Equipment
camera: Canon EOS 40D
lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II and Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5


Its a Cruel, (Cruel)...Cruel Summer

A few months ago, I found myself in a creative rut.  I wasn't motivated nor had the urge to photograph anything for the majority of the summer months.  Experiencing a creative block can be a stressful period for obvious reasons.  For me however, it was a game of patience.  I decided to not force myself to find inspiration; it would find me eventually and it did.  But during this period, I just didn't have the need to photograph.  I tried sketching and creating music but my mood was off and I had nothing to say artistically.  It happens...

The Rising Sun

​Fast forward to this Fall; it is a rare occation when I don't have a camera in my hand.  I now spend a lot of time reading and researching the art of photography.  I am shooting almost everyday.  I have about 25 rolls of undeveloped film (both 35mm and medium format) that are ready to be processed (one day, this is another time consuming project entirely).  I also have been using Google +, Tumblr and other social media outlets as references for personal project ideas.  Last week I planned to do some sub-framing and shadow chasing over the weekend but Mother Nature had other plans - several days of chilly, wet weather!   So I adjusted to what the urban canvas provided and used the last couple of days to do street photography in the rain in Chicago and Detroit.
​

​​The Zen of Analog Photography

Art provides a path for me to be free, create and to find internal peace.  Art is therapeutic.  I believe anything worth having usually does not come easy.  A process is necessary.  For instance, becoming a musician takes time.  Learning to play an instrument is a creative process.  I want those same experiences with my photography.  I don't want 'instant satisfaction'.  With photography, I am capturing a moment in time.  Time needs time, so I feel what I record visually shouldn't have immediate results from a digital camera.  I personally prefer to approach the art of photography with a more traditional method with analog equipment.  I feel a strong sentimental connection to my film developments.  Therefore, I am now seriously considering shooting film photography 100% simply because I am dedicated to the process of manually creating visual art. 

With a limited amount of frames on a roll of film, I've adjusted to the idea that every shot must count.  This idea is also true in life.  Film photography is about investing in the moment.  I am learning to spend less time worrying about things I can't control. I replace negative thoughts with enjoying simple things that I used to take for granted.  However, the results aren't always free from flaws.  The lesson is each attempt is better then the last.  I am finding comfort in being in the moment; to stop, observe, think and create. 

During this past spring, I anticipated spending the summer months enjoying the sunshine, sporadic motorcycle rides and weekend getaways.  I was especially looking forward to shooting more film photography, specifically with my medium format camera.  However, the realities of life had other plans.  Unexpected roadblocks and obstacles not only rerouted my summer excursions but totally derailed my level of creativity.  Now that August is upon us, I missed out on some prime opportunities to expand my portfolio.  Yet, I don't feel particular bad about it simply because I really had nothing to say artistically.  The few times I did photography over the summer, I wasn't fully engaged in the process.  I was shooting with film cameras 100% of the time yet I am not overly anxious to see the results right now either (I don't plan to do any film developing until the fall).  
​
I feel that my creative drought is temporary and will eventually pass.  I much prefer to be patient and allow inspiration to find me rather than force myself to shoot just to be shooting.  I want my photography to have depth, purpose and meaning.  Film photography has taught me to make every frame count.  Capturing a micro-second of time should not be taken for granted.  This is a simple belief in quality to quantity. 

With that, I like to think that my creative process is in the brewing stages.  Bold, flavorful coffee is a craft.  It takes time, patience and passion.  I can surely wait...