I am not a huge fan of new beginnings. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. Sure, when something is new, I am excited but I am also terrified. I am most comfortable once I have been at something for a bit of time and have found my groove. My happy place is in the midst of something.
My sweet husband bought me an SX-70 for Christmas. I have been playing with it for the last two months trying learn how to operate it. I think the first photo I took came out blank. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Each photo felt more like a painful lesson than an adventure in art and expression.
I continued to play with the camera and continued to learn something with each photo.
Finally, I started making some hedge way. I started learning the ins and outs of my particular SX-70. And when a photo doesn’t come out perfectly, I have learned that it isn’t necessarily me. It can very well be the fact that I am using a 40-year old camera and film rightly named Impossible.
Does the fear of new things mean I should never begin? That if I have never picked up a particular camera I should never try? Or that I stop shooting with this beauty? No. Because I love what comes after the newness. While I am not a fan of beginning, everything after it is my favorite. When it comes to my SX-70 I have reached the wonderful place of comfortable and understanding. The excitement and fear of just starting have waved. Now, with each press of the shutter I don’t wonder what I did wrong, but wonder what I will learn. And sometimes I am surprised with something beautiful.
So as we begin to search through our viewfinders together, I want to remember what is coming. The sweet spot. The adventure. The community. The beauty. Whether you are beginning your photography journey or you are in your sweet spot, I hope you find this space an inspiration and support.
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Love your perspective here, Staci, because it’s true – beginnings of any sort can be very frightening!
I remember when I first started experimenting with old cameras (and old film) I would just get so frustrated because the results weren’t on par with what I thought my results should look like. When I look at them now, though, I see them for what they are and they are so much more exciting than I gave them credit for five years ago!!!
Here’s to starting new things!
Thank you, Anna. I hear you!
these are such wise and honest words. I am so glad you are “in it” with us!
Thank you! Me too!
I love your honesty to express this feeling of being afraid of beginnings. I share the same fear and yes after we find our way It feels good that we weren’t afraid to give the first step. I put my Pentax k1000 on the side for being difficult to me…You just inspired me to get her again and try.
I am so glad you are going to get your Pentax out again! I can’t wait to see what you create!
I love how you begin new things, with much excitement and fear, yet you never let the fear stop you. I am excited to watch you BLOOM into this new adventure with Viewfinders. Your voice and perspective matters!
Thank you friend! xx
Your words and images are always so beautiful together.
Thanks babe! xx
I love this, Staci. Your images are gorgeous and your words resonate. For me it’s 35mm film shooting with my AE-1. I just haven’t connected with it yet.
That is a camera I have wanted. I hear you. The bummer with 35mm is you need to shoot 36 shots before you can see what mistakes you may be making. I wish they sold the 12 exposure packs for a cheaper price. It sure would help with that learning curve.
my favorite “While I am not a fan of beginning, everything after it is my favorite.” great quote! So very true. I love that you kept trying because the results are so pretty. My oldest has been at his first and only job for almost 2 years now, he is unhappy and wants to find a new job….he is afraid of the new beginning…I’m going to quote Staci’s words of wisdom to him;)
xo
your friend
Tracie
Thank you so much, Tracie! I hope he goes for it! xx
Lovely words and images. I can SO relate.
Thank you, Cheri!
Excitement & nerves go hand in hand whenever I try something new with my photography. I absolutely get this, Staci. But conquering those nerves, and mastering that new whatever, that’s golden, and of course, we can’t get there without beginning. xo
Love this post. I didn’t have a lot of luck with my SX-70, and then it broke! It looks to me like you are well on your way to great results.