Lisboa On Film
My fist attempt at film photography, walking the streets of Lisbon and shooting on a Voigtlander Bessa 46 from the 1930s....
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My fist attempt at film photography, walking the streets of Lisbon and shooting on a Voigtlander Bessa 46 from the 1930s.
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Jan, 2021Views
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Awards
Treasure Award
Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
It was taken in Lisbon, in the old neighbourhood of Alfama. The entire place is full of narrow streets, stairs, and when you expect it less you get these gourgeous views over the city and the river. Lisboa is a city I love, and it always makes me happy getting lost on its paths.Time
It was shot midday if I remember correctly, after I've had a very consistent brunch. The sun was up, and there was no trace of clouds in the sky.Lighting
Natural light, just enjoying a beautiful September day.Equipment
I used an Voigtlander Bessa 46 from the 1930s. My parter had just gifted me this old film camera the day we flew to Portugal, on our first holiday abroad in the difficult year of 2020. I learnt how to load the film and how to take pictures partly in our hotel room, and partly on the streets of Lisbon. It's an amazing piece of equipment, and shooting on film gives you an extraordinary thrill. I had only used a film camera once before 10 years prior, but a very different one - I had no clue what I was doing.Inspiration
I had no idea whether any of the shots were going to be any good, but I still wanted to make them count. Throught my trip I tried to stay alert, to look for colourful spots that encapture the spirit of the city in some way. In this one in particular, I loved the red car standing out in front of a hidden river view.Editing
No, this is the original, with all its defects.In my camera bag
Depending on where I go, I'll carry either a Nikon D7200 with a 18-140mm lens or my mirrorless Nikon 1 J5 with the 10-30mm lens. I'm aiming to have this Voigtlander Bessa 46 more with me, though.Feedback
Shooting on film makes you appreciate every shot more. You have only a limited number of shots, low enough that you can even remember all the times you pushed the trigger. My advice would be to take your time, but also don't be afraid to experiment. If it's a new medium for you, you have to accept there will be ruined shots in there. If you manage to say a story with at least one of them, then it was a successful day.
