When going to shows there's always that same person I bump into taking photos with their camera,. Always on a hustle to catch that ONE shot they're satisfied with. Whether it's a purotigersblood, bummershed, sauce house, 707 Coffee house, or at the gremlin he's always there! I even shook hands with him once without realizing it was Camerafino haha. It was the first time we met, before we were properly introduced. It's just interesting to see Fino in action and especially being at the same show. What I enjoy about his work has to be this blurr, the raw emotion/fast paced energy caught within the photos. He is the artist of the month for May (a bit late) for the moments captured, the sweat, the head bands, and of course the fun had at every show he's attending. Here's more about Fino @camerafino as he begins to share.
What got you into photography? Was there anything else you were doing before you dabbled in photography?
I never had photography come in mind since I first started off as experimenting with videography due to the love I have with watching films. Before the pandemic I would go to shows and record from my phone as well as gathering footage across the valley to create visual edits. During the pandemic, I teamed up with a buddy of mine to help them shoot videos for local dance teams. I first dabbled into photography when I would take photos of dance performances as well as doing portrait shoots which encouraged me to experiment in photography.
I see you mostly at shows. What is it about covering shows/taking photos at these events that calls to you?
I really enjoy seeing live music performances and seeing the whole community come together to attend these events. Which makes it special in covering these shows in a way of documenting the bands playing sick music as well as seeing the crowd vibe, head-banging. and of course moshing! While attending these shows, I also get the opportunity to meet new people and form connections and I love showing them my pictures and seeing their reactions as well. At the end it’s all about capturing the vibes of these events that really calls to me.
In terms of your photography how would you describe your style?
I would say my style as of recent would fall more on the art pop style. Throughout my experience I begin to find what I like to aim and as of now I tend to make the colors pop and abstract.
While taking photos what is it that you're trying to capture? While taking photos, I try to recreate the image I had vision along with the atmosphere around me. For example, whenever I’m at a show and I see a mosh pit I would usually go in to snap a pic of the action and capture the adrenaline feeling of moshing.
In your bio you have the specific Fujifilm/Nikon. Are these your preference? Why?
Fujifilm X-T4 and Nikon D3500 are the two main cameras I use for all the pics I take. I enjoy using Fujifilm to capture photos either in low lighting or in broad daylight along with messing around the film simulations. I use Nikon D3500 for crowd shots due to the camera being lightweight which is really beneficial in gathering action shots including mosh pits. Another feature I like with the Nikon is the built in flash since I don’t have a flash attachment for the Fujifilm yet.
How have you seen yourself change from when you started to where you are now with your photography?
I seen myself matured drastically compared to when I started. At the start of photography I just jumped right in without taking any sorts of classes or basic knowledge in knowing how to work with iso and shutter speed. Throughout my experience I taught myself how to use the camera and learn how to mess with color grading and editing which I continue to improve the more I experiment. I never expected to grow so much as a photographer to the point when I started to be more recognized and receive many opportunities as in being press for shows and events which is honestly incredible.
How do you wish to grow with your work? How do you also wish to experiment with it as you continue
I wish to continue to work and experiment with new concepts and ideas that I have in mind. Lately I’ve been really obsessed with video game ads from the early 2000s and I’ve been wanting to recreate that look as well as taking more portraits. Earlier this year I took a couple pictures of cars at the baby arcade car meet which also encourages me to take more car photos in the future as well. Another form of media I wish to experiment is learning how to use analog film.
What kind of photos do you personally like to take?
Personally I really enjoy taking photos with low shutter! It’s fun seeing pictures come out with the blurry look which gives it a 'shoegaze effect.'"
What are your thoughts on the rgv valley scene?
I view the valley scene as a community and it amazes me to see how much the scene is growing as more shows and events happen. It’s also interesting to see how versatile the rgv community goes. From punk shows, car meets, vintage pop up shops, art nights, film screenings, kpop events, and etc. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone in the valley to participate in.
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