“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”-Roy T. Bennett
Here we are! A full six months into 2017! I just realized it last week! An entire six months! Geesh! I wanted to update you on my personal project that I'm excited about.
A couple of years ago I started a "52 Sat" project, where I captured my family every Saturday. I was inspired by many photographers that have done the same and admired the memories they captured for their families to look back on in the years to come. I decided to jump on the boat and give it a whirl! Because of that project, my first year of "52 Sat," I have memories printed that we cherish that I wouldn't have captured otherwise! You should know, I never expected to finish this project. I thought it would be just another project I start and don't finish: something that I fizzle out of. To beat that habit, I made my family's memories my top priority. Whenever I wanted to quit or was completely unmotivated or uninspired, I would treat my family as if they were a client's family, and my entire attitude shifted. When I finished my first year, and printed those 52 photographs into a super fancy schmancy album I was bursting with pride. When it came around to another January, I debated on continuing it. I discovered I just couldn't stop. I was addicted. I loved what I was capturing for my family! Since last year was a leap year, I called it "53 Sat". Then this year, after diddle-dallying around with film during the "53 Sat" year and not feeling successful, I realized this was a sign. This was my new path. Film was my new project.
I had multiple film failures early on. I desperately wanted to commit to learning a new medium. To really challenge myself as an artist, as a learner, as a photographer! Using different cameras and film I've been able to do just that. It is exciting and thrilling and so suspenseful. Suspenseful because I don't get to view what I've created until I mail it off, then wait ever so patiently for the lab to develop, scan, and send them my way. When I get my scans back and I don't feel that sting of failure, I celebrate! I've even shot hybrid (digital and film) for a couple of my sessions recently and have been pleased with the results! I have learned a lot about learning something new. I firmly believe it is always good to be a life long learner. To keep creating new wrinkles in your brain. Film photography has wrinkled up my brain, and I'm not even halfway close to learning all I need to learn. I've been beyond frustrated. Ready to throw in the towel. I question myself and why I have chosen to be on this path. And then, I stop, breathe, and just trust. Trust MY journey. I can't compare to another. My journey is my own. And I'll get to where I'm going in my own time.
Thank you for being here, friend. I hope you enjoy my 2017 on Film with my 52 Weekends on Film Project.
P.S. If you follow me on Instagram, I use the hashtag #ishootfilmoratleastitry because I shoot it...and it doesn't always turn out...but I shoot it! Ha! Soon, I'm going to be sharing some of my failures. Because life isn't always perfectly in focus...so yeah...there's that...anywhos...enjoy!
