Believe Studio: All things new.

Two posts in one week?! WHAT is going on here?

Truthfully this week has been pretty intense for no specific reason. Maybe it is the changing of seasons ( you guys, I just shot a family session in falling leaves NO JOKE! ) but the lord has brought so many people and things into my life this week unexpectedly. He has brought deep DEEP conversations and emotional moments throughout each precious day. If you are one of the people that broke down with me this week let me throw a virtual hug your way . For everyone that shared in the joy and goodness that happened this week... ANOTHER virtual hug! Also for all of you normal people that live in a place where you experience days + nights just disregard this entire paragraph. Intense emotions roll with the seasons around here, it's a Fairbanks thing.

A very special gift was delivered into my inbox this morning and I would just love to share this with you all.

Earlier this summer I received an incredible birthday present " from heaven" as I have joked. My Grandparents are very close to my heart and my Papa was the one that dragged me to church during my husbands last deployment which dropped me right to the feet of Jesus and began my walk with lord . One year after this journey began Papa went home to be with Jesus. Everything I am today is because of that year in my life and the dedication and love of my Grandparents. Grandma recently sold her home and moved into a retirement style resort living AKA the sorority house for the golden crowd. As my Mother did one last sweep through the house she came across a box of Papa's film cameras from her childhood and sent them my way just in time for my 31st birthday! Can't get much sweeter than that.

Besides your standard point and shoot or disposable camera I had no idea what I was getting into and still don't- lets be honest. A few need major servicing but the Ansco Shur Shot box camera was just too easy so we loaded up the 120 film and attempted to get it working. The first roll was black and white which hardly turned out . Each frame was covered in dust scratches and light leaks, the camera double exposed shots and lost several frames. Something about looking through these though, regardless of the imperfections, brings me back to such simplicity. Back when this camera was made photos were not about perfection or sharpness. Life was just as RAW REAL and SIMPLE as the photos that were captured. As messy as these are I can not wait until the prints arrive simply for the
story that they have to tell.

First is a shot from the Homer spit.

This would be the oldest taking a photo of a photo... check below for his iPhone view.

The next few are double exposed attempts of the boys on the beach

This next one is probably my favorite of the entire bunch. It's so wrong in every way but I am absolutely in love in the beauty that comes from its mess.

The color roll was saved for a hike in Fairbanks. With my cousin and her kids in town I thought a shot of several of Papas great grandkiddos would be a perfect opportunity to use his camera, especially in Alaska where he lived and loved. These turned out better but the camera will still be serviced and cleaned before it's next adventure, along with a much easier to expose Kodak Retina iii as well !