It's been several months now since I picked up a film camera and just as long since I participated in any online forums or visited any blogs.
There are reasons.
1] The darkroom had to go. It was a temporary one set up in the spare bedroom which got turned into the general 'crap' store during our ongoing home renovations. Too much crap, not enough space.
2] I've been busy. Most weekends this summer have either been spent doing stuff or working. I could have taken a camera whilst the 'stuff' was being done but as I had no way of processing what I had taken (see 1) there wasn't any point.
3] I lost interest. Well, not strictly true but the last few rolls I had shot weren't up to my usual incredibly high (ahem) standard and I got myself depressed. Decided that I'd lost it and was just rehashing old ideas and concepts.
Recently though, I've started getting the itch again. A shed has just been purchased which will be the new permanent darkroom (with running hot & cold water and everything). Ebay is getting regularly trawled for bits & bobs and much money has already been spent in upgrading and replacing equipment. An advanced printing course at the local art college is booked for the New Year.
The reason for this renewed enthusiasm? That'll be the digital camera (cough).
Well it was cheap and it has got my creative juices flowing again and it's good enough for me to be imaginative with but not good enough to replace the OM or the Mamiya and I'm sorry and everything but it had to be done.
Anyway, dubious purchases aside it is good to be looking through everyone's work again and planning new shoots and feeling the old imagination brimming with ideas and generally getting excited about the darkroom.
Mostly though, it's just good to be back.
