Friday, November 16, 2012

The Disappearance of Darkness - book release

I had always used film in my photography until the last few years, when, like virtually everyone else in the world, I switched to digital photography. And while I enjoy this brave new world, I often feel nostalgic for the "old" ways.

I have lots of happy memories of heading out on film shoots, carrying a lot of equipment and coming back with a few, carefully chosen exposures. We did a lot of editing before clicking the shutter in those days. I used to do my own darkroom work and the experience of developing the film, viewing the negatives, then making a contact print to see just what I had, was wonderful. I got a lot of pleasure out of the process, even if sometimes the results were less than optimal. But now, the pleasure is more in being able to see the results immediately. And if I don't have the right shot, I can take another right away. I do like that option, but I can't help feeling that some of the creative process has gone away.

While I know that digital has obliterated film, it's still jarring to realize how complete the victory has been. This little trailer, for a bittersweet book about to be released about the end of the film era, struck a chord for me. I'm sure I'm guilty of romanticizing what I used to do, but that's the way it is. While I love my digital Nikon and the amazing camera in my iPhone, I miss those old film cameras, and the hours spent in the darkroom and the joy of discovery. That's just the way it is.

This looks like a good book. I think I might add it to my collection of photo books, which themselves are probably going the same way as the photograph on film.

UPDATE - I've ordered a copy for myself from Amazon. If you want to get your own, visit Robert Burley's website and order it from there.




Disappearance of Darkness Book Preview from Robert Burley on Vimeo.

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Obama victory - on the scene report

I'm starting to think that my daughter Jaime is a good luck charm for politicians. They'd be wise to take note of this.

Jaime was in Chicago yesterday night for Obama's victory rally - and it was quite the experience!

This morning, she talked to CBC Regina and described her day to host Sheila Coles.

Link to CBC Regina interview with Jaime

This was Jaime's third time working the ground on election day - once here in BC, once during last year's provincial election in Saskatchewan and now working for Obama in Iowa. And so far she's 100% successful!

So, if you're considering running for office, look her up. She's got an impressive track record as an election worker.

Way to go Jaime.

By the way, I've asked her to send along some photos, so if she does, I'll add them here later.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Jaime is on the Obama campaign trail

A lot of Canadians are interested in the US election results today. But some are more interested than others.

Today, my daughter, Jaime, is in Chicago to help get the vote out for her favourite - US President Barack Obama.

Jaime has volunteered for the Obama campaign after spending the weekend visiting her sister, Kelly, who lives in Edwardsville, Illinois, about four hours west of Chicago.

Today, she's been bussed over to Iowa to help in that battleground state. But the best part, for her, is that she'll be able to go to Obama's victoria rally (she hopes) in Chicago tonight.

This morning, Jaime was a guest on CBC Regina's Morning Edition, hosted by our friend, Sheila Coles.

I grabbed a copy of the interview and I've posted it for anyone who wants to hear.

Link to Jaime's interview.

On Wednesday, Jaime will be back on CBC to talk about the results with Sheila and I hope to get that interview as well.

Much more to come.