Paradigm Shift

It had been years since I’d taken a photograph without the crutches of endless memory, autofocus, and instant feedback. Once I began shooting with the AE-1, I was immediately forced into a fresh photographic mindset. Suddenly I had to conserve my film, take more care in composing the frame, re-examine my exposure settings, and ensure my focus was bang-on before committing that precious snap.

This created a turning point in my photography. I’m taking more care, respecting the medium, and fostering a greater understanding of the art. As I write this, I don't know if the photos will turn out. Still, I anticipate a higher good:crap ratio than I normally achieve with my digital SLR. Regardless of my results, it makes me think about the process in a startling new way.

Bring on the T-Square

This idea of analog vs. digital made me reconsider my design process. When I abandoned the comforts of digital photography, I learned more about the art in a single roll of film than I have in the last four years shooting on my 20D. It made me realize how much I take the process of graphic design for granted by relying on the comfort of my computer. I've never experienced handcrafting a design on a paste up using rubber cement, T-squares or X-acto knives. I've never experimented with analog techniques like screen printing or typesetting by hand. There's a whole level of craftsmanship and appreciation of our profession that I've overlooked.

This summer, I plan to change that.

Bring on the T-square and the drafting table; bring on the screen printer; bring on the film; bring on the typesetting; bring on the analog process I didn’t know I’d been missing.