Many don't know this, but even before Jewelry was my love for... Photography.
![35mm film camera how to load](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0041/5472/files/Screenshot_2022-11-16_at_6.37.38_PM_480x480.png?v=1668641879)
It was my very first creative outlet as a child and I can vividly remember the "click" of the shutter, the feel of the film, and especially the winding sound announcing the last shot had been taken. A bittersweet moment only made better knowing that I would get to see what would be unveiled.
The anticipation of opening the paper packet to reveal which images (hopefully!) turned out sans any orange over-exposure lines or dust dots would eventually give way to the exhilaration of learning my way around a Darkroom. The opportunity to creatively manipulate the film made Photography even more exciting to me and the mystery of watching the film take shape was all too satisfying.
![Darkroom Photography](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0041/5472/files/darkroom_480x480.jpg?v=1668531905)
Embracing the "Digital Darkroom" as I call it of today has been a journey that I put off until I could no longer ignore. So disheartened by the idea of not being in the Darkroom I had simply shelved a pastime that I had enjoyed so much. But, I finally came around! I am excited to say that I have found there is a way to do both. The Digital platform actually offers many creative avenues, in fact too many at times( !) for me to delve into, but I am certainly enjoying this process and embracing it. It's worth it to me to give Photography, something that was always waiting in the wings for me, the time it deserves.
![Laura S. James Fine Art Photography | Destin | Beach Photo | Ocean](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0041/5472/files/Screenshot_2022-10-31_at_11.26.14_AM_240x240.png?v=1667230250)