After 9 hours in the dark room

At a dinner party last night i was asked why i was still using an "old" camera. It made me smile, as i've been getting that question more and more recently. The other day a guy saw the camera around my neck and asked me if i like to take pictures, i felt the urge to say, "no i just have it as a weight on my neck!"

People are surprised that i still use B&W film.

The digital or film issue is one that is never ending, and i am not going to get into that debate. I use both, and often at the same time.

Take yesterday as an example. I first shot a roll with the Leica in Al-Abdali, then a couple of hours later i went down to Al-Baq'aa boxing club, and had both the digital and film cameras with me.

I am shooting a photo essay on the club for the January issue of Nox magazine. The editor wants it in color, so i used my digital, but i made a couple of frames on film for myself. He may change his mind when he sees the results.

I decided that i'll dedicate today to the darkroom.
Spent 9 hours working with film. I even developed two rolls from a pool side bbq that took place in summer. It was about time.

Just got back home. I smell like chemicals, but am happy with the results i ended up getting. I am attaching a scan of one of the contact sheets i printed today. The blue circles indicate frames that i want to print. Ended up printing six images. Also printed two from the Abdali series. Nothing beats feeling and looking at a true photographic print.


I also printed my first fiber print. Left it to dry.

Enough of me talking nonesense.