Thanks for taking the time to comment Pete, David, David and Jack.
The Philippines is a wonderful place to photograph. Beyond the wonderful climate and scenery (which I haven’t had time to yet explore) the people are extraordinary. They are open, friendly and make the best of everything that is thrown at them … good or bad. In my short time here, it’s helped this over-stressed, cynical westerner find a more peaceful emotional balance.
I live in a nice high-rise, but on a daily basis I find myself wandering into the local neighborhoods. I’ve met and had long conversations with a wide variety of new friends. Despite the poverty, smog, poor sanitation and compressed living conditions filipinos are quick with a smile and are born performers.
I find myself in the middle of an exiting story to attempt to document.
Many of these barrios won’t be around in 5, 10 or 15 years and are certain to become parking lots or high rises as the neighborhoods give-in to the inexorable march of progress. The strength of the local communities, Barangays, are a throw-back to a time in the west when everyone in a neighborhood or city knew each other and took on the full responsibility of all that that means. Life can be hard, but it shouldn’t be so divisive.
David, I have changed up my post processing a bit. Thank god for Silver Efex Pro … it does all of my heavy lifting. In addition, the light is definitely different here near the equator, so I find myself shooting at stopped down levels I would have never dreamed about in the dark north. 😉 That’s OK though, as it means that I can try to show off what these detail-rich S-lenses do best. I also have a few Mamiya 80/1.9 shots that are among those I’ve shown. It changes the look up a little also. The best way to describe shooting with the 8/1.9 is that it is predictably unpredictable. Somehow it feels like an appropriate lens to take with me on daily expeditions as I wander in no apparent direction with no apparent goals.
Jack, funny you should mention that photo … because it’s the bokeh from the 80/1.9. 😀 It should be a great game this weekend. I’ll be watching it live Monday morning. It is too bad you can’t bring the 180mm lens with you because it is such a great lens. Hopefully, Leica introduces the 350mm lens before Rodgers’ career wanes.
Here are two more photos from yesterday with the 35 … a lens that I’m finding that I’m really liking more and more.
Kurt
