While working on a personal project this weekend, I ran into my old gear. It brought me back to where my love for photography started and how much it’s changed.

Toward the end of 2001 I was living in L.A. and realized I didn’t want to continue my career in animation. I decided I needed to go back to school to explore my creative options. Before venturing off to Boston to get my degree, I bought this Nikon FM2. Although I was majoring in Design, I found myself gravitating toward the photo department and spent a lot of time in the darkrooms.

Looking at my old stuff reminded me of all the hard work and fun that took place in those darkrooms. There is something to be said about the confidence you build in your self when you can shoot with a fully manual camera that only needs a watch battery to help you meter. Even if the battery fails, you don’t need it for the camera to function. As old as this camera gets, I don’t think I can give it up.