Starting late last night, the film I shot in Maine began arriving in my Inbox. Little by little. I’m still waiting on four black and white rolls which were shot on a 60+ year old camera. I am thrilled, absolutely thrilled, with what’s arriving. I’m not saying that as any sort of bragging, no, far from that. I have been feeling creatively slumped. Again. I know, I know, woe is me. The thing is, it’s common. Creative people (some) tend to be moody (a bit) and sometimes we feel, for lack of a better word, stuck. Or in a rut. Or whatever. I have several cameras to choose from when shooting. Yes, that’s it, “several.” Or ten or something like that. Regardless (ahem), I’ve been balancing in my head what needs to go and what can stay. For me, the trip to Maine laid it on the line. Who is going to win my favor? That decision is yet to be made.
So, on with the blog post.
Recently we’ve met some new people at church. And coincidentally, they also vacation in Maine. And coincidentally, they were going to be in Maine at the same time as we were. And coincidentally, their vacation home in Maine was 7 miles from ours. So, while in Maine, they were so kind to invite my family of seven (my mom was with us as well) over for lunch and some socializing. I felt badly about bringing over seven people for lunch, until I realized we were joining their 15. Really, what’s four more children when there are already 10 there, right?
Their family vacation home is the perfect location for a child’s summer of freedom and exploring. Water on virtually all sides, on the point, kayaks, tidal pools, boats, and rocks. It is the stuff of hideouts and hiding. Jumping freely into the water and floating under the sun. My children had a blast there.
These were all shot on my holga (more about that camera in a later post) with Ilford XP2 film. I like the old time feel of them. Imperfections and all.
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And coincidentally, the night after our get together, our families ran into each other at a restaurant over 1/2 hour away. I love coincidences.
I love friends.
xo
A
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6 comments
Love the feel of these… especially the first one. And usually I am a “people in the pictures” kind of a person, so that is saying something.
Great images, and story too! The coincidences are something of a cosmic marvel, to say the least. Fate! Destiny! Wow!! Very cool!! I especially love the images with the Maine pine trees ~ such a great feel about them. Maine is a terrific place to vacation! Glad you had fun and feel creatively rejuvenated.
Yay for coincidences. They remind me there is a higher power watching over me. Love the holga shots. Can’t wait to see more!
something very powerful about these images. nice work, aileen, great story telling.
I am from Maine and love all images of the Maine coast. But these are special! Beautiful work! You have inspired me to dust off my Holga!
Aileen, your holga images are so lovely. I get such a sense of time and space when viewing them.
Just LOVE seeing what you’re creating as you are taking your “slump” head on.
Wonderful!!