A Tacoma treat

While driving along Schuster Parkway in Tacoma this evening, I glanced over at the Simpson Kraft paper mill and saw the most beautiful light on the plant. Though I was tempted to continue down the highway, I reminded myself that I would regret not stopping to take a few shots (I had about seven more shots left in my Fujica 6x4.5 that I was itching to blow through). Art trumped fatigue and I pulled over into Thea Foss park.

I walked down to the metal dock and started snapping and chatting to an after-work fisherman about the beautiful light and fish and whether it was possible for me to reach down and grab one of the salmon that were up against the dock. While I was contemplating the logistics of transporting a fish in my car without plastic bags, the fisherman said, "Look, there's a boat coming." I turned to look and saw a dragon boat crew paddling toward us. I then remembered it was Thursday and my mother was probably one of the paddlers. I knew my friend Robyn and her husband Steve would definitely be there. Lo and behold, there Kathleen was in her cute purple jacket and purple sunglasses.

Kathleen in her natural habitat & Steve the oarsman

The dragon boat leader told me that a tug was about to be launched from Martinec and I could go witness it if I jumped in my car and ran down there. Again, I considered ditching the idea, but how often does a girl from NJ get to see a tugboat hit the water for the first time. I drove down to Johnny's dock and joined the small but friendly crowd of people gathered to watch the event. The paddlers decided to row there.

Mt. Rainier, a dragon boat and the 11th St. Bridge - Ah, Tacoma.

Here's a shot of the tugboat hitting the water. Glory be! It floats! A tug is born. A great way to end a late September day. I should trust my photo instincts more often.

Sunny days in the darkroom

This morning I took photos of my neighbor's kids who are all teenagers (well, the youngest is about to be one). It was a lot of fun for me since I was shooting with the Mamiya C220 (and my Holga and my Canon G9) that was loaned to me by a friend. I don't have any idea how the pictures will turn out yet since I haven't actually seen any prints from the film I've shot with this camera. Although I was claiming to swear off using the darkroom a few posts ago, I shot one roll of B&W film and developed it just an hour ago. The negs look a little over-exposed but I've never been greatest judge of negative quality, so I'm not really sure. Once the film dries I'll be able to actually look at the negs on the light table and see if I have a hope of success. Hopefully, the end result justifies the time I spent in the dark instead of out in the sun.

On a different subject, but one that still pertains to art: I just picked up a beautiful print of Mt. Rainier by artist Chandler O'Leary. I've gotten into the habit of buying prints for my husband at birthdays and anniversaries. In the past, I've tended towards Japanese prints but Chandler's work is so lovely and I like being able to support artists I know.

I haven't posted any pictures here recently, so I thought I'd post a picture of the cat who likes to climb onto my deck and occasionally sneaks into my house if the door is left open.

Sukey the creeper

Giving up on film?

I love my film cameras. When I say cameras, I'm not just talking about two or three. I own at least ten film cameras of different makes and models. Unfortunately, I find myself only shooting color film these days. There are a couple reasons for that: a) I find I can express myself better in color at this point in my life, and b) I've become darkroom averse (I could say "lazy" but I think there's more to it than that).

I used to adore spending hours in the darkroom and could completely lose myself in the process. Now, I find it confining, frustrating (perhaps because I'm so out of practice) and irritating to my senses (I can feel my nose hairs curling when I think of stop bath and fixer). I can count number of times I have been in the darkroom in the past year (uh...twice...maybe). Don't get me wrong. Every time I look at a Walker Evans, or a Diane Arbus or a Ralph Eugene Meatyard, I get the hankering to shoot B&W again and immerse myself in the dark, dank space between chemistry and creation. But, if I'm honest with myself, I can say that I'd much rather spend that time shooting pictures and poking pixels on my computer.

I don't expect to get rid of my film cameras any time soon (well, maybe I'll sell a couple of them - I should be able to get, what, $25 for my Nikon FE2...sigh). I can continue shooting color and working from digital copies of the negs. We might actually sell the darkroom equipment, as well, since it never gets used.

Change is hard, especially when it involves something you love and are committed to. I still have a few rolls of B&W film and lots of chemistry that I could have a final hurrah with. Plus, my friend lent me this bad-boy to try out:

Maybe one more year before I let go completely...