Andalucia in September

[Matus]

Hello,

together with my wife (and our both mothers !!) we will visit Andalusia in erly Septmeber for 10 days. We will stay 2 days in Granada - of course visiting Alhambra (tickets reserved alrady). Then we go for 7 days to Los Canos de Meca (between Tarifa and Cadiz) - we plan to visit Sevilla for 1 day during these 7 days and also explore the close-by places. Then we go for 1 nigh to Ronda before we depart from Malaga.

We are renting a car for the whole stay.

While this is indeed a family trip (though no children yet) I would appreciate your tips on photographic opportunities. Of course tips on places to visit in general would be great too.

Also any inform information on "DOs & DON'Ts" would be strongly appreciated.

Gear wise - 4x5 stays at home, but Mamiya 6 + 50, 75 and 150 + some 35mm camera come along. Films - Delta 100 & 400 + lots of Provia (100F and 400X) and Astia. Light carbon tripod for those moody evening shots. Some BW filters.

Muchas gracias amigos (I am learning spanish since 1 week 🙂 )

 

[borrel]

Just back from 2 weeks in Andalusia (after one in Barcelona). We were based in Montejaque just east of Ronda. Tips? Take or buy a hat (not a cap) immediately. Panama or straw. Plenty of strong sun block. Bring fine masked mosquito net for your bed and or windows where not staying air conditioned! Don't forget string and thumb tacks for fixing. Comfortable shoes that also work on rough ground. Try to make your camera bag as light as possible, you have to carry it all day. Don't pass up Cordoba. I took an M9 with 3 lenses, a DP2, a Plaubel Makina 67 and a Minox IIIs (films not scanned yet), but I missed my 5D1 with the 70-200 for the vultures and the 55 Micro-Nikkor for the close-ups. Here is what we saw: http://abdallah.hiof.no/2010_spain/ Andalusia is in the lower half. Have a nice trip.

- Børre

 

[Matus]

Hello Borre,

you have some really nice work among your photos. Especially some of the ceilings in Alhambra are simply breathtaking.

You have also taken quite some gear. I hope you will share some of your Plaubel Makina shots once digitized.

I do not have a hat but definitely plan to get one. Cordoba is a bit off our road, but we do plan to visit Sevilla. Gibraltar is on the list as well.

Concerning the Alhambra - do I have some chances with Maimiya 6 and 400 ISO film (Provia 400X) or should I expect some pushing to be necessary? I have just shot a roll of 400X at 1600 and the results are not too flattering ...

 

[borrel]

All the images at that URL have a link to the EXIF information which might list the wrong lens in the user profile (not all my lenses are coded and I might have forgotten to change profiles), but the shutter speed and ISO ratings are there, all of which should give you an idea of what can be done handheld. As I recall, it was sufficient to lean against something for the slow shots and none were over ISO 400 or under 1/8 second. The ceiling shots were made by putting the camera on the floor and using the self timer. I noticed that the signs at Cordoba say "no flash" and "no tripod", but at the Alhambra it's only "no flash". Maybe you could take a monopod? You might try sending them an email to apply for permission to use one.

I would recommend trading Cordoba for Gibraltar. Granada to Cordoba is a comfortable of a couple of hours. Not a big deal and very much worth it.

 

[borrel]

Some of the pictures from the Makina have been added to this set on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7780269@N05/sets/72157622435908957/

 

[ashfaque]

Hello Borrel, I'm looking your collection of Spain [Abdallah link], truly wonderful. I feel like visiting there right now! They should hire you as their official tourism photographer. 🙂

Ashfaque

 

[borrel]

🙂 Thanks - I think I have enough work as it is.

 

[julio1fer]

Another vote for Cordoba, most of all because of the Mosque and the old Jewish quarter nearby.

 

[borrel]

Nice collection of pictures, Julio. You obviously went at the right time of the year!

 

[robur]

Congratulations from a spanish Borrel. Wonderful bunch of photos.

Cheers,

Cesar

 

[surfer dude]

Hi Matus,

It sounds like a wonderful adventure. It is a good idea to have a car as some of the destinations will be much more available to you without having to rely on buses or trains.

The Mamiya 6 gear will be absolutely perfect for your trip - lightweight, incredible quality and fairly inconspicuous. Take lots of film!

My recommendation for somewhere to visit (apart from Seville and Granada!) are the "pueblos blancos". I took the photo below a few years ago now and I can't remember which village it is, but any of them are worth spending time in. Borre has some lovely photos of Montejaque in his link - it may have been that village. Anyway, Bon Voyage!

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

awesome shot, phil.

 

[surfer dude]

Thank you Simon - I dream of going back there someday.