Street Photography Intramuros Manila, Philippines with the Leica M11

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Manila, the historic district of Intramuros stands as a testament to the Philippines’ rich colonial past. Known as the “Walled City,” Intramuros is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, offering a picturesque backdrop that perfectly blends history with modern urban life. For street photographers, street photography in Intramuros Manila with the Leica M11 is a dream come true, with its cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant local scenes.

Street photography captures the essence of everyday life, freezing candid moments that tell stories of the urban environment. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there’s something incredibly rewarding about documenting the world as it unfolds naturally. Equipped with a camera like the Leica M11, I was able to capture the soul of a city like Manila with precision and quality.

In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through my experience in Intramuros, exploring its unique urban culture and sharing my tips on how to make the most of your street photography experience. Let’s reflect on our adventure through the vibrant streets of Intramuros!

Exploring Intramuros

Bustling Intramuros Manila street market with vibrant shops and Coca-Cola ads.
Vibrant Intramuros Manila street corner bustling with commerce and local residents.
Urban street corner with young men gathering, old building backdrop, casual attire.
Casual gathering at a historic Intramuros Manila urban corner with relaxed young men.
Vibrant Manila Intramuros Philippines street scene with colorful storefront and happy child.
Bustling Manila Intramuros Philippines street with a colorful storefront and a cheerful child at the window.
Barber giving haircut in busy nighttime barbershop scene.
Barber attentively styles customer in a bustling nighttime barbershop.
Children playing billiards on a lively street with pedestrians and motorcycles.
Children and adults enjoy a vibrant day on a street bustling with games and conversations in Manila’s Intramuros walled city.

Intramuros, often referred to as the “Walled City,” is a historical and cultural gem located in the heart of Manila. Built during the Spanish colonial period, this area is rich with history and offers a unique blend of the old and new, making it a perfect setting for street photography.

Historical Background

Intramuros was established in the late 16th century and served as the center of political, religious, and military power during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The walls of Intramuros were built to protect the city from foreign invasions and have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the past. Walking through its narrow streets, I could feel the weight of history in every corner.

Urban Culture in Intramuros

Today, Intramuros is a bustling area where history meets contemporary urban life. The streets are alive with the daily activities of locals and tourists alike. Street vendors, tricycle drivers, and students from nearby universities add to the vibrant atmosphere. This fusion of old, new, and gritty creates a unique urban culture that was a delight to capture through the lens.

Best Spots for Street Photography

One of my favorite spots in Intramuros was Fort Santiago. This iconic landmark not only held historical significance but also offered stunning architectural details perfect for photography. Another must-visit was San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, with its beautiful baroque architecture. Plaza de Roma, located at the heart of Intramuros, was surrounded by significant buildings and provided a great spot to capture the hustle and bustle of the area. Lastly, walking along the walls of Intramuros gave me a higher vantage point to capture panoramic views of the city, blending the old walls with the modern skyline of Manila.

Intramuros was more than just a historical site; it’s a living, breathing part of Manila that offered countless opportunities for stunning street photography. I thought Intramuros was one of the best raw street photography locations that I had ever been to.

Capturing Urban Life

Intramuros was a dynamic environment where the past and present converged, making it an ideal setting for capturing urban life through street photography. Here are some techniques that worked for me in documenting the vibrant scenes and people that defined this unique area.

Techniques for Capturing Urban Culture

To capture authentic moments, I found it important to blend in with my surroundings. Dressing casually and avoiding drawing attention to myself helped me capture candid shots without disturbing the natural flow of life around me. Spending time observing the interactions and movements of people, and anticipating moments of interest, was key to my success in street photography. Patience was essential. I also focused on details, looking for interesting textures, patterns, and colors that told a story. The worn cobblestones, colorful street art, and vintage signs of Intramuros all added depth to my photos.

Intramuros was teeming with life, and each street offered a new story waiting to be captured. With the right techniques and a respectful approach, I was able to create compelling images that reflected the true essence of urban life in this historic district.

Meeting a Fellow Street Photographer

Manila Photographer Photo Alquinto
Manila Photographer Photo Alquinto

During my exploration, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my fellow street photographer friend, Thoto Alquinto ( @a.alquintojr )was using a 16-megapixel Olympus OM-D style camera. Despite the super humid weather and bouts of rain showers, we managed to capture some incredible moments. Thoto has an excellent Instagram account where he showcases his incredible talent for capturing the essence of urban life.

The Leica M11 Experience

While capturing the vibrant streets of Intramuros, having a reliable camera was essential. The Leica M11, known for its exceptional build quality and precision, enhanced the street photography experience. Its compact size and discreet design made it perfect for blending into the urban environment without drawing too much attention. I can imagine people with Fujifilm X100 series cameras, or any kind of rangefinder, would be in street photography heaven in Intramuros.

Conclusion

Exploring and photographing Intramuros, Manila, offered a unique opportunity to capture the rich history and vibrant urban life of this historic district. From the ancient walls and cobblestone streets to the bustling daily activities of locals, Intramuros provided an endless array of subjects for street photographers.

Whether focusing on the intricate details of urban culture, capturing the expressions of street portraits, or highlighting the architectural beauty of historical sites, Intramuros had something for every photographer.

I encourage you to take your camera and explore the streets of Intramuros, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and capture the moments that resonate with you. Share your experiences and photos with others, and inspire more people to discover the beauty of street photography in Manila.

Happy shooting!

Digital Photography

Leica M11 Color Portraits: Capturing the Vibrant Urban Landscape

Exploring Color and Emotion with My Leica M11

Diving into Leica M11 Color Portraits has been an enhancement to my photography journey. Recently, I had the pleasure of shooting with Junko, a model with a face that breathes life into every photo. We chose sleepy back street in downtown Iwaki City, Fukushima, as our canvas. The stark afternoon light provided a challenging backdrop, but that time of the day was the only time when that alleyway was lit up in the way I wanted it so I went with it. At least it was perfect for testing the dynamic range of the Leica M11.

Why I Love the Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH Lens

Talk about a lens I would never, ever sell? There’s something magical about the Leica 50mm Summilux-M ASPH f/1.4 lens. It’s not just the sharp images or the minimal chromatic aberration; it’s about how it renders colors and contrasts, giving a three-dimensional pop to the photos. The bokeh? Absolutely dreamy! It isolates the subject so smoothly, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike quality in the photos.

My Approach to Shooting These Leica M11 Color Portraits Portraits

Using the 50mm Summilux on my Leica M11, I aim for intimate, detailed portraits that feel personal and engaging. This lens offers a perspective that closely mirrors human vision, ideal for capturing the subtle nuances of Junko’s expressions against the urban textures of Iwaki City.

Check Out the Gallery

Each photo tells its own story, not just of Junko but of the city itself. The rich colors and stark contrasts highlight the emotional and visual depth of Leica M11 Color Portraits.

Wrapping It Up

Exploring color photography with the Leica M11 has truly broadened my artistic horizons. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about telling stories through colors, capturing moments that evoke emotion and thought. The Leica M11’s capability to handle complex lighting and vibrant colors makes it an essential tool in my photography gear.

Let’s Chat!

Got thoughts on color portraiture? Experiences with the Leica M11 you’d like to share? Drop a comment below or join the conversation on our social media platforms. I’d love to hear from you!

Black and White Film Portraits: A Hasselblad Journey

Rediscovering the Portrait with Ilford FP4+

Black and White Film Portraits bring a timeless essence to the art of photography, stripping away color to focus on the raw emotions and stark contrasts of the subject. My recent session with the talented model, Junko, provided an ideal opportunity to delve into this medium using my Hasselblad 503cxi, renowned for its precision and paired with the classic Ilford FP4+ black and white film.

Experimentation with Light and Filters

The photoshoot day presented harsh sunlight, an element both challenging and invigorating for a photographer. Initially, I opted for my standard operating procedure yellow filter to enhance the contrast but later reflected on whether this was necessary due to the harshness of the light. This experience highlighted the importance of adapting to the environment, a key learning process in mastering black and white film portraits.

Mastering the Square Frame

Capturing Junko in the square 6×6 format of the Hasselblad pushed me to consider every edge and corner of the frame, striving for a balance between subject and space. Interestingly, I had viewed a Harry Borden YouTube video on celebrity portraits just after this shoot. Although I hadn’t had the chance to apply his techniques directly at the time, his approach of often cropping the top of the head in close-up shots has since broadened my perspective on portrait composition in black and white film.

Lessons from Legends

Picasso with intense gaze wearing a dark hat, portrayed in a high-contrast black and white image.
Intense black and white portrait of Irvine Penn’s Picasso with a piercing gaze and shadowed hat.

After engaging with Harry Borden, I explored “Pablo Picasso at La Californie, Cannes, France 1957” by Irving Penn. Penn’s mastery in portrait photography, particularly in unconventional framing and composition, has sparked my interest in delving deeper into black and white film portraits, encouraging a shift beyond my usual photographic style.

Looking Forward

Each shot of Junko became a dialogue between light and shadow, camera and subject, artist and muse—emphasizing the compelling narrative potential of black and white film portraits. As I continue to explore the combination of Hasselblad’s detail and Ilford’s dynamic range, the journey in black and white photography remains a perpetual source of discovery and inspiration.

A Few Examples

Young woman in casual attire on an urban buildings rustic staircase in black and white photo.
Young woman contemplates in a derelict doorway, monochrome photo.

Each image contributes to the narrative of Junko’s story, captured through the timeless grain of Ilford FP4+. These portraits not only showcase the technical aspects of black and white film but also the emotional depth that can be achieved.

Firefighters in Iwaki City Fukushima – Documentary Photography

Firefighter navigating through debris in disaster recovery effort.
Firefighter navigates through rubble amid urban disaster recovery.

Introduction

Last week, I had the profound experience of witnessing and documenting the efforts of firefighters in Iwaki City, Fukushima, as they bravely fought a raging fire. Armed with my Leica M11 rangefinder camera, I set out to capture the raw emotion and intensity of the scene. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey through this gripping event, highlighting the extraordinary courage of the firefighters and the resilient spirit of the community.

The Scene Unfolds

Around 11 am on a Sunday morning, I noticed my neighborhood was hazy and smelled of burning. Checking online, I found buildings in the nearby bar district were on fire. I grabbed my camera and rode my bicycle to the scene, where the air thickened with smoke. Most of the area was blocked off, making it challenging to shoot. Using my 50mm Summilux lens, I navigated narrow back alleyways to get closer and capture more intimate shots. Determined to document what I could, I felt relieved no one was injured, though 12 buildings burned and over 30 businesses were destroyed. This was devastating for the community, and I personally knew several who lost their livelihoods.

Japanese firefighters in action, wearing protective gear and assessing the situation.
Japanese firefighters strategize during an emergency response in urban Japan.

Heroic Efforts

Japanese Firefighters battle intense blaze in urban setting under tangled wires.
Japanese Firefighters tackle a fierce blaze on a busy street, framed by a network of overhead wires.

The firefighters moved with precision and urgency, battling the blaze with everything they had. I captured them navigating through smoke-filled streets, working tirelessly to control the flames, and ensuring the safety of the residents. Their dedication inspired me, and I felt honored to document their efforts.

Documentary Photography – A Leica M11 Perspective

Using the Leica M11 allowed me to capture the intense scenes with remarkable clarity and detail. I noticed a few other photographers with bulky DSLRs and zoom lenses and felt glad to have a more stealthy rangefinder camera. While a longer lens would have been nice, I trusted the M11’s 60 MP sensor to help with cropping if needed. The results showcase the camera’s power, bringing to life the harrowing reality of the fire and the extraordinary efforts of the firefighters, providing a vivid and emotional narrative of the event.

Community Impact

Firefighter in action in a Japan back alley.
Firefighter tackles emergency in crowded Japan street.

The fire significantly impacted the community of Iwaki City. Residents stood by, some watching in fear as the flames threatened their livelihoods.

Behind the Lens

Emergency worker manages disaster scene with debris and water spray.
Emergency responder actively managing a collapsed building site with water jets and debris.

While I’m not a highly experienced photojournalist, my deep interest in the subject and my background in street photography helped me capture these moments. Documentary photography goes beyond capturing images; it’s about telling a story. I spent hours amidst the chaos, ensuring that each shot conveyed the gravity of the situation.

Firefighter in gear ready by red fire engine during emergency.
Firefighter in full gear prepares by a fire engine during an urban emergency response.

I try to use every opportunity possible to practice documentary and photojournalism, and this experience served as a powerful learning moment. My street photography skills allowed me to navigate the dynamic environment effectively and capture candid, raw moments of the firefighters’ efforts.

Conclusion

The recent fire in Iwaki City, Fukushima, highlighted the heroic efforts of local firefighters and the resilience of the community.

Black and White Fine Art Print: Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Serene park scene with cherry blossoms and friends enjoying springtime.
Springtime serenity under blooming cherry blossoms with seated and standing women enjoying the calm.

In the heart of Iwaki City, Fukushima, Japan, a serene pathway lined with cherry blossom trees creates a picturesque scene. This black and white fine art print captures two women and a small dog under the falling petals, highlighting the tranquil beauty of everyday life in Japan.

Black and White Fine Art Photography

Black and white photography excels in focusing on light, shadow, and texture, stripping away color to reveal the essence of the scene. This image, with its intricate details of tree bark, soft petals, and the serene expressions of the subjects, showcases the timeless quality of monochrome art.

Composition and Characteristics

The photograph is composed with a strong sense of balance and harmony. The leading lines of the pathway draw the viewer’s eye into the frame, while the cherry blossom trees create a natural canopy, adding depth and dimension. The use of a Hasselblad medium format film camera and Ilford FP4+ film enhances the fine details and textures, offering a wide dynamic range and rich tonal contrast that are characteristic of black and white film images. This results in a timeless, nostalgic feel that digital images often struggle to replicate.

Connecting with Fine Art Photography Enthusiasts

For fine art photography collectors, this print is more than a moment in time; it’s a window into the serene beauty of Japanese culture and nature. The careful composition and harmonious elements invite viewers to immerse themselves in the tranquil scene, making it a perfect addition to any collection.

The Beauty of Everyday Moments

This photograph reminds us of the beauty in everyday moments. A quiet walk under cherry blossoms or a simple conversation on a park bench—these fleeting instances are profoundly impactful. As an artist, capturing and sharing these slices of life connects deeply with viewers on an emotional level.

Explore More

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