Shooting daily, shadows and light, and challenging through restrictions.

I’ve been picking up my camera to shoot more and more daily. I’m using the Fuji X100 VI which I must say is a pleasure to shoot with. Aside from the look and feel of the camera, I enjoy the film simulations - particularly the Classic Chrome and Nostalgic Neg. There’s something about the nostalgic neg that makes me want to use it to make personal photos I know I can look back on and really enjoy. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself to shoot, lest I end up feeling overwhelmed. I do think it’s important to take my passions a bit more seriously though. I’ve really been neglecting photography and, by extension, myself for quite a while now, and it’s time to stop it.

Before I forget, came across a video that had me thinking what made older photography seem so authentic, and that might partially have to do with the technology and it’s limitations, even imperfections if you want to call it that. Maybe that’s also part of the charm of film - you know it was taken by a camera and it looks like… film. In a sense, at least for me, I think we want to know it’s a photo, or a movie, and it must look like one. And, well, a photo should look like a photo. This is something I’ll probably expand on later.

Another thought I had today is how having less creates a greater challenge for us. This applies to photography - and reminds me of video games in a way. You start off normal, and you beat the game - but after a while of replaying to the point where you’ve mastered the average - it’s time to up the difficulty and push our limits even further. Frustration awaits, but as challenge after challenge is overcome, you feel good and the rewards are greater. So, instead of arming ourselves with more photography gear and accessories, perhaps we need to arm ourselves with less, or at least deliberately impose more restrictions so that we shoot more intentionally, and hone particular skills.

Today I practiced shooting some light and shadows in the morning when the light was gentle. These are the little things that I think make a difference for your photography and the way you see the world and observe details. I’m leaving a few of the shots below.