When I look through the lens of my old Nikon 380, I must pay attention to the small light meter in the corner of my eye, as the F Stop numbers surrounding the lens have cracked away. I have wrapped its leather strap around my neck so many times, inhaling the comforting scent of well-worn leather. It calms and focuses me; it is just my camera and I.
I have always loved black and white film photography. I find peace in the concentration that goes into getting the perfect shot. I am completely absorbed in the moment, that frozen instant in time when I only focus on the exposure, shutter speed and my vision through the lens. It’s the rhythmic peace of wrapping my film on its plastic wheel and the churning of the black canister while I wait for my negatives to develop. It’s pulling my negatives out and holding them up to the light. It’s the anticipation I feel before I stare excitedly at the small inverted frames. It’s watching the sheet rise in the chemical bin: my photo, my vision coming to life.
With my camera, I am content, lost in my personal process of creation. Time seems to stop and I am completely absorbed. Worries about fade away and no longer occupy my time. I am still, savoring the moment. I don’t dwell on memories of the past, or worry about what may or may not happen in my future. I am mindful of only the picture and the camera in my hands. My photographs are me; they are mine: taken by me, and judged only by me. With my camera, developing my film and in the creative process, I am satisfied; I am living in the moment.
Just one girl and her experiences 