Hello from Bakersfield, California

[timjchong]

Hello everyone, my name is Tim Chong. I have been lurking here for a few weeks but for the most part, I have been researching on medium format cameras before purchasing a Hasselblad 501c on eBay. A little about me: I started photography in 2000 using a camera that use Advantix film rolls before transitioning to digital camera. For the next 4-5 years, I was an hobbyist at best. I usually like to let my photography speak for itself, but I can honestly say that my skill has improved gradually over a period of 12 years. I have been a second shooter at weddings for my professional photographer friends, learned about flash photography, and do some landscape photography--I am dabbling here and there but I know I cannot specialize at everything. I am still not in the photography business nor do I have the desire to be in one.

I recently came to the realization that I needed to put more effort in interacting with my portrait subjects. So, I decided that the sensible thing for me would be start using a medium format camera that has no autofocus, no internal metering system, and no electronic circuit. I will still use dSLR's but my primary focus right now is on film photography.

I am attaching two photos taken with the Hasselblad. They were developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab. The portrait of my dog was taken with New Portra 160, while the other was with the 400. I look forward to interacting with you all.

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to APUG Tim.

Hope you enjoy yourself here.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Hi Tim,

Welcome!

You bought yourself a great camera there. Very nice shots too. I'm interested in seeing what else you can shoot in Bakersfield!

 

[fotch]

Hello Tim and welcome to APUG.

 

[Chazzy]

Welcome to APUG, Tim. I share your interest in medium format.

 

[whowantstoast]

Hello Tim - Welcome from a fellow medium-format enthusiast and your northern neighbor in Fresno!

 

[Hatchetman]

Bakersfield is a great place for photography. Maybe you have to be from somewhere else to realize it!

 

[clogz]

Hello Tim. Welcome! Like your pictures a lot.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Hello Tim and welcome to APUG!

Jeff

 

[papagene]

Tim - hello and welcome to APUG!

 

[Bill Burk]

Hi Tim,

Welcome to APUG, now go up to Isabella and follow the Kern up to the redwood groves for me!

 

[AgX]

Welcome!

You are the first I come across to state to have started film photography with type APS film. Great.
(You should know it is bit fashionable here at Apug to do bashing on APS. I'm not.)

 

[gleaf]

Welcome. Medium is a wonderful flexible size.

 

[Bill Burk]

Well, I started with Pocket Instamatic 110 and even Galen Rowell started with Instamatic 126.

I still shoot a bit of APS.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Lurk no more! Welcome to APUG.

 

[Fast Frankie]

Hi Tim,
Welcome to Bakersfield! I tell my friends that it is a great place to leave on weekends. Here you are surrounded by some of the best California has to offer. The Eastern Sierras, Yosemite and Kings Canyon, Central coast beaches, LA, The Bay Area. Joshua Trees and Death Valley are just a stone's throw. Good Luck, and have fun.