Adventures, Art and Anniversaries

Well this summer's been just a little crazy with a fun variety of different photo adventures! And while I've loved just about every minute of each one, it means I haven't had much time at all to update my blog on all the new happenings.

Wanted to take a quick moment to share some favorite glimpses and new thoughts developing from a recent shoot.

A lot of nostalgia with this one— these two were the first friends brave enough to ask me to shoot their wedding! And after spending the day peaking through a lens onto so many sweet and important wedding day memories last year, I had the wonderful honor of joining Kyle and Rachel again for a day of Anniversary Celebrations!

Back in my college days, (a whole four months ago) I was presented with a puzzling white book branded with a fascinating multicolored cow and a demanding title— "What is Art?". I think that I will continue to ask that question, and consequentially, continue to come to new conclusions.

The conclusion I've adopted for the moment, however, is actually instead another question, which arose from an interview tim artist Edie Bresler:

What kind of opportunities does my "art practice" present me with? What does my artist's tools and title allow me to do that I love? Because whatever the answer is, I think for now I have discovered that my art is in that.

There's something about art that is more than just "making something" (or designing something or composing something or painting something for that matter). I continue to find that a whole lot of it is about the experience— the people you learn about, the time you spend, the places you're welcomed into.

And while composing and placing and moving and adjusting are probably always going to cloud my existence (all for the right lighting of course), I'm trying this thing out where I just OBSERVE.

Find the little things that just are. 

Happy (one month late) One Year Anniversary to these two dear friends!

Mystery Film

If you and I have happened to cross paths in the past 3 days, then it is likely that you have heard the latest excitement in my life. For the rest of you, I will provide the detailed story.

In a recent visit to the Antique Store near me, I came to acquire an old Instamatic Camera. But not just any Instamatic Camera. This Instamatic camera had a role of film in it— a role of film with six exposures already taken.

Who took these six pictures? WHAT were these six pictures? Where were these six pictures taken? What YEAR were these six pictures from? Just a few of the questions that had to have an answer.

Needless to say, my decision was quickly made that this camera, and particularly, this role of film would have to be mine.

And so began the process of developing this hidden mystery. The development process of this film was an arduous one to say the least. The small 110 size allowed for ABSOLUTELY ZERO available reels to fit it, and the tightly wound film was adamant in keeping it’s spring-like curl, leaving me only one option.

TRAY DEVELOPING.

I would like to take this moment to mention that this Gold 200 Film required a C41 color process. Which basically means that the consistent 95°F chemical temperature throughout the entire process was vital. For those familiar with film development, you also know that the film must be in COMPLETE DARKNESS until after the final wash.

You can imagine my agility and grace in the measurement of chemicals, washing of the film, and general movement about the pitch-black room for the following 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, with the help of a small red tray, film holders (better known as my fingers) an obnoxiously loud timer, and the wonderful heat-retaining water tank called a JOBO, I emerged from the blackness with high hopes.

The initial analysis of this precious film provided nothing but dense, detail-less black. Which was mildly devastating, yet understandable considering the film’s potential age. In frustration, I allowed it to wash a bit more and then left it to dry while I put my time towards less fruitless tasks (like taking a final exam).

When I returned, I hesitantly decided to give it a second look with the hopes of finding any slightest bit of detail. To any nearby observer, my reaction at this moment would be described as no less than pure elation as what looked to me like two people were just barely visible in the murky blackish-green strip.

 I quickly found myself at a scanner, seeing for my very eyes the thrilling results on my computer screen. What you see before you are the black and white converted scans from this epic film! Only four of these exposures came out. I have absolutely no idea who these people are or when these photos were taken, but one of these days if I finish with finals, papers, projects, and job searching, I hope to pursue this story a bit further!

If you read this elaborate story all the way through, congratulations and thank you.