Zen and the Art of Film Photography

"When you want to hurry something, that means you no longer care about it, and want to get on to other things."

 -  Robert M. Persig, in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance 

I read this and thought of my film photography.  I wonder why I do it, instead of digital, when I look at the back of the camera to see if I got the shot only to see the blank, black back of the camera.  When I am loading the film onto reels and reels into a tank in the dark bag.  When I am developing the film and waiting for it to dry.  When I am scanning it and things are going poorly.  And then I get one worked up on the screen, printed on paper, and I remember - oh yeah, this is why I'm going to the extra trouble.  This is something I do for me, and I need to slow down and enjoy and accept each step for what it is.  Contemplation is as easy when cloning out the dust spots as when out searching for the picture, and even one meaningful picture, even only occasionally, is worth the effort.  There is no need to hurry this.  It is my escape and refuge.

Abandoned Coal Prep Plant, Lynch, KY

Church Bound, between Garrett and Wayland, KY

Road to Spindletop

Work Limits, West Prestonsburg, KY