A Conversation with Joseph Jimenez. Bay area film photographer.
Introduce yourself, where you’re from and what type of photography you primarily shoot.
Hi my name is Joseph Jimenez and I’m full Filipino. Located in the Bay Area (North California in a little city called Union City, CA. I mostly shoot portraits but I also do landscape, street, and just mainly documenting the environment and the places I go to. I definitely try to do all types of styles of Photography. I feel like it’s better that way. It can only make you better and train your eye to see different ways and to have a better craft in your photos.
How did you get into your chosen medium? Do you remember the catalyst that influenced your decision to begin your journey?
This chosen medium definitely started from a movie called “Photograph”. In this movie they showcased film photography and I thought that was such a beautiful way to take pictures and it just so happens that my friend was selling his camera. I thought it was a good way to start a hobby during a time when the world was in a pause due to the pandemic in 2020. So before I got into film photography I was using a digital camera called a Sony A6000. With this camera I learned the basics of how to properly expose a photo. Within 5 or 6 months I felt ready to jump into using film cameras. Turning into the year 2021 I bought my first two film cameras which was a Canon A1 and Mamiya 645. From there I grew on preferring to shoot most of my work on medium format cameras. In a short amount of time I had always had my eye on a Mamiya RZ67. Knowing that this camera was more for advanced photographers or professionals I bought it anyway because my whole thinking behind it was if I want to get better I want a camera that I would absolutely love to use and just makes you want to pick it up and shoot it. The more I grew into loving film photography I have gotten to know my camera and just know where to put myself when I want to take the shot. I know it's not about gear and it's about how you see with your eye but with choosing what type of equipment I know I want to use and produce. I eventually worked out and created my best work with the Mamiya RZ67. Now that it's 2022 being 2 years in, it's still my favorite camera to use. This is my short journey within this creative space. The biggest influence on my friends is that I started film photography which definitely played a big part in my journey.
Do you have any photographers or artists who have influenced your creative style when composing or editing your photos?
Definitely have a lot of influences on my creative styles. My friends that I started with film photography definitely pushes my creative process and the photos I make. Seeing the beautiful photos they create motivates me to push my own way of taking photos and producing a great body of work. Another big influence definitely comes from Joseph Anzaldo (@damn.thatsnicelight) and Dante Ruscitti (@yung35mm). Everything about their art is why I kept shooting film. Their eye and the creativeness of these two and to produce images that makes you just leave in awe. The fact that they always try to set themselves apart from the rest and create different art is something I always admire about Joseph and Dante. Other influences outside of photography are just music and movies. I watch a ton of movies and seeing different compositions and how they shot the scene is something I try to take away from movies then apply it to my photography. Listening to music is a big part in my creative process and influence in my shooting. Hearing my favorite music artists songs helps me get ideas on how I can convey emotions through photography especially when I get ideas for shooting portraits.
What is the camera (and film stock if applicable) that you're currently using while out taking photographs? Can you share what drew you to this setup?
At the moment I use my Pentax 645 a lot when I go on photo walks or driving around the coast. It’s also nice to have 15 shots in medium format. Whenever I do portraits I bring out my Mamiya RZ67. I just know the images I can make with the RZ will have that nice sharp polished quality when I do portraits fr people. I definitely try to pick and choose which camera I want to use for that specific day. If I’m going on a trip I definitely try to bring all of my cameras. It’s a hassle but I’d rather know that I have backup equipment when I’m in a different state or country.
Can you share some insight into your creative process when looking for a composition or framing your photo?
My creative process involves warming up my eye and getting used to seeing in my choice of focal length. Then I start looking for leading lines and observe how the light hits any surface. From there color attracts my eye and I start to look for subjects that can elevate the scene and make it a bit more interesting. Then I just start getting into the flow of things knowing my surroundings, how far or where to stand. From there I stop thinking of the technical aspect and just start shooting freely. I think by doing this it stops me from overthinking. Then I usually take a break and rest my eyes for a few minutes and start observing more people and how they interact with other people and their environment. Usually I try to make or imagine a photo in my head before taking a shot. This way I know I have an intention and making every shot counts.
For many creatives, social media plays a large role in their careers, whether positive or negative. How would you describe its impact on your creativity?
Social media definitely played a big part and affected me positively. In this space I got to meet a lot of wonderful and kind creatives who share the same passion with photography. With social media it made the pictures I take reach other people and created opportunities within the creative space. Sure we can all agree that social media can be a toxic place but if you focus on the positive aspects and not let it consume you everything should be alright. In the end I just do my best to be grateful for people to even just take the time out of their day just to look at my photo.
Do you have any other creative hobbies you’re interested in that people don’t see shared on social media?
This is the only creative hobby I have. Not even too long ago I never thought I'd become a photographer or meet other creatives. I never thought of myself being good with art so having photography definitely change that idea to myself.
Is there any creative projects you’re currently working on or excited about for the future?
I am currently trying to work on a website and eventually in a few years to have a photo book out for people to see my journey with film photography.
