Slowing Down

I discovered recently how lazy my photography had become. It was quite a subtle realisation. It all occurred when I purchased on eBay The Canon A1.

The Canon A1 is a throw back to a time when Analogue 35mm Film Photography was the only game in town. The ISO of the film in use was it. You couldn’t change ISO, there was no image review and every frame captured cost money to develop regardless of whether you created a “keeper” or not.

My laziness is a result of of having everything at my disposal. Instant change of ISO if Iight levels drop. Image review, delete if I don’t like the image or composition, just take another shot. Not caring, just shooting away with no thought or emotional content.

Using The Canon A1 requires a totally different discipline. It’s a manual focus Lens, I need to work within the parameters of my ISO. Which means tripod where required. ISO 200 is a beautiful thing, at the right time of day if you don’t have a tripod. The weather in London right now is heavenly, bright, sunny, strong shadows. Perfect for the sunny 16 Rule when shooting film.

Learning to Manual Focus is a new practice because of this camera. In looking through the view finder I see two versions of the same image before me. In turning the focus ring on the lens, I can see the image move into alignment, creating what should be a focused image. This is only one part of the equation, ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed must be happy together in this moment.

This is a beautiful camera, it works perfectly, full metal body and the film images printed from scanned negatives are a joy.

My photography is back on track because when I use my Fuji Toys, I am NOW, using my newly created awareness of focus, care, discipline, patience and technique in understanding the creatively perfect exposure for my images.

This camera has forced me to slow down and just be with the rhythm of life.

If I don’t feel it, I will not shoot it.

Why should I create an image if my mind, Eye, vision and heart are asleep.

No

My visual storytelling is all about commitment without attachment.

I am open, receptive and ready to respond.

This is my Photography.

All images in this post were created using The Canon A1 & The EOS500n

Thanks for reading. 📸