It is a gorgeous Spring day in Kew gardens, the sun is shining and there is a gentle breeze. The weather is warm enough to not have to wear coats or sweaters, but not as hot as a true British summer's day.
I am 8 years old and my mother has just let me borrow her little Kodak 110 camera. I have found a group of daffodils and have just taken my first photograph. I distinctly remember the slightly audible 'snap' of the shutter and the 'crackle' as the winding slider wound the film in the cassette on. This memory is etched in my brain and I do not think I will ever forget it.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to immerse myself into the world of photography and had some exciting experiences. Sadly some of my photographs have been lost, and some have not survived very well, but I still have an enjoyable collection in albums to take me down memory lane.
I have decided to dedicate some time into rekindling my original photographic passion. Digital is fantastic and has many advantages, but I think it can be a little clinical. I read somewhere that Quentin Tarantino will only shoot on film stock as opposed to the digital alternatives, and I think the same is true of some record producers with their music. Some audiophiles hate CD's and MP3's and swear by vinyl records. They seem to crave that naturally occurring organic feel or sound.
While shooting film more in recent years, I have been reminded how it is a very different experience to digital. I shoot 35mm and medium format, but the latter slows down my process most. It is almost as if I take more care. The step back in time is an enjoyable one.
I have also noticed that when I shoot someone who has only ever known digital cameras and auto focus, I can almost see them getting bored in the few more seconds it takes to finalise composition with the prime lens (no zooming), focus, wind on or change a film. I would never have thought seconds could seem so long...
