Vintage Camera

Film G.Arroyo

Developing a roll and my view on a Mamiya RB67

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I developed a roll I shot with a Mamiya RB67. Here is my take:

Wow what a camera, okay that is what I would usually say, but my Hasselblad has me tainted. I enjoyed shooting the Mamiya RB67. It was just what I figured. I was originally looking to purchase one. I’m glad I didn’t but I’m just spoiled. The RB is just seems like a camera that is better suited to be in the studio and not out and around. The lens is a little slow. It is big and heavy. Loading films is cumbersome. It is overly complex and just seems like any wrong move would break a part. I’m glad to be giving it back, and will continue to be happy with my ‘Blad. Here a few photos from the roll. read more

Digital Film G.Arroyo

Too many “How To’s”. Not enough “Why’s”

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Personally I think that the photography world is filled with too many blog posts that explain “how to”. Yes a how to is an important part of learning your camera, developing, your software and using gear, but shouldn’t there be more.

Why should I use a softbox over my strobe? Why would a reflector help my natural light photograph?

The answers you know are still really technical, what I find is missing is an explanation of why a photographer would do a certain technique. What emotion were they trying to elicit, what was the intent of capturing the photo. read more

Film G.Arroyo

Film Scanning

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Chicago Bridge

I’m excited to shoot a lot more medium format film this year. I was a little disappointed with some of the results I had last year, but I had a sense it was the scanner I was using. That was exactly right, my scanner was not sharp and was lacking in dynamic range. I now have a capable scanner and can’t wait to really put it to use this year.

The three pictures were taken with my Yashica 635. Developed and scanned by myself. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of them, I have them framed prints ready to hang. read more

Events Film G.Arroyo

Rolleiflex Roll

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Rolleiflex Automat Vivian Maier Style Photofraph 1

Developed the first roll of film I have taken with my Rolleiflex Automat. Of course I had to do a couple of Vivian Maier style self portraits. Both are from a day I spent walking around in Indianapolis. Indy is not a very busy place early on a Saturday morning in the fall. It was a good test of the new camera. Now I just need a new scanner so that I can show the dynamic range that is actually in this photo. Yes I have complained about my scanner before.

Speaking of Vivian Maier, “Finding Vivian Maier” documentary has an official release day. March 28th, 2014. You can find out more on the Finding Vivian Maier website. I’m excited to learn more about this amazing photographer. I have heard great things about the documentary and I will be at a showing the night it comes out. read more

GiovanniArroyo.com
Film

Catching Up

Posted on by gdotarroyo

I’m trying my best to catch up.

Sorry there hasn’t been action on the blog for the past few weeks. I will try to keep it updated as best I can.

Right now I’m trying to find the time to develop and scan some rolls of film that I shot during the summer. This is what I get for shooting mostly film the past few months. It takes a little while before I get to see the results. Such as the photo above taken with a Minolta Hi-Matic 9 35mm rangefinder.

I hope to have the film developed and scanned in by the weekend. Make sure you follow me on your favorite social media sites to see the results. I’m probably on there. https://giovanniarroyo.com/connect/ read more

Film

That Vintage Look

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Getting a vintage film look from your photographs is big business right now. Instagram, smart phone filters, Lightroom presents, Photoshop actions and apps galore. There are a tons of ways to create the “look”. How do I go about creating the vintage film look in my photography? Should I give away my trade secrets?

Of course! This is my Behind the Shot blog.

I use actual film and vintage cameras. If you have been following my blog or just viewing my photographs you will not be surprised. The two photographs in this post are scanned negatives recovered from Fujifilm FP-100C instant film. Yes you can still buy “Polaroid” film and with peel apart Fujifilm you can even recover a negative along with the instant Polaroid. The negative will also give you a distinct look that would take a lot of work in Photoshop to recreate. Colors get shifted, edges are burned and usually the negative isn’t perfect. In my eyes you can’t really replicate the look of film. read more

Digital Film

Determination

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I am always amazed by my 2 year old. She is determined to always figure out a way. Once her mind is set on accomplishing something, usually getting herself into trouble, she will figure out a way to do it. I love the way she works out complicated situations and isn’t restrained to conventional uses of items.

What does this have to do with my photography? A lot actually. I am determined to get the photo I envisioned in my head. Sometimes that means figuring out a way to make it happen. That may mean using household or unusual items as props, backgrounds, light modifiers, or stands. It may mean working a scene by trying different angles. Or it could be something completely different. I don’t know what challenges or obstacles will present themselves when capturing images. I embrace the unknown and figure out a way. Much like my daughter. read more

Digital Film

My Maier Obsession

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Its official I am obsessed!
Obviously I am obsessed with photography. That is a simple one, but I am coming to realize I am obsessed with a a women. I love looking at pictures of her, but really I love looking at the photos she took. Her name is Vivian Maier, and I am not a bit ashamed that I am obsessed with her. If you know the Vivian Maier story keep reading, if not go here and read this first. The story is incredible, yes, but that is only a small part of why I am writing this. Vivian Maier’s photography is incredible. This past weekend I had a chance to check out the Vivian Maier’s Chicago exhibit at the Chicago History Museum, most of the prints I had seen at one point or another, impressive, what I expected. What I wasn’t expecting was around the perimeter of the room. There lies the reason I am obsessed with Vivian. The exhibit has photos from complete rolls of film. 12 shots (a complete roll of 120 format film) taken at different locations and points in time of Chicago’s history. I am amazed at how many flawless shots she was capturing in a row. If you have ever seen the contact sheets of most street photographers you know that it typically takes a photographer a few attempts before nailing what Henry Cartier-Bresson calls the decisive moment. Besides the single moments that have made Ms. Maier famous, the mastery she proves in 12 shots has left me speechless. I wish I was able to capture or express the emotions I felt checking out what is one of the greatest photographers in Chicago’s history, but alas I can’t do so with words. I will try my best to capture those emotions with photos as I continue my journey in photography. read more