Double exposure: Life at the intersection of research and photography

by Fatima Rodriguez Caba

Editors’ note: Fatima Rodriguez Caba began her career with the Charlotte Urban Institute as a graduate research assistant and was promoted to research assistant upon graduation. In September, Rodriguez Caba will join Charlotte’s Community Building Initiative as the program and operations coordinator.

I like to believe that everyone has an interest or hobby they could spend hours talking about. I find particular joy in seeing my family or colleagues’ faces light up when topics like birding, food security or anime are mentioned. More recently, I’ve learned the importance of spending time in someone else’s world and learning what makes their eyes light up. 

For just a moment, I’d like to share a piece of my world with you. 

For me, the thing that makes my eyes light up is film photography. As someone who loves listening to stories of the past and flipping through photo albums, film has always been an interest of mine. At my mom’s house, you can find two medium-sized chests full of pictures from the early 80s to the 2000s. From time to time, I would flip through these pictures of my family members, fascinated by the moments in life that, for them, were just another normal day–  but for me, were special memories that connected us. 

We’ve lost many people throughout the years, and I think that’s why photos, whether digital or physical, are so important. We build connections, hold onto history and love when we spend time sharing stories. I’ve snagged a few of these pictures for myself (sorry mom) as a reminder to document everything. 

Around 2022, I was on the hunt for a film store near me, and I stumbled upon Biggs Camera, a camera store here in Charlotte. I purchased my first disposable camera and, since then, I haven’t looked back. I now own over five cameras, one VHS camcorder, and spend way too much time exploring the deep pages of eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy and the backroom of Biggs, looking for my next prized possession. 

My work at the Charlotte Urban Institute serves as another reminder to document everything. There are so many wonderful opportunities I’ve been privileged to experience. My first conference and community presentation are among the few. These moments, to me, are memories that I will never forget. As a researcher, I am in love with the process of things. Timelines, planning, meetings, writing, coding and analysis are all things that excite me (does that make me weird?). Much like film, research requires patience, and the two have taught me how to embrace the blurry or unknown – and how to appreciate the result, even when it isn’t what you expected. 

One day, I thought to myself, “Why not bring my camera to work?” I love research, and I love film. Why couldn’t the two intersect? Though I was hesitant and a little nervous, I took my camera to our Engaged Scholarship Symposium to capture the first Community Innovation Incubator meeting for the Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard corridor team. I was a little worried the photos wouldn’t turn out the way I expected them. I questioned everything from the lighting in the room and the quality of the film to the curiosity and comfort of those in the room with me.  

All of these questions swirled through my head and, as I shyly made my way around the room snapping photos of attendees, I was met with wonder and surprise. “Are people still using these!?” someone asked. “I haven’t seen one of these in years,” said another.

Honestly, I was so happy. And when I got the photos back, I was in complete awe at how beautiful they turned out. In that moment, I realized that my passion for film and research could and should coexist. 

As I continue growing as both a researcher and film photographer, I am reminded that these small moments are the things that connect us. Years down the road, our research and our photos will continue to touch generations. So, if there is one thing I can recommend to you, the reader, it’s to do what you love boldly – even if it feels awkward at first. 

I am in no way an expert on film photography, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to be. I’m just someone who enjoys capturing the process and the moments in time that seem small. I encourage you all to take a step back from your phones and pick up a disposable camera for your next get-together, vacation, community event or special occasion. It just might spark a little light in you!