Last year (ya, that’s right) I took out my twin-lens Mamiya, bought some xp2. I was itching to shoot some film and shortly after I purchased a couple of rolls we had a lovely snowfall so I brought my camera outside while the boys enjoyed the weather. Later that week the boys and I went to a fellow homeschooler’s home where we were invited to partake in maple syrup making! We had so much fun and the boys were so thrilled experiencing the process, watching the sap drip so quickly into the buckets from the life-bearing trees. It was a wonderful experience, one they would like to do again, they told me as they saw me finally editing these images. Better late than never!
There really is something amazing about film. I love it. It’s totally different than digital and once I accepted that I was able to accept digital. I got my photography degree (BFA with major) using film. Yep, it does date me but that’s okay. I learned to create images from scratch, by hand, if you will. There is a real connection to the images, the moments you create when you use film and I think only those who have experienced this can relate.
What took  my sooo long to share? I scanned the images soon after they were processed but it took me until yesterday, so that’s almost a year, before post-processing – as in getting rid of the dust. That part of film I don’t miss! 🙂
My art minor had a photography focus. I was just telling my kids this morning how I’d have to unspool the film and fit it into the canister in complete darkness. Oh, I miss it. I loved the smell of the darkroom!! We put a darkroom into our first apartment, which had a second bathroom, but when we moved into our first house we had no room for one, and then I started trying to get pregnant, and there went any thought of handling the chemicals anyway. And then digital took everything over while I was busy being pregnant and nursing.
It’s funny how these things can get away from us as the happenings in our lives change. I used to love developing, the excitement as you turn on the light and look what magic has been brought to life on those negs! In one sense we are far better off with digital: no chemicals, no mess. But we’ve become a society who easily throws away the camera, laptop or whatnot of two years ago because it is out of date. I find going back to film from time to time slows things down for me, adds meaning to the moment. With my Mamiya I have to use a light meter, make all my settings with dials and cranks, manually focus. Time stands still. 🙂
The photos are beautiful! I particularly like the way the black-and-white treatment allows the facial expressions to come through so clearly, without anything else interfering.
My dad and I were reminiscing a few weeks ago about his love for film photography. I have very fond memories of developing film with him in the makeshift darkroom he’d created in our home. I must have been about 6 or so, but I can still remember the smell of the chemicals and the excitement of watching the photos come to life on the wet paper. So cool to see people still using those techniques. 🙂
Yes, there really is something magical these days when using film. I love that so many of you commenting have fond memories of it – yay!
absolutely wonderful photos!
Thank you! 🙂
Gorgeous photos! We often talk about the “old days” and having to develop film. Amazing how things change.
Thanks, Kim! 🙂 It was fun to bring out the ‘real’ camera as I call it – haha – no offence to anyone, it’s just how I learned to shoot. 😉