Since there’s actually 52.25 weeks in a year I thought I’d throw in this post to conclude my 52 project. I know it’s not a great shot but, for me, it sums up some things I’ve observed during the past year.
The pictures on the wall are not mine, they are on a wall in Urban Outfitters in Dundrum. I thought they looked Lomographic, which would fit since they sell Lomography cameras in that shop. It turns out that they were all taken with an iPhone using the Hipstamatic app.
Picture the scene, there I am with a seventy year old folding camera loaded with black and white film taking a picture of an exhibit of digital pictures taken and processed to look like old photos. It seems the distinction between digital and film photography has become somewhat blurred. (unintentional pun)
OK, what have I learned?
When I started out I was worried that I might not be able to maintain a high enough standard. I’ll admit I have posted some shots I was not happy with but I am actually very happy with a lot of my pictures. From the comments and ‘likes’ that I have received I guess that other people liked my pictures too. At this moment I have had 2305 views on this blog, about six views a day which I think is pretty decent.
When I began last January, I found it difficult to find enough light to take the pictures I wanted to take. I forgot about this when November rolled around.
Many of my old cameras have seen better days. When I processed my films, I was never sure I’d have anything worth showing though sometimes the defects added to the final result. There were times where I used a snapshot camera to try to get a particular shot that it was just not meant to get. I still like my cameras and consider myself to be a camera enthusiast rather than a photographer.
Things I would do differently…
I’d take more care when it came to guessing distance. It seems I was way out when I guessed focusing distance. I mistook feet for meters with one camera which left one roll unusable.
Many of my old cameras have no auto exposure or light-meter so I had to guess the exposure. I used the “sunny sixteen” rule and got away with it some of the time. I guess I should have been more careful.
I’d allow another second or two before pressing the shutter release to make sure I’d set up the camera and framed my shot properly.
I’d pick a better name for my blog.
What next…
I’m already felling withdrawal symptoms from having finished the project. Though it’s taken me till now to finish posting, my final pictures were taken in 2011. There were times when I had five films running at the same time and trying to remember what film was where was a cause for concern. There were films that ran through the camera within an hour and others that took weeks. There were times when I was grinning with delight while snapping away. I really enjoyed this project. Unfortunately I did not get to use all of my cameras. If that kind of thing interests you, I’ll continue to post here. I have a project in mind for this year maybe with some collaboration… Lets see what happens.
I’ve spent most of the year shooting with film cameras but I’m definitely not averse to digital photography at all. I do find the simplicity of a darkened box, light-sensitive film and lens quite refreshing but the convenience of digital is very attractive. What I have spent on films , processing and cameras in the past year would have bought me some nice digital toys. Now that I’ve finished my project I’m looking forward to re-aquainting myself with my digital camera and trying to figure out what the knobs and dials do.
Last and not least…
I’ve had great support from my family and friends. It’s great to have someone to include you in their blog tour to give words of encouragement. A big thanks to all of you.
Postscript: I bought a load of film and chemicals last week and have two “new” cameras winging their way to me at the moment. That return to digital may not be happening as soon as I predicted.
yarglags 52 