Walks of a photographer in Ruzafa, Valencia

Photographers in Valencia have an interesting city to attack. It’s not Chicago, it’s not Rome, it’s not Berlin, but it has a number of interesting places. Actually, enough. I usually walk very often by Ruzafa (Russafa in Valencian) and around the Ensanche. Although there are many people who do not distinguish them, they are quite different. Ruzafa was a not integrated village in the city until 1877, and that had its own structure of streets of Arab origin. Nowadays it’s adapted to urban planning, but it happened over the years. Its blocks are not regular and it is not conceived, like the Ensanche, as an expansion of the city on previously there were orchards. A photographer in Ruzafa can have a great time.

You can read this article in Spanish.

The expansions, copied from the planning that takes place in Chicago, arrive in Valencia through the Barcelona reference, but on a smaller scale. Goerlich, the municipal architect, will be responsible for the city’s expansion, which, once the walls were demolished, was totally unavoidable.

Walks of a photographer in Ruzafa, Valencia

A part of the Ensanche within Ruzafa

The checkerboard structure of the expansion, which had in the initial plans, with large interior spaces with gardens and a city really conceived to be enjoyed, was divided with a diagonal avenue. The internal spaces to each block are now blocked with the construction of buildings that break the original space and very often the aforementioned interior spaces are  parkings.  Permits were even granted to build more heights than originally thought. All in all, the Ensanche neighborhood (or Eixample) is one of the most interesting in architectural terms.

Ruzafa, on the other hand, is a more charismatic neighborhood and, after a few years in which it was experiencing a certain degradation, it was time for its gentrification. Now it suffers a certain saturation as a leisure area. Its value, which was already on the rise, is propelled because the biggest shortage that it had, which was the total absence of green areas, is compensated nowadays by the commissioning of the Central Park , a project that recovers contaminated lands occupied industrially by RENFE much longer than necessary. Good news, of course, for a photographer for Ruzafa.

Ruzafa lives with a certain schizophrenia its evolution. On the one hand new shops and leisure establishments are installed, while trying to resist some traditional shops. In the middle of everything, some other companies pass. A constant flow.

commercial transition in Ruzafa

 

Leisure areas and Ruzafa

The problem of leisure areas is common in Valencia: the good weather and the habits of the people make them often stay on the street, next to the entertainment venues, during the night, generating a quantity of noise and discomfort that has changed by different areas of the city, which are being classified as Acoustically Saturated Areas.

In any case, the administrative division of the City Council contributes to the confusion between Ruzafa and Ensanche. The district is named Ensanche, but includes Ruzafa, Pla del Remei and Gran Vía. Ruzafa, in turn, includes a part of the Ensanche (of what would be the checkerboard structure) but not the other. The historical reason is that, in 1811, the town of Ruzafa included those territories. When the urbanization operation was carried out, it was more practical to attend to criteria of efficiency than not to think about who each land belonged to.

I’m Sergi Albir, I’m a professional photographer. If you want to contact me for photo sessions you can send me a Whatsapp to +34 644459753 or an email to sergi@archerphoto.eu

Some more images taken by this photographer in Ruzafa.

Sornells Street, by Archerphoto, photographer in Ruzafa, Valencia, Spain

 

Ruzafa Market, by Archerphoto, photographer in Ruzafa, Valencia

 

A bike, by Archerphoto, photographer in Ruzafa

Another post about Valencia.

Photo session in studio

Determining the type of lighting is always a small dilemma. I tend to be a supporter of working outdoors with natural lighting. I often use a reflector to help me, but while lighting results are lovely, most of the time the reflector must be handled by a person. And for a photo shoot in studio I am in favor of using continuous lighting.

That said, continuous lighting has advantages and disadvantages, and flashes, too. So I have to keep doing tests, as in this session with Mariana Uscanga, from which I show you the results. I used several flashes, filters and reflectors. If there is an amateur photographer who would like to know the setting used, I will have to disappoint him. I took many photos, many experiments, I moved everything and there was not one setting, but a bunch of them. And of course, I did not wrote them up. I do not usually release photography tutorials because there is a lot of competition. Producing them usually has a job much greater than what people imagine. So a hug to the photographers who take that effort and  I send for them my recognition and respect.

 

photo session in studio, photographer, Valencia, Spain

Once the photo session is finished …

After a photo session in studio, one must apply in the editing work. In many of these cases, one of the tasks is in the selection of which are the photos we want, because there are often many similar ones. About the selection it is important to decide, more or less, what we are going to do, so that the work does not become too long. In this case, the idea was to keep the interest in the model totally. Eliminating any detail left over from the background was a priority. Then, the control of the tones is another crucial question. And as some of the photos will end, badly that I regret, on Instagram, it was also appropriate to leave them ready for that application.

photo session in studio, photographer, Valencia, Spain, fitness photographer

Mariana had enough patience not to kill me even though there were many experiments, a few disasters and a significant number of repetitions. But probably you will agree with me that the temper and endurance of this Mexican model had a fair reward.

photo session in studio, photographer, Valencia, Spain, commercial photographer

I’m Sergi Albir, professional photographer. If you want a photo shoot in studio, outdoors, or you have a company, or an event, or you want me to record a video of a turtle submerging, or whatever you can think of, you can contact me at +34 644459753 (better by WhatsApp) or sergi@archerphoto.eu.

photo session in studio, photographer, Valencia, Spain

Making wine

Making wine by Archerphoto, professional photographer

I have always liked seeing pictures of people working. It is always interesting: watching how they did things in the past tells us many stories and gives us a perspective on where we are and where we come from. Without needing to be more transcendent, all this comes because, talking with my friend Arturo Blasco, we talked about the possibility of making a series of photos about a version of the winemaking process. Specifically, a process that is somewhat more traditional than the one usually done conventionally, because at Bodegas La Purísima, which is the company where he currently works, they would dedicate an effort to produce one of these wines and he would direct the operation. So I went with him, I spent a day in Yecla (Murcia) seeing how they carried out the whole process.

Making wine in Yecla, Murcia, by Sergi Albir professional photographer Spain
Felipe Martínez checks the state of the selected vineyards.
Grape in Yecla, Murcia, Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer
Forcallat is one of the varieties of Yecla, Murcia..

Making wine in Yecla, Murcia, by Archerphoto, professional photographer

Making wine

Depending on the weather, sugar level in the grape and other factors, it is determined when the harvest is due. One of those factors that Arturo told me about is polyphenolic maturity. This maturity determines the quality of the grape. It is necessary to evaluate if the color is present and if the nugget when biting it is crunchy and without astringency. Arturo prefers to take the grape to the mouth and chew it. In this way, he says that it is like seeing a color photograph of what the wine will be.

Making wine in Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer, commercial photographer Spain
Making wine. The vintage is made in a rather traditional way.

In this regard, if collected too far in advance the wine that is obtained will have a lower graduation. This, which for anyone would be only a detail, for the farmer has a key importance: the price is fixed in a significant part by the degrees of alcohol. In this way, when the grapes enter the cooperative, this variable is measured.

Making wine in Spain by Archerphoto, professional photographer
Mariano receives the grapes and makes the relevant checks to determine the price per kilogram.

Archerphoto, professional photographer for business

After transportation

Once the grape is in the cooperative begins the process of elaboration: in ancient times the grape was treading, but today mechanical processes are used. In the case of the grape ink, falling into the hopper goes to a crusher. This paste is pumped to its final destination so that the skin and nuggets get better contact with the must. In this way wine acquires color and body. Hence, in this case, it was sent to a couple of small vats, on which will work later.

From must to wine by Archerphoto, professional photographer
From left to right, Oscar Soriano, Felipe Martínez and Arturo Blasco about to pass the must to one of the vats.
From must to wine in Bodegas La Purísima by Archerphoto, professional photographer
The process of filling the vats with the previous protagonists.

These vats, which I was told were small for the industrial volumes they usually work with, had a capacity of about 300 liters.

Dry ice

Once in the vats, Arturo wanted to lower the temperature to 5ºC. This way the fermentation does not start yet, and thus the mix is acquiring color and aromas. To lower the temperature in a plastic tank has been forced to use dry ice (carbon dioxide in solid form, which is about -60 ° C). When carbon dioxide comes into contact with the must, it goes from solid to gaseous state immediately. The high concentration of this gas, makes a mist appear that offers really impressive images. The process is quite spectacular, and although it seems to be doing something more typical of a Harry Potter movie, he’s only making sure there are no thermal differences between the surface and the inside.

Arturo Blasco virtiendo hielo seco en una de las cubas.
Arturo Blasco pouring dry ice into one of the vats.
Arturo Blasco, enólogo, haciendo vino.
Not Harry Potter. Dry ice is used in both industrial and film making.

The must is left to macerate from that moment, and will begin to become wine. During the process most of the residue will be deposited in the bottom and ready to be filtered and bottled. Or to transfer it to the barrel.

Acknowledgements and contact

By the way, if you are interested in knowing more wine, Arturo writes in El Correo del Vino. It is imperative for me to thank him, not only for having taught me the process, but also because he has lent me a helping hand, proving that I did not commit any important wrongs by telling this. Here you can take a look at his articles related to oenology: http://www.elcorreodelvino.net/seccion/index/72. Also Felipe Martinez was explaining in detail each part of the elaboration.

I’m Sergi Albir. I am a professional photographer (you could say also a commercial photographer, if you like it better) and if you need portraits, videos or anything, you are in Valencia, Madrid, Edinburgh or Tierra del Fuego, and you want to contact me, an email to sergi@archerphoto.eu is the fastest way to find me. Well, and a Whatsapp to +34 644459753. Both things are worth it.

The Fitness Sanctuary

Real Estate photographer Spain Archerphoto

When you are called to shoot some pics of chalet, first thing coming to you is going to be a Real Estate work. I supposed they would want to get the better looks of the building. “They are intending to sell it”, I admit that was my impression when I contacted. The moment I arrived there I was told they are establishing a business consisting in some activities for relaxation and physical improvement, especially weight losing. Their programs include blood tests and different exercise routines, with varied activities, from bike tours to yoga or water aerobics. The Fitness Sanctuary has another division in Tarifa (South of Spain), but I just shot their new place in La Cañada, en Paterna, really close to Valencia City. A big property with lots of space and some pines around.

Their clients are mostly British attracted by the Sun and natural charm of the country. It’s a new tourism business quite innovative, not very known in Spain, so I find it really interesting.

Elliot was who contacted me, and when I was shooting I told him I’d love to post an article in my professional photographer web showing the place and linking his web (http://www.thefitnesssanctuary.com) so I could help him to promote it and, all the same, I’d be showing some of my Real Estate pictures.

The Fitness Sanctuary

The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional en Valencia The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional en Valencia The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional para inmobiliaria The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional en España The Fitness Sanctuary por  Sergi Albir, Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional en Valencia The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo en Valencia The Fitness Sanctuary por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional para empresas en Valencia The Fitness Sanctuary  (Santuario del fitness) por Archerphoto, fotógrafo profesional en Valencia

 

To contact with them is easy: their web is http://www.thefitnesssanctuary.com .

My name is Sergi Albir and I am a professional photographer. If you need corporate pictures or real estate photography you can reach me via mail to sergi@archerphoto.eu or via cellular, +34 6444 5 9753. Also Whatsapp and Telegram available.

 

Showreel 2015

Corporate Video in Spain and all Europe

Corporate video in Spain by English speaking professional photographer - Showreel 2015

 

I try to post mostly photography related info, but when I have a video to show, it’s not a bad idea, as long as it is part of the services I offer as a professional photographer. I will have this info in my menu, and I will be offering corporate video -as I have been in previous years- for both national and international clients. If you need a corporate video you may want to contact us. Mostly with a reasonable investment you can achieve optimal results: nowadays it is very simple having video, just need a smartphone, but having  good images and quality content requires working with professionals.

Just a comment about the brands that appear in these videos, Jalalala SL is our company and Archerphoto is the registered brand we use. In 2008 reel we had the collaboration of Guillermo Barreira, who occasionally works with us.

Corporate video

Timelapse, fiction, premises, corporate video and events, we can take charge of your image efficiently. All parts of a production: permits,script, make up, casting or edition. We have also professionals ready to write and record original music, if you need it, or affordable alternatives. Also speakers in Spanish or English, subtitles, etc. Let us help you to produce your video: even when we are a small production company, you can check our results.

Showreel 2015

Please, click here: https://vimeo.com/126159726

I am a professional photographer and video producer. Photography, video and other contents. If you need to contact me, sergi@archerphoto.eu, call or message me to +34 644459753 (Whatsapp amd Telegram available). Si necesitas información en castellano, por favor pasa por http://Archerphoto.eu

Free Facebook Backgrounds by Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain

Yeah, that’s it. I shoot a lot and some pics are not in my main line of work but some people likes them, so I decided to have them available in my Facebook page for using them. You don’t HAVE to do a single thing, but I would love if you add a Like to my page in Facebook (just in case you liked the pictures) and you can tag ArcherphotoinEnglish in the pic. But it’s not compulsory, of course. So, here you have Free Facebook Backgrounds by Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain. All of the pictures I uploaded were taken in Spain, and I will be uploading more pictures, so keep an eye on me if you want to have more of them.

The link for Free Facebook Backgrounds

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.271076739660123.44140.263728650394932&type=3

Most of them are just landscapes or details, and you have them in the exact resolution for Facebook. Of course, you can’t sell them or transfer them in any way different to use. If you would like to have some of those pictures in high resolution, please mail me and describe me the use you want and I will send you the fee and the conditions. Just remember I am a professional photographer, a commercial photographer who lives in the same planet that you and need money to buy gear and eat daily.

Some of these pictures were taken while I was doing something else: waiting during a portfolio session, or just taking a walk with my camera, and most of them are not modified, just cropped and resized for Facebook.  Just 851×315 as recommended. Perhaps you are thinking if I am going to do something like that for Twitter. Well, I don’t know yet. Do you think it would be interesting?

Free Facebook Backgrounds by Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain
Free Facebook Backgrounds by Archerphoto, professional photographer in Spain

Julio Portet, personal trainer

Julio Portet is a known bodybuilder in Spain. He’s been Spanish Champion and he’s been also a world contestant who has been in competition since 1994. That’s quite impressive if you just think he was just 17 years-old. Julio is a really strong competitor, but he’s also a successful trainer: his team has been getting on the podium during years. As a commercial  photographer I’ve known some members of his team and I’ve watched him in competition and exhibitions.  He doesn’t just train athletes for competition: Julio Portet is also a personal trainer who brings out the best of each person who prepares. His latest achievement, 6th in Mr. Olympia, N.A.C., in 2013. His biggest one: 2nd in Mr.Universe NABBA 2008 in Cancun, Mexico.

Julio Portet, personal trainer
Julio Portet

Other info

He is also a great goldsmith, specialized in traditional Valencia crafts, in brass, silver and other materials. As long as we’ve been friends for some years, I’ve got lots of pictures of him, even from his closest family and friends. Most of the pics are in stock. Perhaps some day I’ll show them, but at this moment, here there’s some pics of this versatile man in his sports side: as a personal trainer and some promotional pictures of Julio in the gym .

His website is only available in Spanish: http://www.portet-team.com/ but you can see some of my photos there.

[slickr-flickr type=”gallery” search=”sets” set=”72157632173151420″]

Valencia Dreamhack 2013

Valencia Dreamhack 2013

My first time in Dreamhack is a LAN party with focus in gaming. Valencia (Spain, UE) has had its second edition with 20,000 people, about three times the number of participants last year. 500 professional players and about 40,000 € in prizes. And popular casters such as Shaun ‘Apollo’ Clark and Dan ‘Artosis’ Stemkoski.

There’s been competitions in Starcraft II, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, Counter Strike Global Offensive and Dota 2, you can check results here. http://www.dreamhack.es/news/dreamhack-valencia12-esports-resultados/

Dreamhack -world’s largest computer festival, apparently- is replacing, somehow, the Campus Party events, but the interest of the gaming is undoubtedly less than all the science, design and entertainment Campus Party offered. Valencia had Campus Party for 15 years, so people in the city is very familiar with LAN parties and similar, but the limited gaming experience lacks of the most valuable innovation and thinking that Campus had. The event is placed in Valencia Fair, the same where Campus was during years.

As a matter of fact, there hasn’t been a very wide reportage: I was recording some video for a website, so I had very little time for shooting photos. However, here it is the result.

 

Dreamhack 2013 by Archerphoto
Dreamhack 2013 by Archerphoto

 

[slickr-flickr type=”gallery” search=”sets” set=”72157634737352584″]

Landscapes

LANDSCAPES

Almost sunset, by Archerphoto
Almost sunset, by Archerphoto

I am not a specialist in landscapes. But sometimes I can’t help to shoot some of them. I suppose it’s most common reaction when you have a camera in hands and feel compelled to capture the moment. I am just a commercial photographer, I don’t feel like an artist, but eventually the situation is claiming for a picture. So, there I am, having lots of time working just for having the pic. And I don’t even print them! The big pic was shot in Xativa, Valencia, Spain, while I was walking down a mountain.
[slickr-flickr type=”gallery” search=”sets” set=”72157633098999305″]

If you prefer taking a look to the same gallery in Flickr, https://secure.flickr.com/photos/archerphoto/sets/72157633098999305/

 

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