Lessons from the Photo Lab

How a blank roll of film reminded me what of what I've lost in the digital age

Last week, when I stopped by Scott's Photo for pickup, I was surprised. All week long I'd been searching for shots to take—watching the light and pulling the car over whenever inspiration struck (my kids have grown to love our unexpected detours).

On Friday, I drove into the city at 9 AM to finish the roll (in 20° weather!) and drop it at Scott's. When I returned at the end of the day, excited to see how they came out, the kind gentleman searched for my envelope. As soon as he found it, I knew it wasn't good news—the note simply said "blank" with a frowny face scribbled in blue pen.

Luckily, things improved from there. The man behind the counter was curious about what might have happened. He offered to examine my camera, and for the next 15 minutes, he showed me how to load the film properly and work with the settings more effectively. We started talking about the camera, and I shared the story of finding it with my dad when I was a child.

I learned more in those 15 minutes than I had in hours on YouTube. The mistake led to discoveries I would have missed otherwise.

I've been thinking about this experience and sharing it with friends and family because it demonstrates two important things:

1. While the internet offers convenience and endless resources, I've come to rely on it too heavily. As an introvert, I avoid social discomfort by taking the online route for shopping, learning, and communicating. This means I rarely meet—let alone connect with—the people who work and live in my community. That moment at Scott's was special because I learned something while connecting with someone who shares my love of photography. I want to find a healthier balance.

2. Asking another person a question requires vulnerability. Asking Google doesn't. What happened to calling a friend? When I'm curious about something, I default to Google before "bothering" someone. Yet there's more to gain from asking a question than just an answer—there's conversation, story, and human connection.

These insights aren't new. I see how modern life—especially our relationship with our phones—affects the mental well-being of myself and my family. Most people I meet have seen a similar chain of events in their own lives.

As photographer Annie Leibovitz once said:

"In a world that is increasingly dependent on technology, what matters most is what comes from your own mind, heart, and hands."

I’m picking a new set of photos tonight. Fingers crossed.

xo, Corinne