Ever since my initial encounter with a camera, when I was gifted my first one at age 6 from my dear Mum – it was clear that it sparked something inside me.
As time passed, my connection to the creative process only strengthened. From ages 6 to 31, over the years there have been many iterations of cameras that I have used to explore my passion – from a Barbie 35mm camera to now, with my Yashica Mat and Minolta Dynax. Of course, many have come in between. Still, at the end of the day, it truly is about the hope that creativity continues to push into my life.
Taken with the Yashica Mat and Lomography CN 400.
Photography has been a constant, but my chronic health issues have unfortunately run right alongside it too. It continues to give me so much and allows me to cope with my situation differently and more positively. To be chronically ill from the age of 5 has heavily impacted my world in such a massive way and altered my perspective on life – I guess it has made me more appreciative of the little things that can change one’s day around.
I wanted to portray the fragility of life through the beauty of flowers.
Taken with the Minolta Dynax 5 and expired Kodak Vision3 500T.
The sense of hope that it gives me, is invaluable. It also brings me a sense of purpose on those low days. Especially for the past five years, as since 2019, I have been completely bed-bound, due to a deterioration of my varied chronic conditions. Since then, all of my photography work has taken place via my bedside setup. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes in the day, picking up my camera and having that positive focus is a wonderful thing which takes my mind away from chronic pain even if that’s only momentarily. This holds so much power and also acts as a form of meditation.
Taken with the Minolta Dynax 5 and Kodak Portra 400.
For all of us, gear is a great thing that can certainly assist with our photography and can, of course, make certain aspects of our work an awful lot easier to tackle. But, people who see photography/photographers from the outside, tend to underestimate how impactful creativity can be. To have a creative outlet, especially in the most challenging of times, is a very powerful thing and one that can allow people to cope with circumstances differently.
Taken with the Yashica Mat and Lomography CN 800.
Art can truly impact all of our lives in such a profound way. On the days that I can pick up a camera, it is the highlight of my day and if I feel well enough to do any type of floral work especially, it’s something I can plan and look forward to, this in particular, is always a great distraction.
Film in particular is a form of creative practice that I feel a great connection to, especially as that is how my photography journey began. The entire process of film, from the loading through to shooting the roll is a very different pace to create with and has a heightened meditative effect.
Taken with the Minolta Dynax 5 and expired Kodak Vision3 500T.
Despite the health challenges I face, I feel blessed to have this wonderful outlet. I’m very thankful that I have continued to pursue my passion, in spite of being restricted physically, I still have my creative mind, which is necessary for me as a coping mechanism. Hope is an essential thing to hold onto, whatever your outlet might be in life – hold it close and keep that passion alive.
Thank you very much for reading my first 35mmc piece.
You can find me over on Instagram.
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Thorsten Wulff on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
Bill Brown on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
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David Smith on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
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Jeffery Luhn on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
I read your piece twice. The photos are great and speak for themselves, but your words touched me deeply. 'Inspired' is the word that comes to mind. I look forward to seeing and reading more from you.
Comment posted: 09/10/2024
JC on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Wonderful shots, perfect colours
I remember a session when i shot wilt dark red roses at the work table of my daughter with a Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super and a Tessar 50mm.
And you are right, the wilt flowers are a sign for transience .
Cheers, Jens
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Gary on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Jack on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
I love your photographs; your use of light and colour, of tone and texture, of grain and form. They are like your own take on the paintings of the old masters it seems to my eye? As you say film is a wonderful medium for photography, for working in a considered way and this is reflected in your pictures. Photography is indeed, for many of us, therapeutic and key to our well being. May it continue to bring you joy and please publish more of your work for us to enjoy.
Jack
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Simon Foale on Hope in Creativity
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Ibraar Hussain on Hope in Creativity
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Steviemac on Hope in Creativity
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Do post again, and share your images with 35mmc.
Comment posted: 10/10/2024
Tony Warren on Hope in Creativity
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Nathan S on Hope in Creativity
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Francois Marlier on Hope in Creativity
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John F. on Hope in Creativity
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