Random 2020 Thoughts...

I spent a very quiet New Years Eve reflecting on all sorts of things. My job, my life, lost love, my health, photography. On New Years Day, I took a 6 mile hike up into the hills above Napa and shot up a roll of Ilford HP5 in my Olympus OM-1n. It was a good start to the year.

So here are some things I’ve been thinking…

—I’m going to whittle down my collection of film cameras. I know I have said that before and have not done it. In fact, every time I have said it, I have gone in the opposite direction. But over the past few months, I’ve not bought any new cameras and sold off or given away a half dozen. I am going to manage the herd down to a respectable amount of cameras that I can regularly exercise. If you are looking for a particular camera or lens, give me a shout., I might have it.

—I am going to work hard on my black and white skills this year. Try and become competent in composition and exposure. That might mean settling on fewer film stocks. Maybe.

—I am going to get out and walk more during the week and not just be a weekend hiking warrior. I really feel better after a nice, brisk walk and as the days get longer, there’s really no excuse.

—I am going to get into the rental darkroom downtown and print the images I am happy with this year. Real black and white fiber-based prints. Spend some time under the glow of a safelight.

—Every day, or at least most every day, I am going to stop and appreciate one thing…how great that first cup of coffee tastes in the morning, how nice a flowing creek sounds when you’re hiking next to it, an old song that brings back a pleasant memory, how good it feels to get the car washed, a freshly pressed pair of pants, getting a roll of film back from the lab and being delighted with one or even more of your images, coming out of the Robin Williams Tunnel and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge wrapped in fog. Just one thing, every day.

—I am going to haul out the Hasselblad more often. When I make the effort to shoot this camera, I always have a grand time!

—I am thinking of putting together one of those photo books you can build on Flickr or elsewhere. I’ll decide on a theme and get the thing done in time to send it to friends for Christmas. Hopefully they will still be my friends after they get the book.

—I am going to eat more vegetables.

—I am going to spend less time on social media. Facebook and Instagram just gobbled up time last year and more than once I finished up an evening of Facebook feeling sad, frustrated, angry or lonely. I have photography books I haven’t read—a better use of my time.

—I am going to be kinder, gentler, more patient and thoughtful this year.