The intimacy of film.
Someone once said that intimacy transcends sex and they couldn’t be more right. For example, capturing moments throughout my life is one of the ways I stay intimate. One of my love languages if you will. One that I have spoken to many with and will continue to do so; majority of the time they don’t see it coming which makes it even better.
But what is it about a point and shoot that makes me feel so sentimental? Let’s use the four types of intimacy to analyse:
(1) Intellectual
I hold connecting with those around me to a high standard and it’s something I see great importance in. Me and the people I keep nearest and dearest share similar beliefs and we are always able to connect on a mental level. Sometimes it’s brainrot which sometimes doesn’t even sound like english, but even within the depths of brainrot, what we’re really doing is conducting a sociological experiment. Sometimes it’s when we unload our past traumas; what went wrong in our childhood, why we still hold a little resentment towards our parents, and all the things that make us a little broken. As unconventional as it is, it is these moments that I make a point to capture, as a reminder of a sacred shared moment that lasts forever.
(2) Physical
Like keepsakes, my photos are my own personal tokens of affection. They act as tangible memories where they don’t become victims to the passing of time nor age. In the rise of social media and a digital word, I cling to my tokens tighter than before. I love the digital but I would be lying if the physical media of the world didn’t fulfil me more. What does insta or facebook have against a physical image of a special moment, one that your fingers touch and can transport you to a different time in your life? The truth is it doesn’t and you're lying to yourself if you think otherwise.
(3) Emotional
The emotional aspect of intimacy involves feeling safe enough to share your deepest thoughts and feelings, stemming from a feeling of vulnerability that bleeds into trust. I personally enjoy and make a habit of making people feel safe and most importantly seen when they are with me because I know how it feels to be the opposite. I take pride in the fact that they are comfortable enough to be seen and captured by me; it means more knowing that this is for my own memory collection and no one else's.
(4) Spiritual
It's when you are out with your girls; maybe your night is going to plan and you made it to dinner on time or maybe it’s not and you didn’t make your reservations and the night is taking a spontaneous turn. It’s when your friends play you a song they think you would like. When you’re out and pick them up something from the shop because you know they’ll appreciate it or when they ask you if you want a canvas because they know it aligns with your interests.
Keep a camera on you at all times to capture these moments. The ones where you feel the girlhood in my bones. I know when I don’t have one with me, I wish I was a camera; with a photographic memory so that these acts of intimacy could never escape me.
A feeling I wouldn’t recommend.