Week 3 | A Year on Film: 52 Rolls in 52 Weeks

Week 3 | A Year on Film: 52 Rolls in 52 Weeks

Magnolia Bridge, Seattle, WA

For week 3, I ventured back to the Magnolia bridge. I spent the first 4 months in Seattle traveling over this bridge daily. I always thought it provided a great view of Seattle, and the land beneath it intrigued me as well. There is a soccer field, and a marina, but I never really found (took) the time to explore it. With camera in hand, I finally had a reason.

One of my favorite things about shooting on film is the wait. When I made these exposures the other night, I went without a spot meter. And there wasn't enough light to use the built in meter on the DSLR I took with me. So when I came to these scenes I had to rely on my instinct and past experiences  to make an educated guess at the correct exposures. I wouldn't know if I was successful until after performing the final rinse on the film. 

Under the Magnolia Bridge in Seattle. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

 

View of downtown Seattle from the top of the Magnolia Bridge. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

I was captivated by the stark contrast the rock formations created agains the calm water. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

This year I took my first ride on a sailboat. Something brought me back to the marina late one night. Here, I try to do the boats justice. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

Week 2 | A Year on Film: 52 Rolls in 52 Weeks

Alki Beach, West Seattle, WA

When I first moved to West Seattle almost a year ago, I learned how beautiful it is to run down the beach. I enjoy it most when it’s relatively quiet, so I find myself running either very early in the morning or very late at night. Every time I run by the water, I find myself in awe by the the Seattle skyline on the other side. To me, it’s most beautiful at night when only the lights and the outlines of the buildings are visible. For week two of the “Year on Film” project, I decided to set up on a pier and make a photograph that shows the skyline and where I stood at the same time. I hope you enjoy. Some of these images I’m using to create desktop wallpapers you can download for free.

View of Downtown Seattle from Alki Beach, West Seattle. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

View of Downtown Seattle from Alki Beach, West Seattle. Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3.

 

Week 1 | A Year on Film: 52 Rolls in 52 Weeks

I’ve written a few blog posts about how the study and practice of photography has taught me how to “see.” For me, the slowing down not only opens the space for reflection but allows a much higher quality experience and product. That’s why I still listen to my music on vinyl (yes they’re still making new music on vinyl) and handwrite my blogs before before I prepare them for the web. Is it the fastest way to go about it? Normally it’s not (and sometimes it is). But I find my thoughts flow much easier and I reveal more of myself when I allow my soul to flow through a fine-tipped nib.

The same goes with photography. I shoot with both digital and analog formats. For me it’s not a question about which is better. I’ll let people debate that question in the numerous forums dedicated to photographers defending their position. For me they both serve their purpose. I appreciate both how quickly I can review, adjust, edit, and deliver photographs (especially for clients) of my digital SLR and also how deliberate I am when loading the film, composing the shot, and developing the negatives on my 1970 Mamiya RB67. Either way, I find that the thought and care I put into the conception of the shot matters much more than what tool I use to make it happen.

For the next 52 weeks I will embark on a journey to celebrate film. Each week I will shoot a roll of film and share the results. I’ll be using different films and different cameras. Some will be portraits, some landscapes, and some conceptual.

Last week I volunteered some time to photograph the Village Green Farm-to-Table Dinner. It was a beautiful time filled with locally grown main and side courses. That night I also met Tizbee and Stephanie who staged for a few shots to show the different types of events for which Village Green can serve as a venue. However, my favorite shot of them was this candid I captured while they were listening to Vera Johnson give a presentation on bees. While the photograph isn’t technically perfect (especially the ghosting caused by the post in front of the camera) I really appreciate the tenderness in which the soon-to-be married couple hold each other.

Image taken with Mamiya RB67 + Fujifilm Acros Neopan 100 and developed in Ilford Ilfosol 3

I'm Inspired by David Carroll

Alma Lorraine Bone Constable is a person I deeply care for and respect. During one of my interviews with her she said, “I can honestly say I love everybody. In each and every person there is something to love.” Not only does she say that, but she backs it up with her actions. So when she emailed me one day simply saying, “You two need to know each other,” I paid attention. After taking about a month to synch calendars, David (Dave) Carroll and I finally got a chance to meet in person. Dave is a connector. He’s very friendly,  outgoing, and nice. In a world in which it seems like most people are interested in each other only as long as they can provide some sort of utility, I must admit, it’s refreshing that after many conversations, lunches, and sit-downs, it turns out that Dave is truly as cool as he appears to be.

Who Inspires You?

I am inspired first and foremost by our creator who brought my wife, Jenny, and I together, and our four boys we've brought into this world. Often, they all bring me to happy tears. Generally speaking, I am thrilled by the human spirit. Through each “custom-made” attitude and “one-of-a-kind” personality, I see the gifts, talents, skills, tendencies and strengths that each and every one of us possesses. Amazing. Isn't it? 

What is the most interesting question you’ve ever been asked and how did you respond?

Are you really this way all the time, Dave? It drives me crazy to have my 'clear blue' optimism questioned by those around me. As if it wasn't possible to actually LIVE with passion for the majority of every day! My response: as long as I can breathe, see, feel and talk—I've got everything I'll ever need to connect with people. All else is just…stuff.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I am quite fascinated with birds. It all started in 5th grade when I broke my femur and could not attend school. In fact, I spent most of the year at home where I did my homework. Mostly, I spent my time staring out the various windows in my house studying every detail available regarding my fine feathered friends.

If you removed all constraints how would you spend your time?

Without barriers, I would be most pleased spending tons of quality individual {and family} time with each of my sons and Jenny. Reading, talking, laughing, being physically active, means that we truly know one another as best we can. All of us together would embark on things that could make a difference in someone else's life. I believe that is important enough to teach and model to my kids.

How did you get to where you are today?

I decided back in college that I would do the things that most people wouldn't. Like standing up in front of others to speak about something I believe in. Anything! I wanted to lend a hand. You know – help out a little or a lot. I was also purposeful about reading as much as possible and meeting as many people as I could. Not just those that I wanted to know but people I felt should know me. These were the driving forces back then that shaped much of who I am today.

What are you doing to be the person you want to be?

I continue to stretch myself when it comes to doing those little things that most everybody else would not dare. I have found that teaching others what you have learned or experienced is quite possibly one of the best ways to improve. Leaders must always practice being leaders. And so I do.  

What can you do today to improve someone else’s life?

Look at them, eye to eye and open your mouth and say something nice or pleasant. A smile, handshake, or name goes a very long way. Ask a question like, "Is there anything that I can help you with?" Even if the answer is “no thanks” the gesture runs deep.

What do you think is the most fascinating subject/concept in the world? 

Leadership. I've seen, heard, and felt so many different versions of this subject over the years. I have dedicated a major portion of my personal and professional life to it's legacy. It is the profound difference maker that can change the world around you. 

What makes you smile? 

When I am in the presence of people. I am very people-centered and I enjoy finding the opportunities to make someone feel special enough to know that it matters. 

What projects are you currently working on? 

It is my dream to publish a book around the beauty and power of the human race. It's all in my head right now!! :-)

How can we support you? 

If you believe after reading this there is somebody I should meet, by all means reach out and hook us up. Anybody who is willing to open up to me, I’m all for it. It all comes down to honest, meaningful relationships—and that's me in a nutshell.

How can we contact you? 

Linkedin is a great medium for connecting with me.

 

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