GROWING up, Vincent Patrick Uy Lima regularly took a lot of photos and videos using his trusty Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones which were popular during that time.
“I loved capturing memories and playing them back,” says the amiable 25-year-old businessman whose hobbies and interests include custom mechanical keyboards, video games, fashion, and specialty coffee.
His first-ever digital camera was a Sony Cyber-shot courtesy of his sisters who were not using it anymore. In high school, he took tons of photos of “basically anything”.
Receiving another hand-me-down camera from his sister though totally changed his viewpoint on photography. “Shooting with a Lomography Diana F+ was a humbling experience. It was hard to shoot with and created some good but a lot of bad shots as well,” recalls the only son in the family.
However, the outtakes did not deter his passion. “It was fascinating for me because I could capture memories and get that feeling of nostalgia, which was so wonderful,” Vince reveals.
Intentional exposure
The Ateneo de Davao University graduate discloses that film lets him go back to the basics as compared to the digital format which takes away the fear of making mistakes. “It is maybe because we have an x amount of storage on our cellphones,” he surmises.
On the other hand, shooting with film enables him to appreciate the slow, methodical, and intentional approach with every film exposure.
Of course, the shutterbug is not spared from film boo-boos such as not nailing the focus on his subjects to receiving photo scans that are not usable. But the inevitable mistakes make him yearn to learn and not feel discouraged at all.
Vince shares that he buys his film rolls outside Davao because there seems to be a shortage of film rolls locally due to the increased demand. This also resulted in higher prices.
“All the good developers/scanners are in Manila, so I ship my film rolls out occasionally. I pray that Davao’s film developing scene will jump-start again,” he says.
A love letter to film
Recently, Vince staged his first solo photo exhibit entitled “Twenty-Five: A Love Letter to Film” which will run until July 31, 2022, at the Door ONE Concept Studio in Juna Subdivision, Davao City.
Staging the exhibit felt so surreal for Vince. “I really had to pinch myself days prior so that I could know that I was not in a dream!” he laughs.
He confides that his inspiration for the exhibit is the local art and photography community. “I wanted to showcase my photos and connect with other artists and be seen and heard by the world, just like the others”.
Aside from his supportive family, friends, fellow local artists, and professors, Vince was over the moon that the exhibit also pulled in other film photographers who were from Davao. Their presence truly warmed his heart because he was able to connect with them. Presently, there is a niche Facebook group composed of Davao-based film photography enthusiasts.
Film is alive
“My exhibit focuses on film photos to convey feelings to the viewer: that it is okay to take things the slow route; that it is okay to take breaks. The photos I displayed are a mixture of works from street photography to landscapes. I hope that the exhibit inspires everyone to shoot a roll of film, even if it is just a disposable camera because it is beautiful,” Vince explains.
He gives huge credit to Door ONE Concept Studio owners Goldie Siglos and Kent Fortinez for helping him mount his photos on their beautiful wall. “Without them, this exhibit would not exist. All love!” he expresses gratefully.
Vince encourages the younger generation to experience the process of getting their photos developed since people take everything for granted these days due to the convenience of going digital.
“I swear, your parents will appreciate it since they went through it as well. Film is not dead. It is alive, and its heart is beating well. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, not only in photography but in life!” Vince advises.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.