Muddy Waters

My American friend who's been living in Bali for 2 years told me about a spot outside of Ubud I must photograph. I got all of my gear together - one 35mm film camera - one medium format Mamiya - tripod - plus many rolls of film. On my way out the door I considered changing out of my flip flops and into sneakers, but I sweat like a mad woman and didn't want to deal. Big mistake.

I hopped on Christina's scooter and away we were through some of the most lush greens I've ever seen. Higher and higher up, I wondered what this 'spot' was she spoke so highly of. My stormy clouds were out - they were drawing me closer and I got to choose where to stop and shoot. Alas she dropped me off, giving me 45 minutes to shoot before the sun set. The light was perfect and those 'asian' trees were before me. I asked her how I would walk through the rice paddies and she told me to follow the path. I am here in the rainy season because I love the turbulent weather as much as my camera. We share this joy together and venture out into the unknown bank of exposed film I will one day view. I know the digital gods are looking down at me laughing - but I am laughing right back at them...

So I began to hike down this so-called 'path' - much weight on my back, trying hard to stay balanced and walk through the muddy field. It had rained all day and only stopped for sunset, which in theory was perfect. I contemplated taking my flip flops off and walk bare feet, but there were some sketchy items on the ground I didn't care to investigate. I told myself to walk back the way I came and find an easier path. On my way up the road I saw two young girls washing some things in a small stream of muddy water, giggling and texting on their pink phones. I thought this may be a good place to wash off my flips and feet - thought maybe I could get their portrait too :) They were talking about me to one another - I could only imagine what they were saying but it did not matter. I was on a mission. I leaned over to dip my feet in the water. I thought about the fact that both camera's were strapped across me, but figured they were secure enough not to fall. WRONG!!

My 35mm fell right into the water - the lens cap from the Mamiya went along with it. I couldn't believe it but at the same time I knew it could have happened. Total premonition. Fool, fool, fool is all I could call myself but I needed to stay strong. One of the girls fetched for the camera while I searched at the bottom of the water for the lens cap. They continued to giggle and I tried to be cool. I was boiling inside, wondering when life's lessons will ever end. Never, apparently. I thanked the little girl with one of the only Indonesian words I know and proceeded up the road. I looked at the camera and literally watched it fizz out. I found a spot to sit - not to dwell, but to deal with the problem at hand - do only what I could do at the moment. i took the batteries out, dissected the parts as much as I could. I took 3 deep breaths and decided the show must go on. I was grateful it wasn't my new medium format camera and walked along to a beautiful spot waiting to be photographed.

I've been thinking only positive thoughts since this instance occurred. At least it wasn't my new camera. At least it wasn't the better camera. At least I HAVE two camera's. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. A professional or two back at home said I was nuts for taking both camera's anyway...that I should just make the switch to medium format and not even deal with puny 35mm. I feel forced into adapting to a new style. Wide angle landscapes have been my signature over the years. I don't have a wide angle lens for the Mamiya because it costs the same as the camera itself. Therefor, the Nikon made it across the world with me. I wanted the safety of shooting with what I know - the Mamiya was purchased only 4 weeks before my trip and on man is a range finder different than an SLR.

So instead of bugging out, I've been embracing the Mamiya like my newborn baby. After reading the manual from front to back (again), I feel excited for this abrupt change. The Nikon is truly messed up and I'm out of here in 36 hours, hitting the road while leaving some items behind. Bye bye Nikon - I guess this was our time to say goodbye. You've given me more than I could have possibly asked for over the years, and for that I am grateful....