When Slides were their own Reward
Sifting through hundreds of raw files from recent trips, I was reminded of the early days. Back then a roll of Kodachrome (later Velvia) was expensive, scanners were way out of reach, let alone computers powerful enough to process images, and a C print was a rare treat. Still, I remember the anticipation before picking up a roll from the lab. I remember the joy of studying the colorful chromes with a loupe over a light table. Bad slides would get discarded, good ones filed carefully in albums. Every few weeks I’d load a selection of favorites into a carousel and wait for darkness to project them on the wall in my apartment, sometimes for friends, sometimes just for myself. And that was it – that was what photography was all about. The idea of having someone pay to see my work was so far fetched it never even entered my mind until years later. Yet in those times, out with the camera, studying slides, or savoring them projected in my little room, with no other motivation than to get a good exposure of a meaningful place or subject, I felt more excited about photography than any other time. On those rare days when I can muster but a fraction of that old passion, I am truly content.
I can objectively say my work now is far better than it was on those early attempts, but it feels different. It seems to take more effort and discipline to find that state of mind again, that delirious mode when everything is calling to me to be photographed. That seemed to have happened every time I went out in those days. Now, living in a photographer’s paradise, I’m lucky to experience it a few times a year.
Funny that.
Tonight I might switch on the old light table and dig up some of those old 35mm files… just for myself.
Category: Thoughts and Musings
Guy,
of going over slides, and of all other similar trips. I remember fondly waiting waiting in the mail.. then BINGO. I remember picking out a few, and taking them down to the photo store (remember those? 
and having a few prints done.
Fantastic essay your words immediately transported me to my light table many years ago after a 10 day backpack in the Wind Rivers with my wife, and the thrill (and agony
I am not sure my work is all that better (pretty sure it is
, but today I experience something similar but not as powerful (maybe because I am older??) coming back after a trip, firing up Lightroom, and seeing all the images on my LCD coming to life. It’s different, not as powerful, but fun. Until of course, I have to start sorting 
keep the awesome essays coming.
Paul
Btw, I was thinking the SAME thing the other day – getting the light table out and going through some of my slides. Dont know why..
“Trying to make a career out of photography is a sure way to ruin a perfectly lovely hobby.”
I can entirely relate to your post, Guy
So well put Mr. Tal! Just last week I had the pleasure of going through my collection of medium format and 35mm slides in preparation for a lecture and it really was great fun to sit for a few hours in front of a light-box and sift through hundreds of images just like I did only a few years before. I sometimes miss slides, but have embraced digital full on like so many of our contemporaries. I think I may pull out my old 4×5 this weekend just for fun!
Well said my friend.
“Trying to make a career out of photography is a sure way to ruin a perfectly lovely hobby.”
You have to be extra diligent and protective of those things in life you do for love and not money.
Hey Guy,
I had to revisit this post this morning – it’s just what I needed, thanks.
Did you have your slide show?
Thanks again man.
Cheers
Carl
Hello Guy.
I found out about you because I subscribe to Tim Grey’s – Digital Darkroom Questions. (Great reading for the technical side of things = )
I was reading the October 30, 2008 issue of DDQ, when I clicked my way to your article “Pro Tips For Better Photography” in OP, and later clicked over to your essay about slides and I felt that I had discovered someone with great insight and enlightenment. I have so little time and so many images from about 5 years back that I still am sorting through them (and hopefully rather soon can post some to my website) but I can very much relate to the moments you speak about when going through (digital) negative’s and once in a while come across something that (you/I) wish others could see.
I have found that sometimes it seems difficult for people who are not into photography to understand why I live for those moments, but you understand = )
I am grateful to you for putting into words what sometimes can only be seen.
Sincerely, Bengt Sanner
Guy:
Lovely article. Wow if that isn’t an incentive to stay as an amatuer! Some of my best moments in nature photography have been when I have just looked… looked deeply into nature, and not snapped a single frame. However one cannot make a living with that frame of mind!
I think anyone that has participated in photography as a hobby has had the fantasy of selling one’s work, but perhaps it is a case of the “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Perhaps it is better to stay where one has the most joy?
Some famous photographer (I forgot who) said that photographers are lucky because everytime the little yellow box comes back from the processor, it is like Christmas opening the box up. If one can maintain that frame of mind when one turns professional, then one is most fortunate.
Regards,
Greg P.