Last night while having a chat at APUG I had a bit of an epiphany.
I’ve enjoyed film photography since my childhood. Of course, at that time (the 1970s) film was the only medium available for imaging. However, as digital imaging developed, while most photographers switched, I never did. Despite my passion for computers and technology, I never shared the passion for digital imaging. (To some degree I even resented it, but that’s not germane to this discussion!)
It is occasionally frustrating when people don’t understand why I continue to conduct photography traditionally. To those who have taken up photography in the past few years, digital was the method that came naturally. To have chosen to shoot film would have been peculiar.
Fountain pens are much the same. My chat mate was surprised to learn that not only were fountain pens in active use by many, but that pens and inks continue to be produced and to be sold. Her perspective on fountain pens gave us both a very interesting perspective on how many others must view our photography.
No one would naturally choose a fountain pen as a tool for writing. The desire to use such a pen comes from curiosity. At a point, the curiosity overtakes the natural hesitation that exists and a person makes an effort to acquire a fountain pen and ink. There is no practicality about it, although there are many practical reasons that one might choose to use fountain pens. Most writers stumble upon these advantages.
For both hobbies, it must be said that the Internet is a godsend. There is a wealth of information about both pursuits – and about many scores of pursuits beyond these. Latent or even unknown curiosity can be nurtured and developed. Technology may be the ironic saviour of traditional methods.