Interview with MAMBO FERIDO, PHILIPPINES

One of the rewards in film photography is the process of doing it, and this is the reason why Mambo Ferido intensely fell in love with it.

Before anything else. Please tell us something about yourself , Mambo and your journey into film photography?

Mambo: All my friends and family call me by my nickname Mambo and I've always preferred that. I'm a licensed Architect currently based in Singapore with my wife, and I guess working here in Singapore played a big part on me getting into photography itself. I got into film photography shortly after buying my first digital mirrorless camera (I have a point and shoot though, a gift from my sis). Digital kind of felt too instant and too realistic in a way. It didn't feel I was learning much so I tried shooting film. I learned so much since then. Now, I keep a balanced work between film and digital as I find them two different animals to express myself through my photographs.

What type of film do you use and what camera do you use it with? Why do you prefer these?

Mambo: I use 35mm films both black and white, and colored. I'm a frustrated color film user but I'm currently re-learning how to photograph with color films. I did try shooting 120 films but I didn't see myself going to that direction yet so I stopped. 

I had quite a number of cameras but I settled with rangefinders as they fit the photography that I do. These are my Leica M6 and Voigtlander Bessa R2A with a 35mm and 50mm lenses. They're silent and compact which I prefer the most as a street photographer. 

What do you think film has that digital doesn't have?


Mambo: It's definitely the process. From loading, unloading developing and the surprise you get after seeing your negatives. And the images produced by film are always nostalgic. 

Also, each film cameras give different distinct experiences when using it versus digital cameras. I think both have their advantages and we're lucky we have options.

Do you print your own photographs or are you comfortable having them printed in a lab?

Mambo: I don't but I really wish I could learn the process of developing and printing my own photographs.

What motivates you to continue making photographs with film?


Mambo: I'm just in love with the process of shooting in film. I feel so engaged when I take photographs with my film cameras. This is what motivates me. The feeling of creating rather taking images. I don't see myself falling out of love yet.

Are there any photographers that influenced your way of making pictures?

Mambo: Josef Koudelka would be my top pick, next to it is Alex Webb. But when it comes to the concept of learning how to photograph, Ansel Adams is right up there.

Do you see any value or merit shooting with film? 

Mambo: Yes. I guess when you let your mind, body, and spirit to work together and create an image through film is already a valuable thing.

What do you think is the future of film photography?


Mambo: It's Sunny 16 (I'm sorry that's so lame).

Would you like to offer a few words of wisdom to those who want to try film photography for the first time? What must they learn before venturing into this format?


Mambo: It's not like digital where images are instant. It's a learning process where you have to go through a lot of failures. But once you get a hang of it, the price is indeed rewarding. Have patience, be decisive, work overtime ('cause you gonna need that cash) and most of all, have fun shooting film.

These are quite intimidatingly beautiful photographs, Mambo! I'm pretty sure, aspiring film photographers will immediately connect with your photographs and at the accuracy of your insights.

Mambo's cooking quite a lot of projects at the moment. So for updates, don't fail to stop by his blog, his Twitter, his Facebook page, and his Instagram profile: @themostvulnerable and @3daystillmundane.

He's all over the internet. You won't miss him.

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Be considerate. All photographs shown on this page are the sole property of Mambo Ferido. He devoted his time and worked hard on these photographs. You are not allowed to copy, download, reproduce, reprint, modify, distribute, publicly display, license, transfer or sell content retrieved from this page in any way, for any public or commercial use or to any commercial source, including other websites, without prior written permission of Mambo Ferido. You don’t want to go to jail, do you?

Well now, if you are a passionate film photographer and would like to be interviewed? I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email at mapamelvin@gmail.com with the subject, "Interview me", and share your story, thoughts, and work related to film photography. I’ll get back to you as soon as I receive your request for an interview.

Don't forget to subscribe to this page so you can login and add your comments about Mambo's work. Be sure to be nice and constructive.

Cheers!

Mel