A Year in Film

This time last year I was thinking about all the content I would create for you in ‘23.  And create I did.  But that’s the thing, sometimes you can over-create.  I made so much content last year that I never had time to share it in any real way.  And when I think about it I’ve been doing that many times over these past few years. Sharing has felt forced. Not organic.

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I have 83,810 pictures and videos on my phone. So many beautiful moments have been captured but missed because I watched them through a tiny screen in the palm of my hand rather than with my own two eyes. I’m not proud of how attached I’ve become. I’ve allowed this phone to have access to my whole life.

This year I’m taking steps to change that.

My first change is the camera. I have this unnecessary tick to pick up my iPhone, and capture every stinking moment. So to encourage myself to slow down, I purchased a Film Camera. I’m challenging myself to not take any pictures with my phone this year. If it’s worth capturing I will use my Film Camera. Will there be moments missed? NO! Not a one. Because I will see them through my eyes. I will paint them into my memories, and daydream about them whenever I want.

The great thing about a film camera is that there are only 35 or so photos on each roll of film. So no more clicking for the hell of it. I must have self control, or get some very deep pockets. Cause shooting in film is not cheap. I’ve had the camera for a few weeks and I’m already seeing a difference in my relationship with my phone. I don’t feel the need to capture everything constantly.

This change has also had a ripple effect on my Instagramming. Since I don’t have a lot of photos, I don’t have much to post on the Gram. Also, having to wait a week for the roll of film to be developed kinda removes the instant ability to share. I love the Gram, so this next change is a big one. I’ve deleted the Instagram app from my phone and will only use it on my desktop computer. (I had to pop on there last week for a special announcement, but outside of any big moments, I won’t have the same kind of Instgram access we all are used to.)

Just so we are clear - I have not, and will not delete my Instagram account. I just don’t have the app on my phone anymore. I’m committed to only using the desktop version for now on. I will warn you that the desktop version is very limiting, and doesn’t let you do much. I can basically only do static posts. So no more stories., reels, sharing other posts, etc. Which works perfect for the theme I’m going for this year.

Living in limits.

I’m loving this challenge, because it makes my photo taking more intentional. And when I do post, they will be more special because I’m no longer capturing endless content anymore. Also, my hubby mentioned something to me during a recent conversation that really pushed me to do this. “The reason people used to worship magazines back in the day was because you couldn’t get the content anywhere else. You would go to the newsstand first thing to get the new issue because you wanted to see what inspiring content they had come up with. Now you can just get all of it and more whenever you want it on their websites, and their social media...”

It got me thinking - having to provide content 24/7 becomes just that. Non-stop posting and sharing. Having to fill an empty hole is no longer inspiring to me. So you will have to get used to getting the core of my content here in my newsletter. I will absolutely still share on the Gram when inspired to do so, but I will definitely not be endlessly shoveling all my creativity energy and content into the bottomless pit of social media. 

Having to pay for rolls of film and getting it developed weeks later kind of removes that pressure to create for consumption. This year while the world is posting more, I will be posting less.

The pictures I shared in last week’s newsletter were all done on film, as will every picture I will share this year. In no way, shape, or form am I a professional photographer. This is not something I plan to pursue now or in the future. I’m just enjoying how authentic and organic photographing like this feels. 

I’m looking forward to a year of limits.

Mentioned in

Studio McGee & Architectural Digest

Artist Fundraiser Poster Update

All 408 posters were shipped just before the New Year. We are aware that a small number of posters have yet to be delivered. They are still coming. We’re going to give the post office until the end of the month before we take any further action. Thanks so much for your patience!

Newsletter Archive

Last Week:

A slow start to the year

Next Week:

Paperwhites Timelapse WIP part 1

January 23, 2004