Vintage Budapest: Embracing Film Photography in a Modern City

In an age where digital photography dominates, there’s a unique charm and satisfaction in returning to the roots of photography—shooting on film. Budapest, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for film photography enthusiasts. In this post, we'll explore how to embrace film photography in this modern city, along with tips and some recommended spots to capture the essence of vintage Budapest.

Why Film Photography?

Film photography offers a tangible connection to the art form, demanding patience and precision. Each shot is deliberate, encouraging photographers to slow down and consider composition, light, and subject matter more thoughtfully. The grain, color tones, and depth achieved with film can’t be replicated by digital cameras, providing a distinct, nostalgic quality to the images.

Finding Film and Gear in Budapest

Budapest is home to several shops that cater to film photography aficionados. Here are some notable spots:

**1. FotóMűhely: This shop offers a wide range of film, from 35mm to medium format, as well as vintage cameras. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect film and gear for your needs.

**2. Fényképezés Bolt: Specializing in both new and second-hand cameras, this store is a treasure trove for those looking to buy, sell, or repair vintage equipment.

**3. Budapest Analogue: A haven for film enthusiasts, Budapest Analogue stocks various types of film and also provides developing services. Their community events and workshops are great for learning and connecting with fellow photographers.

Tips for Shooting Film in Budapest

1. Plan Your Shots: Film is precious, so plan your compositions carefully. Take time to frame your shots, considering the unique elements Budapest has to offer.

2. Embrace the Grain: The natural grain of film adds a beautiful texture to your photos. Experiment with different ISO films to see how the grain varies and enhances your images.

3. Golden Hour Magic: Budapest’s architecture glows beautifully during the golden hour. Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect times for capturing the city’s charm on film.

4. Black and White: For a truly vintage feel, try shooting in black and white. The high contrast can highlight Budapest’s architectural details and bring out the character of its streets.

5. Street Photography: Budapest’s streets are bustling with life. Capture candid moments, interesting characters, and everyday scenes to tell the story of the city.

Must-Visit Locations for Film Photography

**1. Buda Castle: The historical architecture and panoramic views from Buda Castle are a film photographer’s dream. Capture the intricate details of the buildings and the sweeping vistas of the city below.

**2. Fisherman’s Bastion: With its fairy-tale towers and stunning views of the Danube, this spot offers countless opportunities for striking compositions.

**3. Great Market Hall: The vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere make this market a fantastic place for capturing the essence of local life. Shoot in color to highlight the variety of goods and the lively market scenes.

**4. Margaret Island: This green oasis in the heart of Budapest is perfect for nature shots. The old water tower and Japanese Garden are particularly photogenic.

**5. Thermal Baths: Budapest’s famous thermal baths, like Széchenyi and Gellért, offer unique architectural and cultural scenes. The mix of historic interiors and relaxing bathers can make for interesting and dynamic shots.

Developing Your Film

Once you’ve captured your images, it’s time to develop them. Budapest has several labs where you can have your film processed:

**1. Budapest Analogue: They offer high-quality developing services and can handle various film types.

**2. Fotonlog: Known for their professional service, Fotonlog is a great place to develop your film and get high-resolution scans.

**3. Printa: Along with developing, Printa offers a range of printing options to bring your film photos to life.

Join My Film Photography Workshops

If you’re interested in diving deeper into film photography, consider joining one of my workshops in Budapest. I offer hands-on sessions where we explore the city’s most photogenic spots, learn about different film types, and master the art of composition and lighting. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, my workshops provide a supportive environment to enhance your photographic journey.

Conclusion

Embracing film photography in Budapest allows you to experience the city in a unique and thoughtful way. The process of shooting on film, combined with the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, results in images that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. So, load up your vintage camera, hit the streets of Budapest, and capture the timeless beauty of this incredible city on film.

Venice Through Different Lenses: A Photographic Equipment Guide

Introduction: Welcome to Venice, a city that floats on the dreams of artists and the aspirations of photographers. Here, history lingers in the air, romance dances along the canals, and every view is a potential masterpiece waiting to be captured.

From the grandeur of landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and the Accademia, to the less trodden but equally captivating areas like the historical Arsenale, the artsy Dorsoduro, the serene Cannaregio, or the majestic Madonna dell'Orto, Venice presents a kaleidoscope of photographic opportunities.

Imagine capturing the reflection of ancient buildings in the quiet waters of a secluded canal, the vibrant life of Venice in its bustling streets, or the serene elegance of boats gliding along the Grand Canal at sunset. Each area of Venice, whether bathed in the golden glow of sunrise or the subtle hues of twilight, offers unique scenes. Whether it's street photography capturing the essence of Venetian life, architectural shots that speak of centuries of history, or serene landscapes that merge water, light, and colour, Venice is an open canvas for your camera.

1. Choosing Your Camera: The Heart of Your Gear

• DSLR vs Mirrorless: While DSLRs offer robustness and a vast range of lenses, mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact, a big plus when navigating Venice's busy streets and canals.

• Recommended Models: For DSLRs, consider the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or Nikon D850. The Sony A7R IV or Fujifilm, despite not a huge fan of XT4 and XT5, are excellent choices for a mirrorless setup.

2. Lenses: Your Window to Venice

• Venice is, in my humble view, mostly a one-lens location. The camera on a sling strap with the attached lens is all you need. :-) but if you are looking for something more……

• Wide-Angle Lens: Essential for capturing the grandeur of Piazza San Marco or the expanse of the Grand Canal. A lens like the 16-35mm f/2.8 will do wonders.

• Telephoto Lens: Perfect for zooming in on distant details of Venetian architecture or candid shots of locals and tourists. A 70-200mm f/2.8 is a versatile choice.

• Prime Lens: A fast prime lens (like a 35mm f/1.4) is excellent for street photography and low light conditions, capturing the everyday life of Venice with clarity and depth.

3. Tripods: For Stability and Long Exposures

• A lightweight, compact tripod is ideal for long exposure shots, especially at night or during the early morning. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is an excellent option for its balance of portability and stability.

4. Filters: Enhancing the Mood

• Polarizing Filter: To reduce glare from the water and enhance the blue of the sky.

• Neutral Density Filter: For those dreamy, long exposure shots of gondolas gliding on the canals.

5. Camera Bag: Protecting Your Gear

• A water-resistant and comfortable-to-carry bag is a must in Venice. Consider bags with customizable compartments for different equipment, like the Lowepro ProTactic series.

6. Additional Accessories:

• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: A must-have, as you'll be shooting a lot.

• Lens Cleaning Kit: To keep your lenses spotless amidst the water and humidity.

7. Timing Your Shots: Capturing Venice's Best Light

• The Magic of Early Mornings: There's something uniquely serene about Venice in the early morning. The soft, diffused light at this time beautifully highlights the intricate details of Venetian architecture and creates a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for capturing the city's true essence. This time, before the bustle of the day begins, allows for uninterrupted shots of the canals and streets. As a photographer who cherishes the quietude and gentle light of not-quite-sunrise, I find this period particularly rewarding for photography.

• The Charm of Late Afternoons: As the day progresses towards late afternoon, especially around 5 PM during the summer months, Venice transforms under the golden light. This time is ideal for capturing the warm hues and long shadows that add depth and drama to photographs. The light at this hour accentuates textures and colours, making it perfect for landscape and portrait photography. It's also a great time to capture the vibrancy of Venetian life as the city starts to wind down from the day's activities.

In both these periods, the interplay of light and shadow, the calmness or the subtle energy of the city, provides a multitude of opportunities for photographers. Whether it's the deserted bridges and alleyways in the early morning or the lively scenes of local life in the late afternoon, these are the moments when Venice truly reveals its multifaceted character.

8. Prime Locations for Stunning Shots

• San Giorgio Maggiore for San Marco Views: For a unique perspective of San Marco, head to San Giorgio Maggiore. The view from this island offers a breathtaking panorama of the city, especially enchanting during sunrise or sunset, when the sky and water seem to merge in a dance of colors.

• Lido for Spectacular Sunsets: The Lido, with its beautiful beaches, provides an ideal backdrop for sunset photography. The play of light on the water and the distant view of Venice create a perfect setting for both romantic and dramatic sunset shots.

• The Jetty at Hotel San Moise: A somewhat hidden gem, this spot is fantastic for capturing the essence of Venice's waterways and the unique interaction between the city and its canals.

9. The Advantage of Hiring a Local Photographer

• While these locations are accessible and offer wonderful photographic opportunities, the real secret to capturing Venice's magic lies in knowing the right time and angle to shoot from. This is where hiring a local photographer can make a significant difference. A local expert can guide you to the best spots at the optimal times, often unknown to the general public or overlooked by guidebooks. They can help you navigate the city efficiently, saving you time and allowing you to focus on capturing the best shots. With a local's insight, you can discover hidden gems and get unique perspectives that truly capture the spirit of Venice.

  
  10. My personal set-up

  I usually shoot with Leica M10 using a 28mm f1.8n or 35mm f 1.4 prime lenses or Leica Q2 . Some time with a Sony 7 rIII with a 24mm f2.8. Most of the time is one camera and one lens. Very small bag and no tripod, unless I do night or twilight shooting. I walk a lot and try to follow the right “light”
  

In conclusion, Venice is not just a city but a living canvas that changes with light and time. Armed with the right equipment at the right time and with local guidance, you can capture images that depict Venice's beauty and tell its timeless stories.

Andrea and Zoltán

Andrea and Zoltán have been together for 15 years, and five years ago, they visited Orseg to conduct house viewings. Immediately fell in love with an uninhabited house in the pretty village of Szaknyer, necessitating quick action.

Thus, they returned home, painted their house, listed it for sale, and sold it! Finally, they were ready to buy and move with their kids.

They had been designing and creating gifts for a long time, and they continued to do so here. After renovating the house, they decided to retain an older room and convert it into a high-end gift shop with a fairy tale atmosphere.

They enjoy becoming involved in a variety of activities concurrently. They now have goats, sheep, pigs, hens, ducks, rabbits, and two Shetland ponies in their yard!

They realised a long-held dream in the summer of 2019 when they transformed the old shed into a vibrant, bohemian space where they serve visitors freshly roasted coffee made from coffee beans imported worldwide.

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Andrea és Zoltán 15 éve vannak együtt, 5 évvel ezelőtt pedig ellátogattak az Őrségbe, hogy megnézzenek egy házat. Mondani sem kell, hogy a kedves kis faluban, Szaknyéken található elhagyatott parasztházba azonnal beleszerettek. A látogatást pedig azonnali cselekvések követték. Ahogy hazatértek, kicsinosították az otthonukat, eladásra kínálták, majd gyorsan meg is váltak tőle! Így végül készen álltak arra, hogy a gyerekeikkel Szaknyékre költözzenek.

A család már régóta foglalkozott ajándéktárgyak tervezésével és készítésével, ezzel a tevékenységükkel itt sem hagytak fel. A megvásárolt ház felújítását követően, úgy határoztak, hogy az egyik régi szobát, elegáns, tündérmesék hangulatát idéző ajándékbolttá alakítják át. 

Ezzel párhuzamosan, a legkülönbözőbb projektekbe is szeretnek belefolyni. Jelenleg több kecske, bárány, malac, csibe, kacsa, nyúl büszke tulajdonosai, ezenkívül két Shetland póni is van az udvaron! 

2019 nyarán egy másik régóta dédelgetett álmukat is valóra váltották, a régi pajtából egy élénk, bohém kávézót varázsoltak, ahol a világ minden tájáról származó kávészemekből, frissen helyben pörkölve készülnek a csodálatos italok.  

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Andrea in Zoltan sta skupaj že 15 let, pred petimi leti pa sta obiskala Orseg na ogledu hiše. Takoj sta se zaljubila v nenaseljeno hišo v lepi vasici Szaknyer, ki je zahtevala hitro ukrepanje. Zato sta se vrnila domov, hišo pobarvala, jo dala na prodaj in jo prodala! Končno sta bila pripravljena na nakup in selitev s svojimi otroki.

Že dolgo sta oblikovala in ustvarjala darila, kar sta nadaljevala tudi tukaj. Po prenovi hiše sta se odločila, da bosta ohranila starejšo sobo in jo preuredila v vrhunsko trgovino z darili s pravljičnim vzdušjem.

Uživata v tem, da se hkrati ukvarjata z različnimi dejavnostmi. Zdaj imata na svojem dvorišču koze, ovce, prašiče, kokoši, race, kunce in dva shetlandska ponija!

Poleti 2019 pa sta uresničila dolgoletne sanje, ko sta staro lopo spremenila v živahen, boemski prostor, kjer obiskovalcem postrežeta s sveže praženo kavo iz zrn, uvoženih z vsega sveta.

Check their website here https://www.vadregenyes.bolt.hu/

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Ralf and Kati

Ralf was born in Germany and is a former policeman In 2009 he decided to change his life and move to the Orseg area.

Six years ago, he met Kati, and they have been happily together since.

A few years ago, the local Restaurant asked them to prepare some Langos for an evening. Since that time, they have been serving excellent langos to the local community every Friday evening.

They also run a lovely buffet every day during lunchtime, and they prepare Kürtőskalács on Wednesday.

It is nice to have excellent traditional street food at your doorstep

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Ralf Németországban született, és egykor rendőr volt.
2009-ben úgy döntött, hogy megváltoztatja az életét, és az Őrsébe költözik. Hat éve találkozott Katival, és azóta boldogan élnek együtt.

Néhány évvel ezelőtt a helyi étterem felkérte őket, hogy készítsenek egy estére Lángost.
Azóta minden péntek este kiváló lángost szolgálnak fel a helyi közösségnek. Emellett minden nap ebédidőben egy kellemes büfét üzemeltetnek, szerdánként pedig Kürtőskalácsot készítenek.

Jó érzés, hogy kiváló hagyományos utcai ételeket kapunk a küszöbünkön!

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Ralf se je rodil v Nemčiji in je nekdanji policist. Leta 2009 se je odločil spremeniti svoje življenje in se preselil na območje Orseg. Pred šestimi leti je spoznal Kati in od takrat sta srečen par. 

Pred nekaj leti ju je lokalna restavracija prosila, naj za en večer pripravita nekaj langašev. Od takrat vsak petek zvečer lokalni skupnosti postrežeta z odličnimi langaši. Vsak dan v času kosila pripravljata tudi čudovit samopostrežni bife, ob sredah pa pripravljata Kürtőskalács. 

Lepo je imeti odlično tradicionalno ulično hrano pred svojim pragom! 

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Reto and Gisella

Reto and Gisella are from Switzerland but have been coming to Orseg for many years. Now they are an active part of the Velemer community. They have been renovating their house for quite some time, making it a cosy home for them.

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Reto és Gisella Svájcból származik, de már évek óta járnak az Őrségbe. Mára Velemér közösségének aktív részeseivé váltak. A házuk felújításán dolgoznak egy ideje, hogy meghitt otthont teremtsenek maguknak.

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Reto in Gisella prihajata iz Švice, vendar se v Orseg vračata že vrsto let. Zdaj sta aktivna člana skupnosti Velemer. Svojo hišo obnavljata že kar nekaj časa, tako da jima je postala prijeten dom.

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Christmas in Ljubljana 2019

Feel the vibrancy and cheerful atmosphere of festive Ljubljana at the Christmas markets held in its historic city centre.

Event is part of the festival Festive December in Ljubljana

Warm yourself up with a cup of mulled wine or aromatic tea and browse the green stalls to find some gifts for your loved ones. The Christmas markets are accompanied by a programme of festive events held daily in the nearby streets and squares throughout December.

This year, the Christmas markets are held at six locations, namely at the Breg embankment, Gallusovo nabrežje embankment, Cankarjevo nabrežje embankment, Kongresni trg Square, Prešernov trg Square and at the Petkovškovo nabrežje embankment. They are offering fashion accessories, products by Slovenian designers, headwear, gloves, scarves and other things to keep us warm on cold winter days, arts and crafts items, various Slovenian culinary products, desserts, honey, schnapps and festive souvenirs.

They are accompanied by catering stalls, scattered all over the city centre, offering mulled wine, warm tea, liqueurs, sausages, various grilled dishes and other foods.

Gift program:

Breg and Petkovškovo embankment

10.00 - 22.00, Friday and Saturday until 23.00, 24. 12. 2019 and 31. 12. 2019 until 18.00

Catering stalls:

Breg embankment

Working hours of small stalls: 10.00 - 23.00 (24. 12. 2019 and 31. 12. 2019 until 18.00)

Working hours of big stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Cankarjevo nabrežje embankment

Working hours of small stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Working hours of big stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Prešernov trg Square

Working hours of big stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 untill 3.00)

Kongresni trg Square

Working hours of small stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Working hours of big stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Gallusovo nabrežje embankment

Working hours of big stalls: 10.00 - 24.00 (24. 12. 2019 / 25. 12. 2019 until 01.00 and 31. 12. 2019 / 1. 1. 2020 until 3.00)

Snow in Venice,......and it is MAGIC

Snow does not fall often in Venice and when it does, it doesn't stay on the ground for long. If you are lucky enough to be here when it snows do not waste any time and stay out as long as you can to capture magic moments!

The Island of San Giorgio Maggiore seen from Ponte della Paglia