Delirious

My current crush (sorry JN) has this quote from photographer Bernard Plossu:

To take photographs one has to be like a monk, to achieve a maximum degree of concentration, like with meditation, and at the same time possess a delirious disposition. This is why I say that photographing is a meeting place for that sort of delirium and absolute peace. Photography is made up of those two moments. They combine to create dynamite.

I have to agree. For me the concentration happens when I shoot. Lately, it must be solo, for all sorts of reasons. I need time to get over my nerves. Then I must have a little internal conversation about what I'm seeing. Something made me stop. A feeling? A memory? A funny moment? Lately, on the road, it's been the latter. Then I ask myself whether what I feel can actually be captured on film, and take a quick assessment of the environment. What is the light doing? Is there a tree growing out of someone's head? Where should I meter? Then... click... the photo.

The delirious part happens in the darkroom. When I print, I am entirely physically and emotionally tied to the process. I play music, I dance, I laugh, I cry, I jump up and down. All the time I'm moving paper in and out of the trays. There's really no feeling like it.