Hello From Florida!
Oh, Hey There! I just finished my morning swim with the community alligators and drank a margarita before writing this. That's at least what my family thinks now that I live in Florida. I can't believe it's been two months since moving here. In April, my husband and I took a walk downtown and I shot some CineStill 400D on my Rebel T2. I wanted to share some of the photos I got since this is the first roll of film I've shot since becoming an official Florida resident.
From Tourist to Local: Exploring St. Pete with CineStill 400D
Gulfport
During our visit to Gulfport, we had the pleasure of exploring a charming vintage Florida market held in the historic Gulfport Casino. The market was a delightful journey into the past, offering a wide array of nostalgic treasures such as postcards, dishes, mugs, pillows, and more, each item evoking the vibrant history and culture of the Sunshine State. The Gulfport Casino itself, built in 1934, is a significant landmark with a rich history, originally serving as a community center and dance hall that hosted numerous events and gatherings over the decades.
As we browsed through the market, the ambiance of the old casino added a special touch to the experience. The building's unique architecture and storied past seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras. Despite the overcast skies, I took some photos of the casino's exterior. The diffused light from the cloudy weather actually enhanced the colors in the photographs, bringing out the subtle hues and details of the building's facade. I was particularly pleased with how the images captured the casino's enduring charm and character, making our visit to Gulfport a memorable and visually rewarding experience.
These Boots Were Made for Walking...
Considering that everyone here in Florida considers walking to be like running, you may need to pick up the pace or get out of the way when you're walking here. My husband and I have discovered a popular walking path that people like to stroll (or conquer) in the mornings and afternoons. I found several scenes here that I love looking at when I find myself down there, particularly the neighborhood rhino that dresses for the occasion each month, leaving locals with a pleasant surprise on their walk.
Since this year we don't have as much travel planned as last year, I am trying to find a new pace for shooting film when out and about. When we were previously in Phoenix, I didn't take my camera out with me when I was going out for the day. I am hoping to get into a new rhythm now that we are here. I often find that I pay more attention to my everyday surroundings when I am trying to shoot around town. What can I find that stands out and would make for a good photo? Other times, I find myself capturing our beach trips in the afternoons, which I have come to love and often daydream about.
Good Ol' Film Photos
What's to Come
The last couple of months here in Florida have been surprising, to say the least. From discovering new places to explore to unexpectedly moving apartments, this transition has been filled with unexpected moments. However, we are now looking forward to settling into a more routine pace in our lives. This month, we have an anniversary staycation planned, and I am excited to see what new memories we will create. Here's to embracing the rhythm of our new surroundings and finding joy in the everyday.
