Sao Miguel in 35mm

All of these images were shot with a small Contax T2.  I struggled with what film cameras to bring, and opted for small size and simplicity.  I took a Rolleiflex to shoot medium format.  The colors from film are beautiful and rich.  All of these images were shot with either Portra 400 or Portra 160.  This place is a photographer’s paradise, and for all others the same.  The Contax T2 performed well except when I missed the mark.  It has a great sharp lens and fits in one’s pants pocket.  Depending on the scene, one uses the exposure compensation dial to tailor things.  I didn’t pay attention to the overexposure warnings, one of the great benefits of color negative film.

I captured this woman a few different times. She is very frail.

The beautiful lakes with blue color from the sky and green reflections from the vegetation

One man has his boots on, so he will probably get to work at some point.

On the hill leading into the center of Villa Franca

This cottage was just before the foot of the trail leading to Faial Da Terra

This colorful ouse was near the waterfront in Villa Franca

Late afternoon, readying for the night’s festivities.

Shot after the religious procession went through the village as part of the festival.

The terra cotta tiles sat drying next to the mortar mixer.

This shrine is at the peak of a hill overlooking Villa Franca

These bottles are filled with new wine and corked with a grape leave.

At the marina in Villa Franca

The beautiful village of Furnas. On the hills leading into the village are sulfurized pools spewing steam from the earth.

Fishing boats near the piers in Villa Franca

Greek orthodox church in the background, shot from the northern end of Villa Franca