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I’m currently preparing to go out and shoot more pictures, but had the urge to post these before I go. I love the way they make me feel, and I remember the time I shot them very vividly.

First, we have Warren in the snow.

I shot these with my Yashica-Mat 124G using Fuji Color 120 film. I believe it was 100 ISO, but am truly not sure! Oops. But, if any of you out there shoot Fuji, you know how insanely blue it can be. So, I had to strip out a lot of the blue and cyan “channels” in Aperture.

However, in this shot, I used the cyan to help the mood go to a higher level. It added cyan shadows in the “treeline”, which I found very eerie and lovely. This picture in general speaks to me a lot. I find it haunting. But, that’s what love does. It gets into your soul. This picture embodies Warren to me, mysterious to the very core. In silence… yes. Silence.

I remember the intense cold of that day (last Winter, 2008), followed by warming up at the bookstore with a cuppa coffee (it was actually the field right beside the bookstore. Sneaky, huh?). Our ears were red from the cold, cold wind, fingers numb, faces frozen. It felt good to be cold and miserable and then be so satisfied with the end result. I’ve done that twice now, but this time as the photographer The snow often flew directly at the camera, making for some very blurry snow streaks. I love that! After I started shooting digitally, I missed the anticipation of getting film back. I think it’s made me a better photographer as the years have passed. When I shoot film, it’s a very different experience than when I shoot digital. Less chances for the perfect shot means paying more attention, in my mind. I like that I can do both. Options are always nice.

Then, we have the lovely Maddison, one of my beautiful niece’s, at holiday time, also in 2008, at my parent’s house. We all gathered in the rarely-used basement for a family photo. During that time, we also just hung out, chatted and I played with one camera while Warren played with another. This was also the Yashica-Mat (from above) using T-Max 120 400 B&W film. I love all the hairy bits, scratches and mood that the darkness ads. There was no getting a perfect exposure in that dark basement, so it, again, added to the mood.

Then, as some of the kids played with the pool table balls and cues, I asked Maddi to sling a ball toward the corner as I shot, asking her to avoid the camera if possible! I only shot one like this, and boy was I happy with the result! I absolutely adore the way it stretched out her hand and face. And, the faces on the television. I have no idea what was on. I can’t even tell now.

So, there’s that. I guess I’m just in love with film. I love all of the imperfections that can bring forth such a perfect mood. Why do you think there are “dust-n-scratches” effects in photo-editors these days? Ay? Think about it.

I’m gonna go now and play with film some more. I’m a lucky girl.

Love to all,

cb