Most dedicated photographers never leave home without a camera at the ready and I am no exception. However; most photographers send their exposed film to a lab for processing when the shooting is done or avoid a lab altogether by using digital equipment. I have been developing and printing my black and white negatives since I was eleven years of age and color film since 1972, so I have spent many hours, over the years, in the field and in the darkroom. I am certain that there are an enormous number of other photographers who can relate to what I am saying and have had their loved ones question the devotion. Some say that the love of photography is an addiction and I guess it is for me.
My family was extremely patient, although I believe they had their moments of frustration and probably irritation with my constant search for pictures but they never complained. Their patience and understanding never went unnoticed or unappreciated. I am writing all of this because I am in the process of saving my old color negative film from fading into oblivion and resurrecting ancient memories at the same time. The salvage of both the film and the recollections is quite rewarding.
In late December of 1974 we went, for a week, to Disney World in Orlando, Florida and a good time was had by all but much of the trip has been long forgotten. That is, until I came across the old negatives in one of my books. We had decided to have breakfast, early one morning, aboard the steamer, Empress Lilly, which was named after Walt Disney's wife, Lilly. Naturally; I had my camera with me and as we ate I kept looking out the window at the photographer's delight outside. The morning air was full of a light fog and mist was rising from the water in the lake. I excused myself and raced outside to get a few shots before the sun got higher. I have included five images from that morning of forty-one years ago. My photography has come a long way since these pictures were taken but the memories are worth a fortune. I did take lots of pictures of my family, as well.
With regards to fading color negative film; Kodak and other companies use to print a small info block on their boxes explaining dye stability. In other words; how short the life of your film and pictures could be. Years ago; when I did wedding photography we would often joke about what would last longer ---- the pictures or the marriage!
I hope you like the old pics and will leave a brief comment at the bottom of the blog. Thanks for looking in
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