In The Dark Again

I worked in my darkroom today. Real photographic work: mixing chemicals, loading film in the dark, washing film, working with my hands. I use a digital camera to do some assignments, but only when necessary. I love using film and cameras that can function without batteries.
I used the portable speakers I was given at MacWorld – and a laptop – to take iTunes with me to to the darkroom so that I could listen to CBC Ideas podcasts as well as podcasts from the TED Conference. I seldom listen to music in the darkroom because it interferes with my concentration. Words, however, do not.
iPods and computers allow us to access radio broadcasts we would otherwise miss, podcasts on virtually every topic, and even live radio from around the world. We can use them anywhere and at any time to learn and to entertain ourselves.
Tomorrow will be another darkroom day. I'll listen to CBC Radio, and to podcasts on photography by Brooks Jensen, the editor of LensWork (an elegant photographic journal published on paper and on disk). His podcasts cover subjects ranging from the aesthetics of photography to the role of art and literature in society.
There are limits to using technology in the darkroom. I won't be checking my e-mail or sending messages: and I won't be writing blog entries.