Event Recap: Fotobaryo Marketplace & Swapmeet in Quezon City, Philippines

There’s definitely something about Filipino gatherings, and the local film community’s first major event since the pandemic started shows exactly why!

Shutterspace Studios in Quezon City, Philippines opened its doors to film photography veterans, newbies and camera merchants for the two-day Fotobaryo Marketplace & Swapmeet, held last 28-29 May.

Many professionals, enthusiasts and beginners alike who have only known each other online through their photos, and Instagram / Discord usernames were finally able to meet in person to talk gear, experiences shooting during the pandemic and (surprise surprise) the fluctuating prices of film equipment. Many artists were also able to showcase and sell prints, zines and stickers.

Talk about a fun-filled and memorable occasion. Here are some snapshots of the event, and here's to hoping for more in the future!

Artists and photographers such as thecaffeinated, ennuchew (our very own LomoAmigo), sofia.paderes, kosmiklia, makshinachor, geoshootsfilm and elishamikaela brightened up the two-day affair with their zines, prints and stickers.

Meanwhile, Film Folk, film4ever, eggdropfilmshop, were some of the camera merchants present to sell pre-loved cameras, precious film stocks, and offer gear tips and advices. One of the community's most trusted camera servicemen, Allan Malubay, also known as Filmstrip Flips, also provided consultation and service costing for many of the attendees.

Fotobaryo's library provided daylight and cozy backdrops for the film photographers! Its white walls served as witness of many conversations throughout the weekend meet. Fotobaryo is a community darkroom, library and education center siting right next to Shutterspace Studios.

It was founded by Fernando "Bobit" Afable who used to work as a security guard and eventually a dark room manager for the International Center of Photography in New York. Throughout the years the center has become the product of many dedicated Filipino film photographers' passion for the craft, as well as a haven for the local film community.

One of the many curious people we loved to meet and hang out with was the man behind boxcamera.ph, photographer Jovel Lorenzo. He constructed the box camera by himself during the pandemic, and was very passionate about sharing his experiences with it with every curious spirit willing to ask! Spreading the love for analogue, one handmade portrait at a time.

Of course, we also took the opportunity to take some LomoGraflok shots during the event! Thank you to everyone who had their photos taken. You may view the rest of the LomoGraflok shots through the link.

Once again, thank you to Fotobaryo, Shutterspace Studios, Shelter Fund, Sunny16Lab, Film Folk and PHNTM for organizing the event for the Filipino film community!

See you all again next time!

written by sylvann on 2022-07-17 #culture #news #quezon-city #philippines #marketplace #swapmeet #fotobaryo #shutterspace-studios #film-event