I remember my father taking pictures with his "Kodak Retina IIa" Rangefinder 35mm Film Camera, was his favorite pastime. My first camera a "Yashica MG1", Rangfinder was a Christmas gift in 1983 by my Father. (I still have this camera, in the original bag) I still remember talking with my father, and always he said to me, if in a roll of 36 exposures 10 photos are good, you will be a good photographer.
Time went on, my family required more attention and I quit totally my aspiration to be a good photographer.
It was not until 3-4 years ago, when I bought my first digital camera,a "point and shoot" Samsung 2.0mp Digimax, which is now part of my collection. My second digital camera was a Sony "point and shoot", 6mp and I really use and abuse this little camera.
Wow, what a surprise I found in the wonderful world of digital.
Limited, and wanting to learn more, I decided to buy my first digital SLR, Canon 30D, which after a year I exchanged for a Canon 40D. Then came the accessories, lenses, filters, flash, tripod etc.
Always trying to learn and improve, without too much respect for the rules.
Photography for me is an expression - a memory - an experience of what I see and I want to share in my beautiful world, simply, I feel free. I like a flower, a building, an old car, a landscape, glamour, people, kids, etc. From film, color slide, to a cell phone, or digital, everything is fun and I enjoy snapping what is attractive and enjoyment for me.
I have no limitations ............ and I look further to learn more and keep sharing my modest work.
Thank you to the Metro Camera Club, and all my friends for all the tips, and for asking me to participate in this photography hobby.
Sincerely:
Fortunato Mercado - Diaz
Taken W/ Yashica - rangefinder around 1983 using color film
Lets Dance: I happened to be in a friend's house and his girlfriend getting ready, and he ask me to take a picture, she refused to show her face.
Showgirl: Party for the Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, for which I was the Event photographer that night.
Smile, I love the expression of my son's friend in his Birthday Party.
Memories - old bicycle - taken with my Black Berry cell phone, in an antique mall.
"BOB" VIP sport's hall of fame in the "Jim Thorpe" museum I was the Event photographer that night.
"Barn" B&W Yashica rangefinder around 1983, film B&W
My friend, B&W invited by Carl Short Jr to shoot the "Neighborhood Services".
Black Men: Street - homeless man in San Antonio, TX
"Bella" shot in a studio for her new portfolio
My Little friend, I can't resist the impulse to snap this little kid and his stuffed animal in a karate class in Sacramento, CA.
