My love for old cameras and ‘The Housemaid’

Hey friends ♡

How was your August? Hope you’ve had a wonderful month. I had a great time enjoying the late summer and the slower pace. I sometimes find myself being hard on myself for not sharing content online, but taking a break was necessary for me. I've been focusing on creating art, which I haven't been sharing, but I plan to do so very soon. I went to Spain for my last holiday of the year, did a lot of reflecting and enjoyed the scorching sun, although I got a lot of mosquito bites, which was unexpected. I savoured the delicious paella and the beautiful beaches.

I also recently visited an immersive exhibition at the Tate Modern featuring Anthony McCall's "Solid Light." The exhibit showcased beams of light projected through a thin mist to create large, three-dimensional forms that slowly shifted and changed in space. As you move through these translucent sculptures of light, they were able to create new shapes and discover their own mesmerising perspectives.The exhibition was really fascinating, but I ended up leaving with a migraine. The bright lights and misty haze really got to me in the end. Beside these factors, I would recommend it. I created a TikTok video sharing some short snippets of my visit.

Here's what my month looked like:

In my last blog, I talked about embracing positive habits, with one of them being picking up reading again. I tried reading ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman, but I just couldn't get into it. It felt like a chore, and I wasn't enjoying it. There were too many characters, and the plot didn't thrill me as I had hoped. So, I set it aside and picked up ‘The Housemaid’ by Freida McFadden, and it was so gripping. This is the synopsis: Millie is a young and beautiful woman who applies for a job as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew Winchester. Despite Millie's criminal record, she is offered the position, which she sees as a fantastic opportunity - until it isn't. Things take a turn for the worse as Nina Winchester's behaviour becomes increasingly bizarre and frustrating. To make matters worse, Millie is given a room in the attic... that only locks from the outside.

This extract from the book that made me feel a little claustrophobic. The way they described the attic freaked me out. I don’t know what I would do if I was locked inside!!!

I finished the book in just 3 days because I couldn't put it down. Each chapter was terrifying and thrilling, and I often found myself pausing to reflect on what had happened. The writing style is simple, which is perfect as I'm just getting back into reading. I loved that it was straight to the point and easy to understand.

I had to purchase the sequel, ‘The Housemaid's Secret,’ and read it within a few days. Just like the first, there were so many plot twists and it kept me turning the pages. I would definitely recommend these books if you’re easing yourself back into reading again. I’d love to know your thoughts on the book if you’ve read it.

My love for film cameras

In this months blog I wanted to talk a little bit about my old Olympus mju zoom 140 film camera. There's something so special and timeless about shooting with film that I just can't get enough of. The process of slowing down, carefully framing a shot, and waiting to see the developed prints brings me so much joy. I highly encourage you to try it out as it really brings out your creative side when finding the right perspective and angle. The limitations of an older camera, such as manual focus, limited ISO range, and fewer shooting modes, can push you to be more intentional and creative in your compositions. I usually use the Kodak Gold film and it gives a beautiful vintage aesthetic, with a warm golden undertone and the right amount of grain.

I find that embracing the constraints of an older camera can inspire a fresh approach to photography and encourage you to find new ways to capture the world around you. Plus, the unique characteristics and quirks of older camera equipment can add a distinct aesthetic to your photos that sets them apart from the pristine digital images of today. I love going to Snappy snaps and handing in my roll of film, it adds an element of nostalgia and authenticity. If you use an old camera, I’d love to see your photos too.

I absolutely love snapping photos of beautiful buildings, the sky, and stunning scenic views! Here are some photos from my Olympus camera.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! It was short one this month, but I always love being able to share my thoughts and inspirations with all of you.

Until next month…

Love, Janki x