Capturing Albany: A Photographic Journey with the Pentax 6 x 7, Little Peaks, and Film Magic
In Albany, New York, my passion for photography soared as I eagerly retrieved my film from McGreevy after an 8-day wait. Armed with the Pentax 6 x 7, I explored picturesque locations like Little Peaks in Troy, gaining invaluable insights into the medium format camera's mechanics. Collaborating with Alyssa and Claire at these locales proved instrumental, enhancing my grasp of angles and dynamics. The Kodiak Portra 400 and Triax 400 films breathed life into my captures, thanks to Rob's advice on shooting at 200 speed. Reflecting on this journey, the Pentax 6 x 7 has proven to be more than a tool—it's a conduit for translating vision into captivating images. For more, visit my Instagram @adhocvisions.
"As I explored my passion for photography in Albany, New York, reuniting with my film from McGreevy after an 8-day wait was exhilarating. The test shoot using the Pentax 6 x 7 at picturesque locations like Little Peaks in Troy, New York, provided invaluable insights into this medium format camera's mechanics.
Collaborating with Alyssa and Claire was instrumental in understanding the camera's potential. Alyssa joined me at the vibrant Little Peaks, while Claire offered her assistance at Suny Albany, enhancing my grasp of photography angles.
The Kodiak Portra 400 and Triax 400 films were remarkable in breathing life into my photographs. I owe a debt of gratitude to Rob for suggesting shooting at 200 speed, enriching colors and saturation.
Reflecting on this journey, I am thrilled with the camera's performance. Additionally, feel free to check out my Instagram @adhocvisions for more updates."
Capturing the World Through My Lens: A Journey with Pentax 6x7 and Film Photography
Journey with my Pentax 6x7, Albany, New York photographer. Film photography.
As an enthusiastic photographer, I eagerly awaited receiving the test photos from my Pentax 6x7 camera. To my delight, the camera performed flawlessly, showcasing its reliability and precision. However, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed by the results of the films I had chosen, specifically the Kodak Portrait 400 and Tri-X 400.
I had anticipated vibrant and bold colors from the film and the black and white shots to exhibit rich and deep saturations. Perhaps my expectations were set too high. After discussing my concerns with a few photography-savvy friends, I realized that my films had turned out exactly as they should have. I learned that photography will always involve some level of post-production, whether you shoot with film or digitally.
For now, I plan to continue using and mastering my current film stock before considering switching to a different brand or adjusting my ISO settings. I must grasp my camera's full potential and delve into the works of Peter Lindberg, a photographer whose style I admire. This more profound understanding of his techniques will enhance my skills and artistic vision. To become the best photographer I can be and continually improve my craft, I must stay focused and actively seek ways to refine my abilities.
In the end, it was a win-win situation. I expressed my satisfaction by providing positive feedback to the eBay seller who gave me my camera. I plan to purchase more film cameras from them and other sources in 2024. In the meantime, I'll keep experimenting and learning with my trusted Pentax 6x7, Canon A-1, and Sony a7IV. While Albany, NY, serves as my home and base of operations, I'm excited about traveling to locations like New York City (NYC) and Philadelphia, among others, to capture the world through my lens.
Until the next photographic adventure!
Rediscovering My Passion for Photography: A Journey with Peter Lindbergh's Inspiration
Hey there, it's been a while, but I'm excited to be back, ready to share my photography journey with you. Life took me on a detour as I had to dedicate time to my family, but now I'm back with a renewed focus on my true passion – photography.
During my hiatus, I delved into some deep research, seeking inspiration from the legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh. His timeless work with individuals, celebrities, and supermodels left an indelible mark on the world of photography. It made me realize that to become a better photographer, I need to understand the 'who, what, when, where, and why' of every shot.
Hey there, it's been a while, but I'm excited to be back, ready to share my photography journey with you. Life took me on a detour as I had to dedicate time to my family, but now I'm back with a renewed focus on my true passion – photography.
During my hiatus, I delved into deep research, seeking inspiration from the legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh. His tireless work with individuals, celebrities, and supermodels left an indelible mark on the world of photography. It made me realize that to become a better photographer, I need to understand the 'who, what, when, where, and why' of every shot.
With this determination, I invested in a Pentax 6x7 medium format camera. Using this camera will help me grasp what Peter Lindbergh was striving for in his images. The medium format of this camera suits my love for shooting film and presents an excellent opportunity for me to learn and grow as a photographer.
The joy of capturing moments on film has always held a special place in my heart. It's something I missed dearly during my time away. Despite the approaching cold weather, I am committed to powering through and seizing every photographic opportunity that comes my way.
I know I have the potential to be a great photographer, and the world is my canvas. I must remove the artistic barriers that stand in my way and find clarity in my creative vision.
So, here's to the excitement and the journey ahead. I'm determined to become a great photographer right here in Albany, New York, on the East Coast, in the United States, and around the world. Join me on this thrilling adventure as I rediscover my passion and chase my dream of becoming a master of the lens. Stay tuned for more stories and snapshots from my photography journey!
Embracing Film Photography: An Albany Photographer's 4-Day Weekend Road Trip to Rhode Island
Hello, friends! I'm thrilled to share with you a recent adventure from my 4-day weekend last week that took me from the vibrant city life of Albany, New York, to the serene coastal beauty of Rhode Island. As an Albany-based photographer, I'm always seeking new experiences and perspectives to capture. This Rhode Island road trip was a feast for my Canon A1 film camera and a delight for my creative soul.
A New Love for Film Photography
While I'm relatively new to the world of film photography, I've quickly fallen in love with it. There's a certain magic that comes with film - a raw, tangible connection to the art of photography that digital just can't replicate. Each roll of film invites a sense of anticipation and excitement, a journey of discovery that unfolds with every click of the shutter.
Canon A1: A Gateway to Film Photography
My Canon A1, a classic film camera, has been my gateway into this fascinating world. Its robust build, manual controls, and exceptional lens quality make it a perfect tool for a beginner in film photography like me. The Canon A1 allows me to capture images with a richness and depth that digital cameras often struggle to replicate.
Discovering Film Photography in Newport and Middletown
Setting off from Albany, my first stop was Newport, Rhode Island. The stunning seaside views and opulent Gilded Age mansions were a perfect backdrop for my introduction to film photography. The clear skies, gentle sea breeze, and warm, golden sunlight added a unique depth and texture to the images.
Next, I headed to Middletown. This town beautifully blends natural beauty with historical charm, providing a rich tapestry of photographic opportunities. The lush greenery, the diverse wildlife, and the panoramic views of the ocean were a delight to capture on film.
Capturing the Symphony of Life on Film
The harbor and the streets of Rhode Island were no less captivating. The harbor, with its array of boats and yachts, painted a picture of life on the water. The streets, bustling with life, offered a symphony of candid moments, historic architecture, and quaint shops. Capturing these scenes on film added a timeless quality to the images.
The Impact of Being an Albany Photographer
Being an Albany photographer had its impact on this trip. The contrast between the coastal charm of Rhode Island and the urban vibrancy of Albany added a new dimension to my photography. It made me appreciate the diversity of landscapes and cultures that we have in this beautiful country.
Looking Forward to More Film Photography Adventures
As I look back at the photos, I can't help but feel a sense of longing. I long to return to Rhode Island, to explore more of its beauty, to capture more of its stories on film. And I know I will. After all, the journey of a photographer is never over. It's a continuous quest for beauty, for stories, for moments. And I can't wait for my next film photography adventure.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my 4-day weekend road trip to Rhode Island. Stay tuned for more stories, more adventures, and more photographs. Until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep capturing the beauty around you on film.
WPPI, Ghost Town, and Fuji 400
We the photographers and Vee had a fun time visiting Las Vegas for WPPI. I had a great time photo shooting with Valencia at El Dorado Canyon Mining Town, also known as Ghost town. I used a Fujifilm 400 to capture amazing shots, despite overexposure. We attended Ike's Photowalk at Ghost town the following day, where we met and learned from other photographers and models.
Las Vegas is a city of lights, excitement, and entertainment. It's a place where dreams can come true, and people go to escape the mundane realities of everyday life. And for me, it was the destination for WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International), an annual conference that attracts photographers worldwide. But what made this trip so special was the conference, the amazing people I met, and the incredible experiences I had during my stay.
I was fortunate enough to connect with some amazing photographers on Instagram before my trip, and we all decided to meet in Las Vegas. Ike (@Photomeike), Townes (@shotbytownes), Dre (@king.leo), and Stan (@s2media.wa) were all talented photographers whom I was excited to meet finally.
The crew getting setup at Ghost Town.
Vee with the amazing pose.
On the first day, we headed to El Dorado Canyon Mining Town, Ghost town. The town is a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers, with its abandoned buildings, rusted cars, and old mining equipment creating a unique and eerie backdrop for photo shoots. We were lucky enough to have Valencia (hypnotic.vee), a fantastic model from Washington State, join us for the shoot. She was stunning and knew how to pose, making our job as photographers much easier.
I decided to shoot with Fujifilm 400 film, known for its vibrant colors and ability to capture fine details. However, I wanted to experiment with overexposing the film to create a dreamy, ethereal look to the photos. I knew it was a risky move, but I wanted to try something new and see how it would turn out.
Parts of a Navy plane at Ghost Town.
Another part of Ghosh town.
As we explored the ghost town, I snapped away with my film camera, capturing Valencia in various poses and locations. I was thrilled with how the day was going and couldn't wait to see how the film would turn out.
The next day was even more exciting, as Ike organized a photo walk at the ghost town. It was an opportunity for photographers and models to come together, share their skills and techniques, and create some incredible images. Ike was a great host, offering advice and guidance to those who needed it, and the models were all fantastic, bringing their unique style and creativity to the shoot.
Townes and Vee previewing a video.
Ike and Stan with Ike giving Vee some direction.
Townes and Stan were also there, bringing their video skills. They captured some amazing footage, showcasing the beauty and haunting atmosphere of the ghost town. I felt so lucky to be part of this group, surrounded by talented and passionate individuals.
Looking back on my trip to Las Vegas for WPPI, I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I learn so much about photography and meet some incredible people, but I also got to explore a fascinating part of the world and capture it on film. I will always cherish the memories and the photos from that trip, and I can't wait to see where my photography journey takes me next.
My Ektar 100 film.
As a photography enthusiast, I was always looking for new film to experiment with. That's when I stumbled upon Kodak Ektar 100 film. This film promised to deliver vibrant, saturated colors and fine grain, making it perfect for portrait and landscape photography. So, I decided to give it a try. (See below for the images.)
As a photography enthusiast, I was always looking for new film to experiment with. That's when I stumbled upon Kodak Ektar 100 film. This film promised to deliver vibrant, saturated colors and fine grain, making it perfect for portrait and landscape photography. So, I decided to give it a try. (See beow for the images.)
My first opportunity to use the Kodak Ektar 100 film was in Texas, where I was visiting friends. I took some portraits of my friends, and the results were incredible. The film perfectly captured the warm, sunny Texas weather with deep, rich colors and sharp details. The skin tones were particularly impressive, with a natural, lifelike look. The film's fine grain also helped to smooth out any imperfections, making the images look polished and professional.
Next, I decided to use the roll in Albany, New York, to capture the stunning landscapes in the area. The Kodak Ektar 100 film was perfect for this, as it brought out the trees’ rich greens and the sky’s deep blues. The film's high saturation also made the colors of the autumn leaves stand out, creating a truly breathtaking image.
Finally, in Germany to try my hand at street photography. The Kodak Ektar 100 film was once again a great choice, as it captured the hustle and bustle of the city in a way that was both vibrant and gritty. The film's fine grain helped to give the images a sense of motion and energy, making them feel alive and dynamic.
Overall, my experience with the Kodak Ektar 100 film was fantastic. The film exceeded my expectations regarding color, saturation, and fine grain. It was perfect for portraits, landscapes, and street photography, and I can't wait to use it again on my next photography adventure.
Not a fan of Black and White film, not yet.
My first black and white roll.
Here are some photos I've taken on my first black and white roll (ILFORD HP5). For some reason, the images did not turn out the way I thought they would. I'm unsure if I exposed the film improperly or the stock film I used. I will give it a second shoot with the same stock, but I will also get a different supply of black and white film. Anyway, sit back and enjoy.
My first roll.
My first roll, Fuji Superia 400.
Here are some photos from my first roll. I needed to test the camera to see if it works while understanding the art of film Photography. All the images where taken with the Fuji Superia 400.
My first camera.
So begins my photography journey!
So last week, I traveled to Troy, New York, to visit a vintage camera store. Why, who the hell knows? I have no intention of buying anything. But, when I stepped in, my body started to tangle with excitement. At that moment, I was ready to buy a camera, but I had no clue what to buy. What to look for, so I immediately FaceTime a few friends who were currently shooting on film, asking them question after question, and after showing them the store, what was about 90 minutes I left with my first film camera. A Canon Elan 7 with a 24 - 105mm lens. I'd been doing digital photography for over three years but had no idea how to shoot film. But, I am going to learn and crush it. So this blog or photo story are my chronicle of this adventure. Wish me luck.
Canon Elan 7 with Fuji and ILFORD Film.