When I was 10 years old, my older brother and father were trying to develop and print some black and white film, and they failed. “May I try,” I asked? They left me alone and I developed my first roll and made contact prints. I've been fascinated by the medium ever since.
Over the decades I have been able to pursue this interest with varying levels of intensity while I made a family and worked to provide for them. In my retirement I can spend all the time I want making photographs!
Though I use digital photography, I still prefer to work in the traditional photo chemical processes of light sensitive film and paper. From the transformation of reflected light exposing a frame of silver emulsion to the darkroom processes creating a satisfying final print still feels like some form of magic.