With Age comes Wisdom..

Many a times, he has given me useful advice. Well, most of the time, it's about preparing one's self so that I would not get mugged or robbed at night. But still, this man of 84 years is still alive, drinking kicking, and oozing out with invaluable know-how that can only come from years and years of life experiences. Peace Lo. :)

Check out more of my photos in my flickr site - http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscogmm/

Best Christmas gift this year

photo fromhttp://www.the-digital-picture.com

Ok. This is what I got from my girlfriend. Haha. She really knows me. I loved using this lens, whenever I could borrow, even way back before Christmas. Thanks babe!

P.S. Thanks bucs, haha for reminding her what this lens was called. Guys, you can check out his photo blog at http://pangantot.blogspot.com/

The Meaning of Christmas

I took this last friday, in UP diliman's lantern parade. Maybe this is what Christmas is all about -isolating the important things and letting go of the not so important things. Maybe?

Check out more of my photos in my flickr site - http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscogmm/

Christmas photography

Today was the first time I really got the chance to shoot models, specifically my parents. They were going to an alumni ball in Manila and I asked if I could shoot them. This'll probably be my gift to them for Christmas!

** Next day.

Ok. I got the shots already and I must say, I am surprised at some of the photos that came out. I ended up having to ask the technician guy to convert a pic to bnw, as I had used colored film, to liven up the mood in the picture. On top are some of the shots I got from this shoot.

Mamiya RB67 and the Soup Kitchen

photo from http://shooterslab.com

Ok. It's been too long since I've posted here. Honestly, school's been hell. There's always a lot to do and this limits my shooting trips and sessions. So anyway. I've decided. I will not venture into the digital photography scene. I have decided on getting myself a Mamiya RB67, from ebay or hidalgo quiapo, and go into the medium format biz.

I've been torn whether to get a dslr, for practicality, or a mamiya, which I feel more strongly about. "Digital pics don't strike me as much as film does." That's what exactly came into my mind. That's the reason why I'm getting a Mamiya rb67 soon, hopefully. I'll have to search for a good 2nd hand one. It'll probably cost me around 12,000 to 15,000 pesos, so yeah. I might get a body, with wtf and probably a basic lens for now. possibly 90mm or something.

I also feel that I'll eventually get bored with shooting digital (coz almost anyone can do that). I like the challenge of carefully taking my time in composing a shot. Anyway here are some of the soup kitchen pictures and some other random photos that I took.

By the way, my friend developed my Ilford negs (which are looooong over due). I'll just have to get them scanned and I'll post soon!

Check out more of my photos in my flickr site - http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscogmm/

Soup Kitchen and the Kids

Yesterday, I went to our parish church because SFO (Secular Franciscan Order), from which my parents are part of, had its monthly soup kitchen for the street children here in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. We've been doing this every month but yesterday was the first time I brought my camera. I realized that this would be great to shoot since last time, when I was in the medical mission, I was not able to bring my camera, and I can tell you that there were some amazing shots that could've been taken.

Anyway, when I arrived there to assist, there were no children. Then it dawned on us, they might not be able to go to the soup kitchen because most of them lived in Tabing Ilog, which was submerged when the floods came.

Fortunately, there were at least 20 children who came. It was really a blast and it was worth it to see the faces of the children. I shall post photos once I get them developed.

The Solid Gold 200 Film

Since it would take a long time before I go back to Hidalgo, to buy Lucky 200s in bulk, I decided to settle for the Solid Gold 200 Asa, which I got in the Mitsubishi photo store in Ali Mall for 60php/24exp. This was the film that I used when I went Batangas, with my girlfriend's family. It produced really good results in daylight and fairly well results indoors.

I'm very pleased with my tripod as it let me take a photo at 1sec. lol.

Anyway here are samples of photos taken using this film.

This one's a bit grainy, but then again, who does not like grain? (Ok, I know I know. There are people who do not like grain. As for me, I love it, just as long as it does not cover the whole photo and takes away the focus from the subject.)

This would've been better, in my opinion, if the shadow in front was not there. Oh well.

But as you can see, the colors look pretty good in daylight, outdoors, compared to the paler ones in the indoor shot.

Wanted: Creative Output

This weekend was a kind of a torture for my creative side. What I mean is that I've been restless the whole weekend because there's all this creativity, that I know I can channel into photography or skating, that's locked up and I don't have the means to release it. I've been on the psp/laptop, even the snoozetube (my snazzywayofsaying sleeping), the whole weekend - well, whenever I'm at home.

Sucked 'cause I forgot to buy film today and my tripod stayed in my room, contracted, and looking at me. I could almost hear it asking me where my laptop is.

Well, during my "uncreative" period, I managed to think of a 'cool' shot that I wanted to try. Since I have a tripod now, I thought, "it might turn out great if I took a picture of swaying trees in extremely slow shutter speeds. I kinda got that effect in this photo to the right. I shot this with my very first roll of film. If you take a look at the farthest arc of leaves, you will notice that they look like they are blending, like they were painted or something.

Well, that was when I knew how to mix aperture and shutter speed. Now, I wanna try to capture the 'blending' of the leaves in a closer range.

Anyway, I'll stop with this first. This is the only creative thing that I did this week, lol.

Lucky Color 200 135 film and a Medical Mission

Today, I came from a medical mission, that consisted of various doctors here in Sta. Maria Bulacan, nurses, newly graduated and old, and a group of doctors from UST, that aimed to help those who were hit by the flood caused by Ondoy.

It was about 2pm when I decided to go there to assist in guiding and keeping the order in the tents. The first thing I noticed was that thre were so many people who needed our help. They needed medical, and I think, psychological, help. Everywhere, you could hear people coughing, children crying, because of the hot weather and/or any sicknesses or injuries that they had.

I saw this small kid who had a large gash on his foot. It already had puss coming out and it really alarmed me. How many people must have experienced the same thing?

This was a very touching experience because by merely guiding the people to the vital sign stations, I was able to help them go closer to much needed help.

One thing that I also noticed that amidst all that was happening, I realized how great the photo opps can be. I regretted leaving my camera, and my last film, the delta 3200, in manila. Oh well.

Anyway, I've been scouring the net for a nice film to use. I needed something that as cheap but which produced good results. I did not want to get expired films anymore. Anyway, I came across this cheap film named Lucky Color 200. I'm currently for the lookout for this type of film. I've heard they can go for as low as Php65 (1.sumthing dollars)

Here are a few examples of photos from this film. From merelyok, jamaican_jazzer, and bnoman in flickr.

Photography, I'll be there in a bit!

It's been too long since I have touched my camera. It's been too long since I've fiddled with the settings, since I've loaded up a fresh roll of film. I've been really busy with school and I really needed to catch up on some things before resuming my hobbies. It sucks but it's how things are. Hopefully, in a few days, or in a week, I'll be up and running again.

In the meanwhile, here are pictures from the most recent roll of films. I haven't updated my flickr yet so these are the only photos that you guys can check out. I'll upload everything soon, so just sit tight.

Oh yeah, If you have any thoughts about my photos, drop me a comment! :)

** Lastly, I'm happy to say that I now have a tripod. My mom found her old tripod when we were cleaning the house, from the flood that occupied our house for a day. It was the Ondoy storm that sent the flood water rushing into our home.

Before I post the pics. I'd like to give a short intro. Basically, the photos came from rolls that I shot during the Makati Photo Trip, The UP Diliman trip where I used the Kodak Bw400cn. The rest are random pictures, with me taking a shot at portraiture. I used some pics of my niece for here birthday gift. The fujicolor 400 ASA films, which I thought were not expired, turned out to be expired so yeah. All the colored photos were shot with the fujicolor film. I was also able to borrow a 50mm 1.8 prime lens for some shots. Anyway here it goes.

Debutant Modelling

I'm excited for my cousin's debut. Why? That's because she will be having a photoshoot for her debut this november. I asked if I could tag along her photo shoot and take some photos of her in traditional black and white. I'm thinking if I should load up on C-41 bnw, like xp2 or bw400cn, or do it old fashion and use ilford hp5s or kodak tmaxs. To any readers out there, can you suggest to me what to use as this would be my first real photo shoot. Thanks!

Flickr

Check out my Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/people/franciscogmm/

I have posted there most of my photos. I will be uploading their soon! Watch out!

Long times.

It has been a week or so since I have carried my camera and shot pictures. With the increasing amount of school work and stress from university and organization obligations, I have found little time to photograph. For the time being, I have settled with looking through black and white groups in flickr, and by looking at the photos that my uncle has been sending me.

Also, I found this blog, www.branconopreto.com, that really captured my interest. The photographer and I have the same taste based on what type of photos we like. This blog, showcases, mostly black and white photos. If you know me, you should know that I love black and white. That's why I told myself that for black and white pictures, I will stick to film.

Anyway, I shall try to find time for my hobby. Don't worry, I'm not letting my camera collect dust. lol

Band Photography - First shot!

image from http://www.betterphoto.com/

I just got home from an event sponspored by my friend's home org. It was pretty near my place so I decided to go and check the scene out. Anyway, I heard, from another friend (let's call him A), that the band he was managing was playing in the event, so I decided to take the opportunity to use one of my rolls of Ilford Deta 3200 black and white film to do some band photography.

Since I have been to other gigs, and have played in a couple myself, I knew that the lighting would not be kind to photographers. I knew that the place would be kinda dark with lots of lights flashing around. With this in mind, I asked some of my friends if they had an available Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens that they can lend me. Luckily, one of my friends had his niftyfifty on hand and let me borrow it.

The lens was amazing. It was my first time to use one. It was very fast and it helped me capture some shots at around 1/125 seconds shutterspeed. That pretty much solved the dilemma of the band moving too much. The very high ISO of one of the fastest films out there also helped.

In fact, it was so great that I did not change back to my 28-90mm lens for the remainder of the night.

I really had so much fun because I was able to catch the expressions in their faces that exhibited their passion for the music.

In the end, I still had six more shots left. I'll probably take photos of my girlfriend or some other subject, in low light.

I shall post pics after I get them developed. All in all, I was able to take around 15 shots of Gracenote and 9 shots of Tonight We Sleep.

If you guys are fans of these bands, follow the links; or better yet, buy their EP to show your support!

P.S.

I'm really sorry that the developing is taking too long. I want to finish my last C-41 film before I send them for bulk processing. It saves me a lot of money. lol

What gear should I get? Canon ef 75-300mm f/4-5.6 or Canon ef 50mm f/1.8

Ok, here's the deal. I am interested in getting additional gear to back me up for when I go on shoots.

Basically, I want to get the telephoto for when I go on photo trips or when I start shooting sports events. I need the range so that I will not have to go closer. No duh. lol. This will help me for when I decide to pursue street photography.This will probably cost me Php 6,800 to Php 7,000 (around $140) at the very least.

Now, I am interested in getting the prime lens because my org in my university will be setting up model shoots and I would like to be able to have the option of using the prime lens for intense bokeh photos. Also, I've seen sample photos and I must say, for the price, it produces outstanding pictures. I really want to use this lens when I load my camera with the Ilford delta 3200 black and white film. This will probably go for Php 3,500 to Php 4,000. ($70-80)

Help me out guys. I need help!

Or maybe I can follow my girlfriend's advice and save for a dslr to cut down on my expenses. Lol

*update - as of now, I am planning on saving up for a dslr, probably a used one. I'll still use my film camera for when I shoot traditional black and white!

Recollections: Makati Photo trip

image from my friend's site

Roughly two weeks ago, my friends and I went to Makati, Philippines to take a photo trip. We were all psyched because we all wanted to do something that we all had a passion for.

When we got out of the cab, the first thing that we did was we took out all our cameras - 1 Nikon, 2 Canons, 1 Lubitel, and 1 fisheye 2. Well, what happened was a few minutes after the taxi ride, wee noticed this cop walking towards us. I then thought that he would criticize us about us using our cameras. True enough, we got scolded and he asked for a permit. Strict cops. I thought we could use our cameras in public places. I had the same feeling when my friend who owned he lubitel and fisheye were skating up near the Mall of Asia. We walked around the corner to avoid any other guards and right at the same time when my friends hopped on to his board, a cop in a ford f1 opened his siren and scolded us. Haha. It was fun. I can now tell my kids (in the future) that I got "harassed" by cops more than once! lol

Anyway, we were forced to go to the opposite direction and avoid any cops that we would see. We almost got caught when we were shooting in the underground walk ways. Since it was almost 5 pm, I was forced to push my ISO to 1600 instead of the default ISO of my film, which was 400. Anyway, it was all good. We went all around the vicinity, while taking pictures and chilling. Let's not forget that we were "running" away from the cops.

We ended up having a lot of fun. although it may take a while until I can get my photos developed.

At around 7 pm, we headed back to the bus station and rode back to Cubao, where we went our separate ways.

Next stop, Manila Bay. Sunset shots and hopefully, no more cops!

Ilford Delta 3200 Black and White Film

A couple of hours ago, my friend and I went to this toy camera store up in 13th avenue on Santolan, parallel from P. Tuazon, Cubao. The camera store was basically a lomo store called Oh Shoot me! I tagged along because I heard they sold the Ilford delta 3200 film that I ahve been wanting to buy. Anyway, I bought two rolls, 'cause I thought that it would be hassle to go all the way to hidalgo and just ask one roll to be processed. So anyway, the rolls were Php 260 pesos each. It was a bit pricey, although it was the cheapest that I have seen during my search. Image from photo.net

I can't wait to shoot the films. I am planning on using one for when my other friend and I will go to a photoshoot with our girlfriends being the models. I want to see how grainy this kind of film will be. Anyway, I'll keep you guys posted.

It sucks coz I still haven't finished all of my film for my bulk C-41 processing. I have one roll left, so stay tuned for photos!

Canon L f2.4 lens

This afternoon, my photographer buddy told me that he was able to use a canon L f2.4 lens when he shot for an art awards event last night, for his publication. He was able to borrow it from one of his friends. He showed it to me; even let me carry it. Damn, it was heavy. He told me that when he switched back to his kit lens, it felt like he was carrying a powershot. LOL.

Argh. I wonder when I would get a chance to buy one of those. Wonderful bokeh from at 200mm focal length. Ack.

Soon soon.

This was his gear during the shoot.

Canon 450d

18-55mm kit lens

75-300 f/4-5.6 non USM

and the Canon L f/2.4 lens

No photo session

Excited as I was for the touch rugby photoshoot, it did not matter. The photoshoot was cancelled because of weather reasons. Apparently, they were taking precautions against the storm that came back to the Philippines.

Surprisingly, no rain was observed during that day. . just strong winds.

Too bad, I was totally excited to use the telephoto lens. In fact, I was 1 hour away from picking it up when my girlfriend informed me about the cancellation.

Oh well, there will be other times. Also, my friend, who has a Nikon d40, and who will be upgrading to a d90 come december bought his very own 55-200 telephoto lens just for this shoot. Lucky bastard.

I shall update next time!

PS. I still have 2 rolls of the Fujifilim 400 ASA. I am currently on the lookout for an Ilford delta 3200 black and white, a traditional black and white, and an Ilford XP2 C-41 Black and white film. I'm looking to buy a few rolls as I would like to get that grainy effect when I do this shoot of my friend's band. It's indoors so the 3200 ISO will work like a charm.

Photography Images: Touch Rugby Australia

This saturday, I will be shooting a touch rugby game in the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Philippines in hopes of getting great sports photography images. Contrary to the title, this will not include any australians, although the coach of the team from the University of the Philippines has trained and played rugby in australia.

This will be my first time in shooting a touch rugby game, or any sport for that matter. I am very excited as my friend will be lending me his canon ef 75-300 telephoto lens. This will surely help me score photos from afar.

Did I mention? My girlfriend will be playing for UP. She was the one who introduced me to the sport and she was also the one who urged me to train with them last summer. At first, I really did not know the rules and that contributed to me making many mistakes. Although as time passed, I became accustomed to the rules and plays, as the position that I played was, somewhat like my position in my college football team. That helped a lot.

Now, with the knowledge that I have about the sport (e.g. where the ball will go, what will happen during plays, etc.), I will be sure to wait for the right moments before taking sports photography images of this touch rugby australia. . oops. .philippines, match.

I shall be updating this blog with more photos from my first BnW film trial and a couple of rolls from the fujifilm superia 400. Stay tuned!

Canon ef 75-300mm lens

image from the-digital-picture.com
I have just received my 3 rolls of fujifilm superia iso 400. I'm really psyched for friday as we will having a photo trip either in la mesa ecopark or in makati. I have just finished my roll of Kodak BW400CN last saturday. I used my last three shots on my girlfriend. We tried making emo pics. haha What a trip.

Anyway, as of now, I am out for the lookout for a telephoto, preferably in the 70-300mm range. Here's something I saw, the Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM, when I was bargain hunting in sulit.com.ph. For it's price of PHP6,800, roughly $140, I think it's ok. As of now, I am trying to see if I can come up with enough cash to add that extra 75-300 range to my kit lens which ranges from 28-90mm f/4-5.6.

I also came across a Sigma 28-200, which almost, ALMOST, is a 'do it all' lens, except that it starts at 28, rather than 18. This costs much cheaper - PHP5000, or $100. It's more used though as the Canon EF lens was 'only used twice' and still has the brand new feel.

Anyway, I really want to be able to get a telephoto lens as I would like to pursue Street Photography. It's really hard taking shots of my subjects when I have to come closer to get that perfect shot. With the extra range, I'd be able to catch my subject unaware. I'd also like to pair this one with some traditional black and white film, probably an Ilford Delta 3200 although I am a little hesitant because traditional black and white film developing costs a lot more than normal developing and the film might be too fast for something with that focal range.

I am still searching for better lenses that are also cheap, although I doubt I will find something like that. I am still hopeful though as money is hard to come by nowadays. Haha.

Speaking of telephoto lenses, I saw some of my photography orgmates with humongous lenses. argh their rich parents for giving them everything. HAHA Joking aside, they were in my university because there was a 'marathon' race there. I ran so I did not have the chance to take photos.

I'd like to be able to get this lens soon as I feel that the range that my lens lacks the capabilities to shoot what I want. Also, I am shy. HAHA It's hard to come up to a stranger and take their pictures with my lens facing their faces.

Anyway, I shall be posting more pictures as soon as I develop the three rolls of Fuji Superia 400 and the Kodak BW400CN. Sorry, it's just way too expensive to be developing per roll.

Fuji 35 mm Film

Ok, I'm psyched as I have just ordered my first set of Fujicolor superia 400s. :) I've heard great stuff bout this film and all I can say is I can't wait. What's good is that I was able to get them for a low price.

Anyway, I have always take photos with films with ISO 100 or 200. This would be my first time to use a 400 without having to change the settings from my camera. This would probably let me shoot photos in low light without having to resort to very VERY slow shutter speeds.

Very slow shutter speeds are a B*tch. Haha. I still haven't gotten myself a tripod so anything beyond 15-30, I would not dare to touch. I have taken pics with very low shutter speeds and I am lucky to get atleast some that have not blurred. Check out the city lights by the bay picture in my last post. I placed the camera on top of the ledge. Lucky me.

Anyway, I'm psyched about the Fuji 35 mm films that would be arriving early next thursday.

Oh by the way, I still have 3 exposures of my Kodak bw400cn film. I have yet to take a picture of my friend with his brand new ukelele. :) I'll post pics as soon as I get the film processed and scanned.

A few months with Film Photography

A couple of months into Film Photography and I've only felt satisfied and fulfilled. Whenever I get to see freshly developed films, there's this feeling of excitement that I feel that I don't really feel whenever I take a quick look at pics I take from Dslrs. It's something really different.

Even though I've had to shell out a lot of money for film, developing, transferring to CD, film photography has been really rewarding. I think there's no better way to study the art of photography than to start off with film.

Why? Every click on the shutter button is GOLD. This is where your start to really try to compose your shot in order to make that one frame worthwhile and meaningful. It's really different from shooting and shooting with the Dslrs because you don't really take into consideration the cost - because you don't have any.

No pain no gain, as they would say. Anyway, I have been trying to learn about how to properly mix aperture, ISO and shutterspeed. I found this site in one of my researches. It's the "Ultimate Exposure Computer". It teaches you how to properly judge the background and apply necessary

settings.

Also, I have tried my hand with black and white photography. I am really fascinated with BnW when mixed with street photography. Someday, when I get my gear together, I will pursue that.

Anyway, here are some of the pics from my recent films

ENJOY!

First batch of film

Camera: Canon Eos 300 Analog
Film: Iso 100











Check my other pictures out in Deviantart.com

The road less travelled - Film Photography

The road less travelled. Film.

The age of technology has revolutionized how people thought, acted, perceived things, and

... took photography.

With the rise of digicams and DSLRs, film has slowly become the minority in the photography industry. Although there are still a handful of people who adore and patronize film, most of the new photographers and even a the old ones, have taken digital photography as their medium.

Before I started using film, I tried to scoure the net for Filipino photography forums in order to further increase my knowledge about the art. Luckily I found a thread where people went the road less travelled. It's called Real (film) Photography .

So anyway, I'll be posting here some of my better pics. Take note that I have just started photography and am currently self-learning all the stuff.

Thanks in advance for any views or comments!