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Reflections on My First Year of 35mm Film Photography
It's been a year. A year since I picked up my first 35mm film camera, a Olympus 35SP bought in a unexpected trip to Central Camera Co. A year of loading film, winding cranks, and waiting (im)patiently for development. A year of happy accidents, frustrating miscalculations, and the constant, intoxicating pursuit of capturing a moment in a way that digital just couldn't replicate.
Looking back, it feels like both a whirlwind and a slow, deliberate dance. My first few rolls were… let's just say "learning experiences." Underexposed shots, blurry images, and the sinking feeling of realizing I'd forgotten to change the ISO after shooting a roll of Portra 800. But even in those early mistakes, there was a thrill. A tangible connection to the process that I hadn't felt with digital photography.
What I Learned:
Patience is Key: Film photography is not about instant gratification. It's about slowing down, considering your composition, and trusting the process. Waiting for your film to be developed is like waiting for a seed to sprout. It requires patience, but the results are often worth the wait.
Light is Everything (Even More So): Understanding light is crucial in any form of photography, but with film, it becomes even more important. Learning to read light, to anticipate how it will interact with the film, is a skill that takes time and practice. My light meter became my best friend (and sometimes, my worst enemy).
Embrace the Imperfections: Film isn't perfect. It has grain, it has imperfections, and sometimes, it has unexpected results. But it's in these imperfections that the magic lies. They add character, depth, and a unique quality that digital often lacks. I learned to embrace the grain, the light leaks, and the occasional mis-focus as part of the charm of film.
The Joy of Discovery: There's nothing quite like the feeling of picking up your developed film from the lab and seeing the images for the first time. It's a moment of discovery, a reveal of the moments you've captured. Even the "mistakes" can be fascinating, offering insights into your process and pushing you to experiment further.
Community is Invaluable: Connecting with other film photographers has been an incredible experience. Sharing tips, discussing techniques, and admiring each other's work has been a huge source of inspiration and support. The film community is warm, welcoming, and always ready to help.
My Gear (and How it Evolved):
I started with that trusty Olympus 35SP, a fully mechanical rangefinder that forced me to learn the fundamentals of exposure. Later, Once I went all-in, I jumped systems from Olympus to Nikon and got a Nikon F3/T and FM2N, together with Voigtlander lenses for F-Mount they became my go-tos for their versatility, sharpness and beautiful bokeh. I also experimented with different films, from the classic Kodak Tri-X 400 to the vibrant colors of Ektachrome 100. Eventually, I got my own scanner and now I’m in control of that part of the process, and I’m aware that I’ll get into exploring medium format, but that’s a rabbit hole that I’m not yet ready to dig. The gear journey is part of the fun!
Where I'm Going Next:
My first year with film has been a journey of discovery, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next. I want to continue experimenting with different films, explore different development techniques, and maybe even try my hand at printing my own photos. I also want to focus on developing my own style and vision as a photographer.
A Few Tips for New Film Shooters:
Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different films, different cameras, and different techniques. The best way to learn is by doing.
Find a good lab: A reliable lab is essential for developing your film and scanning your negatives.
Join the community: Connect with other film photographers online or in your area.
Have fun! Film photography should be enjoyable. Don't take it too seriously, and embrace the imperfections.
This first year has been a reminder that photography is more than just capturing images; it's about connecting with the world around you, expressing your creativity, and sharing your vision. And for me, film has added a whole new dimension to that experience. Here's to many more years (and beyond)!
Launching My Photography & Tech YouTube Channel!
Hey everyone,
For years, photography and technology have been my two biggest passions. I've spent countless hours behind the lens, capturing moments big and small, and diving headfirst into the ever-evolving world of gadgets and gizmos. Now, I'm taking the plunge and sharing this passion with all of you by launching my very own YouTube channel - Alex Barrera
What to Expect
My channel will be a one-stop shop for everything photography and tech. Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to up your game or a complete beginner just starting with your smartphone camera, I'll have something for you. Here's a sneak peek at the kind of content you can expect:
Camera reviews and comparisons: Diving deep into the latest cameras, from mirrorless marvels to budget-friendly point-and-shoots.
Photography tutorials: Mastering the fundamentals of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition. We'll also explore different photography styles and techniques.
Editing software breakdowns: Whether you're a pro-Adobe Lightroom user or curious about free mobile editing apps, I'll guide you through the tools and tricks to get the most out of your edits.
Tech reviews for photographers: From the best camera bags and tripods to must-have editing accessories, I'll put the latest photography tech to the test.
Creative challenges and inspiration: Let's get those creative juices flowing! We'll explore different photography projects and challenges to push our skills and vision.
Why YouTube?
The beauty (pun intended) of photography lies in the visual aspect. YouTube, with its video format, feels like the perfect platform to share my knowledge and passion. I can not only talk you through camera settings or editing techniques but also visually demonstrate them, making the learning process more engaging and effective.
Join the Community!
Building a community around photography and technology is a big part of the dream. I want my channel to be a space for learning, sharing, and interacting. So please, subscribe to the channel, leave comments on the videos, and let me know what kind of content you'd like to see!
The journey starts now! I'm incredibly excited to share my experience and hopefully inspire others to explore the wonderful worlds of photography and technology. See you on YouTube!
My Most Wanted Shot
Chicagohenge is an annual phenomenon that transforms the Windy City into a photographer's paradise. Twice a year, for a brief period, the sun perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Chicago's grid system, casting dramatic shadows from the city's skyscrapers. Capturing this interplay of light and shadow is a must for any photographer visiting Chicago during this time.
Since I moved to Chicago, I really wanted to get a clean and perfect Chicagohenge shot.
And I think this year during Spring 2024 equinox, I finally made it!!
In this post, we'll delve into how I was able to get my most wanted Chicagohenge shot:
Location, Location, Location:
The ideal location for your Chicagohenge shot depends on the specific view you want to capture. Here are a few popular vantage points:
Michigan Avenue : This iconic bridge offers a breathtaking view of the Chicago River lined with skyscrapers. Aim for the sunrise shot to capture the golden hues bathing the buildings.
Michigan Avenue & Madison : The perfectly east-west aligned street together with a CTA stop makes for one of the most breathtaking and impressive Henge shots.
Clark & Lake: Another example of a perfectly east-west aligned street with a unique perspective, as there are several buildings in the horizon together with a curve in Lake “L” station.
Gear Up:
While a fancy camera can add some technical prowess, a good Chicagohenge shot can be achieved with even basic equipment. Here's what you'll need:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal, but even a smartphone camera can work.
Tripod: Essential for maintaining camera stability during low-light conditions (sunrise and sunset).
Mastering the Shot:
Timing is Key: Research the exact dates and times of Chicagohenge. Sunrise and sunset times can vary slightly throughout the year.
Compose Your Frame: Pay attention to the foreground elements that will frame your shot. Look for clean lines and interesting shapes that will complement the skyscrapers.
Focus on Manual Settings: Switch your camera to manual mode to control shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Experiment with these settings to achieve the desired exposure and depth of field.
Post-Processing Magic: Editing software can help fine-tune your image. Adjust the contrast, white balance, and saturation to bring out the best in your Chicagohenge shot.
Bonus Tip: While capturing the quintessential Chicagohenge shot is rewarding, don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Chicago's architecture offers endless possibilities for creative expression. So, grab your camera, head out during the next Chicagohenge phenomenon, and get ready to be amazed by the interplay of light and shadow in this magnificent city!
Hello World!
This is just the beginning…
My Journey into the World of Photography
An Unexpected Click
I have always had an “eye” for capturing images, but it was never more than a snap here and there in the random family event.
However, a couple of years ago I received a life-changing opportunity which consisted in moving from my home country (Mexico) to the US to one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Chicago.
A couple of days after moving in and by walking in downtown, I started to enjoy taking more and more pictures with my phone. That’s when I decided to It was time to get a more “Professional” camera and decided to get a mirrorless Sony..
Exploring the World Through the Lens
From that day on, the camera became my inseparable companion. I started photographing everything around me: landscapes, animals, fireworks, sunsets, parades, you name it. Each image was a new adventure, an opportunity to discover beauty in the everyday.
Learning and Growing
Over time, my interest in photography deepened. I devoured books and tutorials, experimented with different techniques and styles, and learned from the hands of great photographers. I discovered the importance of composition, light, and editing, and began to develop my own artistic eye.
Sharing My Passion
Photography has not only allowed me to capture memories and express my creativity, but also to connect with other people. Sharing my photos online has given me the opportunity to meet other passionate photographers, receive constructive feedback, and learn from their experiences.
A Never-Ending Journey
My journey into the world of photography still continues. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new forms of expression. Photography has given me a unique way of seeing the world, of appreciating the beauty in details, and of telling stories through images. It is a passion that will always accompany me.
Things that I wish I kew before
If you are starting out in the world of photography, here are some tips that I have learnt over the last couple of years:
Start with what you have: You don't need a professional camera to take good photos. Experiment with your phone or a compact camera. Remember - The best camera is the one you have with you.
Practice, practice, practice: The best way to improve is to take lots of photos. Go out exploring, try different techniques, and have fun.
Learn from others: Read books, watch tutorials, and follow other photographers that inspire you.
Share your work: Don't be afraid to show your photos to the world. You will receive valuable feedback and be able to connect with other photography enthusiasts.
Most importantly: Enjoy the process. Photography is a wonderful journey that will allow you to discover the world and express yourself in a unique way.
Embark on your own photographic journey! The camera awaits.