Books

This journey began with a simple desire to connect with fellow film photographers. What started as a casual meet-up soon blossomed into a regular gathering where we shared skills and tips on getting the best out of our film cameras, whether they were 35mm, medium-format, 110, folding, rangefinder, or single-lens reflex. From the luxurious Leicas to the charmingly affordable Prakticas, every camera produced stunning photographs-once the light leaks were fixed and the focus was spot on.

But it wasn't just about the technicalities; it was about forming conversations and creating a dialogue around our shared passion.

Over the past year, a diverse group of photographers found themselves exploring cities, parks, train stations, and woodlands, all in pursuit of bringing their subjects from darkness into light. Our challenges were reviewed in a WhatsApp chat, where we critiqued each other's work while always offering encouragement. Those who were timid at the start have grown into confident artists, deeply passionate about their craft. Regardless of age, we have all learned from one another and found motivation to create more.

This book, featuring 124 photographs from 12 photographers, is a visual essay of that journey. For some, it may feel like a spiritual experience; for others, it's the joy of using old technology with its four simple features: film sensitivity, iris, shutter, and focus. Through a mix of calculated precision and serendipitous guesswork, we've crafted this collection of photography.

In the words of Rowan Hand.

This is the simplest and most courageous of stories. It is a work of reportage, what these eyes have seen, what these ears have heard, what these hands have touched. Nothing complicated, just the tale of ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things.

The men and women I report on between these covers are the Fathers of the Society of African Missions and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles.

In an age in which evil can prosper, good priests and sisters of the Catholic Church are doing today what Jesus asked of them two thousand years ago, to care for the poor and vulnerable. And dear "Francis the Good" has refocused that command to love in asking them, to mingle with the 'sheep' of the flock and to be as they are.

At the start of my voyage, I described myself as an "optimistic agnostic". The Wexford SMA Tom Curran used to joke, "You may well be an optimistic agnostic in Ireland but I think you're more of a pessimistic Christian in Africa."

I knew well what Tom meant, for in our part of Africa danger is never far away and the closeness of the good God is often your unseen shield, indeed your only safeguard.

Today, as a result of what I have seen and what I have discovered on my personal voyage of spiritual discovery, I know that the message of Jesus, "Caritas et Amor" is the very best story in town.