrate and refocus on what truly brings life and joy and meaning. It turns out that being intentional and purposeful drives fulfillment and satisfaction and that goes a lot further than just the intentionality of taking a photo, it has shown up in many places in my life.
All of that to say, the hype around shooting film is totally accurate for me, and it has changed my perspective on photography, but has also taught me some life lessons that I won't soon forget. Be engaged even in the little things and memories will be made. Don't be so stuck in the virtual world that you forget your place in the physical world. Set out to create something and you will enjoy it so much more. I could go on and on, but I will leave it at that for now!
Here's to slowing down, doing life on purpose and creating moments that are worth capturing and worth remembering!
Cheers,
David
