Canon

Film

Selling some film cameras :(

I hate to do this, I really do, but the time has come to sell off some of my 35mm film cameras.

I have over 10 for sale right now, the majority are Canon. All have lenses if not multiple lenses included.

Here is the worst part, I’m selling some of my prized rangefinders, including 2 Lecia, one Nikon, and a Canon.

Yes, you read that right a Nikon! My collection has just gotten a little too large again and I need to thin it down a bit.

If you are interested in owning a piece of history. Check out the auctions! read more

Film G.Arroyo

My new film cameras

Over this summer I have picked up a couple of film cameras. Not my day to day cameras, but some very usable film cameras.

One is a medium format camera. A Hasselblad 500. I had the electronic version the 500El, but always wanted the fully manual version. I now have an awesome 500c that I got from KEH.

I also purchased a 80mm f2.8 lens to complete my kit. Now I have a metering prism finder, two backs, 150mm and 80mm lenses. Very pleased with my ‘Blad setup.


The other camera is a Canon F1. This is another camera that has been on my list of must haves for a while. I own the other A-body Canon, but a nice F1 has always eluded me. I was lucky enough to get one last week. I don’t shoot much 35mm any longer but it will make a great camera for my daughters. read more

Digital Events G.Arroyo

Fine Art Prints on Sale!

Time for my first ever 1/2 off signed print sale. I am clearing out my existing inventory of 11×14 matted prints that are ready for framing to make room for new inventory. Don’t miss this deal because it will only be valid until 2014 is over. All prints are signed, printed on archival paper with archival pigment inks rated to last 100+ years.

Details:
Only 8×10 prints in 11×14 mattes are on sale.
Regular price is $30 + tax if you buy one before January 1, 2015 any print in stock will only cost $15 + tax.
Shipping is not included.
First come first served. Limited to stock on hand.
Paypal, Credit Cards and Cash accepted. read more

Digital G.Arroyo

So long DSLR! Why and why now.

For the first time that I can remember my main camera is no longer a Canon. For the longest time it was a Canon SLR eventually when switching to digital it has been a few Canon DSLR. This fall I made the decision to sell my Canon DSLR and all the lenses that I had and fully switch to mirror less cameras.

This decision was not one a took lightly, I had this though in my head for over 6 months and finally pulled the trigger. This decision was also heavily based on my experience this year with shooting a Fuji X-E1. Without having the hands on experience of using the Fuji I doubt I would have had the confidence to make the jump and purchase a Sony A7 as my main camera. Bellow are the reasons I decided to switch. read more

Digital G.Arroyo

Adam

Adam and I have known each other for a few decades now. It may sound corny or sappy, but I’m glad to be part of his story and happy that I get to continue making history together. There are two people pictured here, of course my friend, but also myself.

I stole this candid photo of him while we were getting ready to take photos for his engagement. I’m happy that my camera was ready to shoot and I am skilled enough to nail the composition and focus without having to think. Otherwise this moment would have only been captured in my mind. read more

Digital Film G.Arroyo

Cheating on film

Besides the look of film, I also like how a classic camera feels. Not a lot of plastic, manual controls and things just fall in place. Well as of the past few months I feel like I am cheating on my film cameras. I become obsessed with my little Fuji X-E1. It has become my go to camera, the one I pick up and take with me everywhere. It has a metal case top and bottom. I have adapted vintage lenses to it. I shoot it entirely manually, focus, aperture, iso, shutter speed.

The jpeg photos that come out of this camera are awesome and Fuji has done a great job of simulating their film emulsions. I can plug it into my iPad and upload photos on the fly. I really do not have many complaints with it. Maybe I could use a better viewfinder, but for my first mirrorless camera it has blown me away. read more

Digital Events Film G.Arroyo

Marketing

Ask yourself, what is the difference between a famous photographer and an unknown one?

15 years ago did you know who Vivan Maier was? Why had you never heard of this now famous photographer?

It is all about marketing. The difference between a famous photographer and an unknown one is not about the quality of their art (not always) but about the people who get to see their work. Yes the dirty word in the art world, marketing. But in order to share your work, and have people know your passion you will need to market. Don’t be afraid to market your work. Professional, or hobbyist you need to market what you love in order to share your passion. read more

Events G.Arroyo

Critique

This past Friday, I had one of the busiest days in my recent memory. From being on Michigan Ave. across from the Art Institute at 8 am to teach day 2 of an all day workshop. To jumping on the train back and being at the Starline Gallery and Studios in Harvard by 6:30 pm it was a busy day.

This effort was well worth it by the end of the night! But I’m getting ahead of myself. On to Simply Learn | Critique Night. After turning in my print, I received a clipboard and section in order to critique, what I believe to be, around 30 photos. I have never taken part of a written art critique, but found I was able to quickly get into the groove. After fighting off some hand cramps (I haven’t written that much in years) I was excited to hear the guest expert, photographer, Cesar Augusto critique selected photos in front of the group. After the first few critiques I realized that although I have never critiqued other’s work before I shared similar thoughts to Cesar’s. At the same time I realized that I may have been a little too focused on technical aspects of photos over some great artistic expression. read more

Digital G.Arroyo

Braving the cold

Bald Eagle on the Fox
Bald Eagle on the Fox

Last weekend, my trusty assistant (daughter) and I decided to brave the miserable cold and try to see some Bald Eagles. Well most of the morning was spent in search of an eagle, but we never found one. With my camera and long lens still ready to shoot we decided to head south on the Fox river towards Elgin, and after a few miles I spotted one. We took some photos and above is one of my favorites. This was the first time I have seen a Bald Eagle in the wild and love the fact that our area is able to support such a large raptor. read more

Digital G.Arroyo

Snow day

Squirrel_in_snow_G.Arroyo

Making the most of a snowy day by checking out my backyard safari. The squirrels were still out, while the humans are trying to stay warm inside. This guy hadn’t noticed the snow on his nose.

You never know when you need to have your camera ready, so mine always is. I just needed to swap to my long lens. This was shot at 400mm. You can see a larger version by visiting my 500px profile https://500px.com/photo/60077852