Hey everyone, Jae here and I just finished scanning a roll of film that I shot at the Lunar New Year parade. Unfortunately, Ian couldn’t make it out, but I decided to go and brave the rain anyways.
When I head out to take pictures for myself, I always pack light and this was no exception. I brought one camera and one lens, my Leica M-A and my Leica 28mm Elmarit lens. I loaded it up with a roll of Cinestill 400D, a film I don't usually shoot or know super well but sometimes it’s fun to try new things.
Living in Gastown made it so that heading out the door to catch the parade on Pender street was an easy 2 block stroll. I was a little weary bringing my film camera out in the rain after my little scare at the Parade of Lost Souls (https://youtu.be/o0ltI-wlRZQ?si=Ld1Iu95o1LD90TcL) but one of the first lessons I learned when I started shooting was to not be a “fair-weather photographer".
After a quick stop at my favourite local coffee shop (Tim Hortons), I met up with our friend Chelsea and we started shooting right away.
After shooting for a little bit, I had to find some cover as the rain was just becoming way too much. Rain started getting into my camera and fogging up the viewfinder, the same way it did on Halloween. Thankfully I didn't take it too far this time and Chelsea snapped a shot of my temporary solution.
The rain eventually passed and we were greeted with some sun!
After the parade ended, I stopped by the International Village (Tinseltown) for a peak and snapped a couple detail shots.
Once the parade is over, the “Cai Qing” starts where lion dancers eat a head of cabbage hung over business’s doors. Chelsea and I tagged along to check out a few of these and the energy was great.
And that about concludes it.
It was a fun half day of shooting and I never regret getting out of the house and trying to capture life, even if the weather sucks. Also not the worst way to burn a roll of film that I probably would never have put in my camera otherwise.
If you'd like to check out Chelsea’s photos from the day, you can find them on her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kerandcamera?igsh=MXF3d2QwZGcyNXI4bQ%3D%3D
And one last photo of mine to end on…………..
