Been there blog that

Mon Feb 08

Today I leave for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, Spain for the DACT sessions that are held on Gando AFB between the USAFE F-15C from RAF Lakenheath and a mix of Spanish Air Force units. On the 9th there is a special spotters day organized between the 46th FW personnel and the AIRE association, lately AIRE (a non-profit association which I’m part of) is specializing in helping to organize this kind of spotting events in Spain which are excellent opportunities to help the Spanish Air Force take their vision and work out to the community and to all the aviation fans out there.
Photo is an EF-18M from the 46th FW based at Gando AFB, taken at Torrejon AFB by me. More info here, in Spanish.

Sun Feb 07

Is not easy to create compelling double exposures, the technique is difficult to master, usually the blend of the two photographs doesn’t fit well or the desired subject doesn’t take a predominant place in the final blend. In this case the result is perfect, mysterious but with the main subjects clear on the image creating a story that makes sense and grabs your attention.

Again the photo of the week brought to you in glorious b&w via *6261 photostream.

Wed Feb 03

Perhaps he was too hard and obsessed with his actresses but there is no doubt he made them shine and give their best. This is an example on how the master made it, stunning photo.

Via andresmedina tumblr.

Sun Jan 31

This Pentacon Six photo is a beautiful homage to film photography, it has a very nice feel that evokes all the good things that using film today has. For that reason this is the photo of the week here at aycuens.com

Via eilwenn photostream, see her tumblr blog.

Tue Jan 19

Memetic is another of my favorite Flickr photographers, among his many qualities is the creation of magic street photographs with his Pentacon Six. This is a great example of his craft, a perfect moment in a public place with a masterful use of a reflection.
Ladies and gentleman, the photo of the week!

Via Memetic photostream.

Sun Jan 17

If I had the money this would be my car. Well my next car is going to be a Mini in British racing green color, bonnet stripes, white roof almost like this especial edition.

The John Cooper Works World Championship 50.

Sun Jan 10

Wow! Brandon has done it again, unlike other people photographers I follow, he doesn’t overdo his style all over again on every shoot but creates different atmospheres and situations to photograph his models.
Yes, the first 2010 photo of the week on alvarito.org

Via Aviram/Lerner Photography.

Wed Jan 06

Celebrating “Los Reyes Magos” (three kings) marks the end of xmas in Spain, for a long time it was the day that kids received their presents till the stupid red guy started to be more mainstream. Still it is my favorite day of xmas, hell even Obama has done his wishes letter!

Via John Cox Art.

Mon Jan 04

Lately I feel like replying that but with the fuc* word before it.
Via Cyanide and Happiness

Mon Dec 14

I’ve been following Matt’s work for some time now, he creates some magic with the Leica M and Noctilux combo that is difficult not to fall in love with, this photo is a beautiful example of his art. Some people in the photo comments were just pointing to the equipment as the reason for getting such magic, of course this kind of statements couldn’t be more wrong.
There is no doubt that the photography tools can inspire or help to achieve your vision, in this case the inconspicuous Leica rangefinder and the low light capabilities of the Noctilux helped Matt to get so close and personal in the situation, but no camera equipment can substitute the photographer vision and the guts to capture such a candid moment. Well done Matt!

The photo of the week. Via Futureancient photostream.

Thu Dec 03

Many bad things can be said about the Soviet regime, but investing in experimenting with new stuff wasn’t one of them.
Via englishrussia.

Tue Nov 10

Are dry martinis any good? All except the olives sir

Mon Nov 02

First the tones grabs you, then you see the girl enjoying the views and last but not least the white shapes put you on earth. One of those great photos that people take on medium format film, the photo of the week!

Via Pete Tainsh photostream.

Fri Oct 30

I fought with myself choosing between this or the circle of the unemployed, finally I went the pyramid way to keep the positive flow, anyway isn’t it totally real? Also is a great example of the clever use of graphics.

Via Information is beautiful.

Mon Oct 26

Innards of a Leica image from a 1934 brochure.

Via blue-percept blog.

Sun Oct 25

The framing is perfect for an amazing effect on the “launch”, my friend esmuz is one of my favorite photographers and never have been the photo of the week!

Via esmuz photostream.

Mon Oct 19

The classic revisited or how the world changes.

Via alfredolietor

Mon Oct 12

Today Spain celebrates its national day and although some people may say ugly things about this post and me, many Spaniards see celebrating and liking your country like a blasphemy, the truth is that I don’t care anymore. So…

Viva España!

Vivan nuestras Fuerzas Armadas!

Sat Oct 10

Although this stalled blog may make you think that I’m still riding highways in USA, I have been back to old Europe for a long time now, but I’ve never stopped a while to write this post down. This is not going to be a long essay but just a few impressions and stats of my last USA roadtrip.

First I have to say that it has impressed me again the diversity of people and cultures that live and feel the American way. It is always an example of inclusion without total assimilation, which is lacking so much in Europe and we are desperately in need.
Despite it wasn’t my first time crossing some big areas, the sense of immensity and freedom of the land has really impressed me this time. Incredible scenery can last for many miles or suddenly change, from green filled mountains to bush packed deserts, but the truth is that each coast is indeed massive when you go by car, and that is a big part of the experience. If you choose the west coast, is important to don’t get fooled by the images that movies - especially the westerns -  have imprinted on us about the “wild wild west”. The whole west is much more than California and cities surrounded by deserts, especially I’ve found the west mountainous valleys to be an amazing and beautiful surprise.

Perhaps I could probably add some more things to the list above but that pretty much sums it up nicely and I can’t wait to pour some numbers about the trip:

- 24 days, 4 countries and 9 states (VA, WA, MT, WY, ID, UT, AZ, NV and CA).

- 4286 miles by car and 13872 miles by plane.

- 133.74 gallons of fuel.

- Most expensive fuel in Grand Canyon at 3.39$ per gallon, the cheapest in Las Vegas at 2.49$

- Food from 8 different countries, lots of snacks and 6.50 gal. of mineral water.

- Best drivers in Vancouver, BC and worst in San Diego, CA (very close to LA).

- 2688 photos, 190 of those made in medium format film.

- Especial mention to Stacy, can’t think what would have been without her. ;)

But above all lots of fun and good friends which I’ve on my mind even with so many miles between, thank you guys!

Tue Jul 14

And the trip continues, the sense of freedom is really amazing as you cross such beautiful and massive scenery.