There is a precocious little darling in my family named Emily. She (sort of) let me take some photos of her on a recent trip home.
Shot with a Mamiya m645 and Ilford HP5 film.
Archives For photography
We’re a couple weeks into 2013, and by now most New Year’s Resolutions should be falling to the wayside by now. While typical resolutions focus mostly on getting healthy or learning something new, I’m looking at it differently and trying to adventure more in my free time instead of spending time in bars or at home. When Patrick, my fellow Brotog, asked me if I wanted to do some nighttime photography last week, I was game. We headed across the bay and north up to Martinez, CA and the Carquinez Bridge.
While not some of my best work ever, it was definitely fun to stretch my night photography muscles again. The way the highway splits off and darts around, over and under each other was so interesting. 
For followers of my Quest for Love, it might seem that I am a little cynical when it comes to hypothesizing the formula for amore.
A few weeks ago I had the privilege to be the photographer (assisted by the lovely Tipay Corpuz) at a wedding in my hometown of Seal Beach. Small and simple, the guest list wasn’t anymore than about 20 people. The overwhelming feeling of love was palpable that day, though. It sort of threw me off by just how much delicious and rich emotion was circulating the experience, and while not being directly involved with the proceedings, still having that tingly and warm sensation that I imagine love to be. Heck, I might have even shed a tear.
It got me, perhaps selfishly, thinking about how I might feel on the day if/when I get married. Wedding days are often toted as the “happiest day of your life.” Personally, I think that sucks. How awful would it be to have already had the happiest day of your life and think “it’s all downhill from here.” Theoretically, maybe you’ve hit max capacity on love on your wedding day (if love = happiness and vice versa). How do you have room to love more then later on in life when you have a child, a puppy, a new friend or even a hobby. As I said in a previous post, when does love get in the way of love?
What if wedding days weren’t the happiest day of your life and filled with the most love, but a solid foundation to start your journey to grow into more love and happiness?
Just some thoughts I had. As always, comment below or email me privately.
I turned 27 last weekend and was fortunate enough to capture a few moments on film. Czech them out. I spent time in my home, San Francisco, and also a couple nights in Point Reyes, CA. Shot with my Mamiya m645 and for the first time, my Holga. Film used include: Fuji Pro 800z, Fuji Reala, Ilford HP5, Portra 400 and some Color Negative 800.
Photography is the rage in San Francisco. Whether it be via a vintage film camera, a DSLR with a giant lens attached, or your iPhone posting to Instagram, San Franciscans keep shooting away. I’m taking you on a tour of my favorite photo establishments that quench my craving for photography. (I realize this blog is named A Box of of Paints, but unlike Joni Mitchell, I can’t paint at all.)
Glass Key Photo
Glass Key Photo is run by a man named Matt who, I think, is one of the most knowledgeable people about vintage gear and film. Located inside of Rooky Ricardo’s record store in the Lower Haight, Glass Key Photo is a treasure trove for the film enthusiast. Somehow, Glass Key is able to procure some really rare finds and always has the film I’m looking for in stock. It’s pretty easy to spend an afternoon geeking out with Matt about what he has in stock, and learning a lot, too!
Glass Key Photo 448 Haight Street | 415.829.9946
Photobooth
The folk over at Photobooth know what’s going on in photography in this city, and have some pretty incredible customer service skills. Every time I go in there, I’m constantly asked about what sort of photography I’m doing and what projects I’m working on, currently. They take a genuine interest in their customers. On top of Photobooth being a retail space, they also act as host for a myriad of events including portfolio reviews and photo walks in the city. One added bonus about Photobooth is the availability to have tintype portraits taken. (When you google tintype photography they are the first result.) Do yourself a favor and have a tintype taken of yourself or loved ones.
Photobooth 1193 Valencia Street | 415.824.1248
Photoworks
Photoworks can boast about most likely being the “premiere” place for film development in San Francisco. They allow you to either send in your film or bring it in, and also help in the printing of digital images in a variety of ways. Photoworks recently announced the ability to print mobile photos that a user has posted on Instagram. That’s pretty impressive. I have used their services before and have always been impressed with the quality of work. Personally, I’ve had to overlook occasional questionable customer service from Photoworks, but it’s obvious that these individuals in the Castro know what they’re talking about.
Photoworks 2077-A Market Street | 415.626.6800
Lomography Gallery Store
Lomography is more than a shop, it’s a movement. Technical prowess is left at the door when it comes to lomography. Shots are taken based more on instinct rather then tech specs. Customer service at the Lomography Gallery Store is through the roof. They also have classes and provide you with a camera and film during those classes, if you’re looking to get your feet wet. Let’s not forget about the gallery showing some beautiful lomography work. This is a great place for a beginner looking to dive into film photography.
Lomography Gallery Store 309 Sutter Street | 415.248.0096
I came into a chunk of change not too long ago, and well… I have a problem. I might have bought another camera; a Mamiya m645 to be exact. This is my first foray into shooting medium format. Luckily, I have Christian Maike whispering in my ear and helping me out a bit. This new camera doesn’t have a light meter, so I’m doing my best to deal with THAT whole scenario. Hell, I’m going to quit talking; czech out some photos.
Kodak Ektar
Fujifilm Reala
Ilford HP5
I’ve been slacking on this blog; phoning it in. ABOP is my baby, and I have big plans for it. I’m currently blogging everyday over yonder as part of my time at Dev Bootcamp. I’m talking about things like “feelings” and “knowledge” and “careers” and “growth.” If you don’t like touchy feely stuff like that, then just stick here to this cozy space you know and love. I’m sorry, my faithful precious unborn fawns. I will be back soon!
Excuse me while I phone in this blog post and show you recent photos! A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Consider this a few thousand words.
I recently was honored with the acquisition of a Polaroid SX-70, and I’m thrilled. (How much of a self-proclaimed hipster am I?) It’s been preserved remarkably well and still has the original manual and flashes.
I’ve been trying it out by using some film from the Impossible Project. It was a learning curve at first, but thanks to the fine folks at Photobooth and Christian Maike, I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.
Some photos below by Christian, Ross Hendrickson, and myself.
