DIGITAL IN AL-MADAM

This place has been a well-kept secret up until recently, when photographers and companies started showing it off on social media. Still, there are some who haven't heard of the abandoned village of Al-Madam.

They stopped the moving sands - Nikon D7200, 18-55mm

Al-Madam, Sharjah, is located at the intersection of the Dubai-Hatta road (E44) and the E55, just a 20 minute walk from the road. It used to be home to the Al-Kutbi tribe, but it was deserted more than a decade ago. From what I read, its abandonment was due to the village being too isolated from the world, while there is a legend that says a 'djinn' actually drove the people out.

Overlooking the 'Big Red' - Nikon D7200, 18-55mm

I first heard of it before last summer, on an article written by GPP (https://gulfphotoplus.com/blog/503/Top-10-Places-to-Shoot-in-the-UAE). I made a note of it and I waited for a chance to go there.

Symmetrical building - Nikon D7200, 18-55mm

I then began to plan my equipment. I had just bought the Nikon D7200, and it was the perfect opportunity to test it out. I grabbed a tripod, my 18-55mm kit lens, and a 50mm F1.8, shoved it in a bag, and I was ready. I had organised with some friends to go one afternoon once the holidays began so that I had some subjects to shoot while I was there.

Ruined symme-'tree' - Nikon D7200, 18-55mm

We reached the village just before golden hour. The ghost town has been a popular place for photographers in recent times and looking around, I could see why: the place had decayed beautifully. The peeling wallpapers, the cracked floors, the left-over furniture, and the slow-moving sand tides that swallow the buildings created an eerie atmosphere, emphasised by the fact that we were completely alone (in hindsight, we were quite lucky: the place seems to be full these days).

Frame within a frame - Nikon D7200, 18-55mm

After around an hour and a half of shooting, I thought I had the images I wanted, and we were ready to leave; however, I now want to go back and look for more pictures, as well as to correct the ones I took.

Several images have overexposed highlights, since I had taken a light reading for the shadows; partially due to the camera's metering system, partially my fault for not having bracketed my exposures. This led to the brighter areas of the photo lacking detail. In addition, I didn't use the 50mm lens, which is a shame, nor did I shoot any film while I was there.

Next time, though, I hope I will get it right.

Simón.

FUJICOLOR IN NEPAL

Buddhist prayer flags
- Leica IIIf, Fuji C200

Nepal was high up on my bucket list, and I got to check it off last October. It was worth it.

Local with a basket - Leica IIIf, Fuji C200

When planning for the trip, I had to think what photo equipment I should take with me. I needed a digital camera, so that I could have quick access to my images on the spot; I took the Nikon D7200. It was more complicated to choose a film camera, though.

Lady that sold me a bracelet for a picture
- Leica IIIf, Fuji C200

I wanted something small, so the Olympus XA sounded like a good idea: compact, light, and doesn't attract attention; however, it is also fragile, and I was limited to aperture priority and a maximum 1/500s shutter speed.

Welcome at the orphanage - Leica IIIf, Fuji C200

The Leica IIIf is my favourite camera of all time. Full-manual brass tank with a sharp collapsible lens and a clear rangefinder. It also looks amazing, and is very small compared to its DSLR counterparts. I didn't look any further.

Rickshaw drivers at the hotel
- Leica IIIf, Fuji C200

The next issue I had was choosing a film stock. I really wanted to take some black-and-white film (either Tri-X 400 or HP5+) because the Leica gives excellent results with it. Nonetheless, I opted for some Fujicolor C200: cheap, easily accessible, and I thought I would appreciate being able to see the colours of Nepal.

Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I'm glad I was able to take the photos I wanted so I could revisit the Kathmandu whenever I want.

Simón.

INTRODUCTION

A beginning is the time for taking the most

delicate care that the balances are correct.

             - Frank Herbert

I would like to start off by thanking you for checking out my blog. Bear with me, I am still figuring this out.

My name is Simón Ducos. I like to take photographs. I shoot both digital and film, and have a fair collection of cameras to help me pursue my hobby. My aim with this blog is to store all my work as well as the thought process I have before, during, and after taking an image.

Some of the photos I will post here will already be on my Instagram, @s.ducosphotos (https://www.instagram.com/s.ducosphotos/). My posting schedule is very random. School sucks.

I hope you enjoy my blog, and learn something along the way. 

Simón.