listening with the eyes

Photographs that speak without sound. Encounters, presences, and the poetics of the everyday.

Welcome to My Photographic Journey

As an engineer and former academic in computer science and AI, I’ve found a unique balance in the world of artistic photography. This blog shares a different side of my perspective – one captured through the lens of an analog camera.

These images are not planned or staged; they’re spontaneous captures of moments that spoke to me, inviting me to preserve them.

My Approach to Photography

I’m particularly drawn to analog photography for its:

Intuitive Approach: Encouraging a more thoughtful process.
Art of Waiting: Adding anticipation between capture and result.
Disconnection from Digital: Relying on pure mechanical and chemical processes.
Cognitive Relief: Providing contrast to my tech-heavy work life.

My approach is organic and intuitive, letting the world suggest the shots, resulting in a diverse collection of images.

Current Themes and Subjects

My photographic journey explores:

Portraiture: Capturing the essence of individuals, their emotions, and stories through candid and posed portraits.
Botanical Photography: Exploring the intricate beauty of plants and flowers, often found in urban settings or during my travels.
Street Photography: Documenting the vibrant life and unique moments in urban environments, with a focus on Madrid, my current home.
Cultural Exploration: As someone originally from Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa, I bring a unique perspective to my photography, often capturing the blend of cultures and traditions.
Travel Photography: My wanderlust takes me to various destinations, with Thailand being a recent favorite. These travels allow me to capture diverse landscapes, cultures, and moments that contrast with my everyday surroundings.

Through these themes, I aim to present a diverse visual narrative that spans from the familiar streets of Madrid to the exotic locales of Thailand, always with an eye for the unexpected and the beautiful in the everyday.

My Equipment

My primary tool is the Honeywell Pentax SP1000, a classic 35mm SLR camera. Its fixed lens and manual controls shape my approach, encouraging physical engagement and deeper understanding of light.

Fixed Lens: I primarily use a normal lens (typically 50mm) with no zoom. This fixed focal length encourages me to physically move and engage with my surroundings, leading to more thoughtful compositions.
Manual Controls: The fully manual operation of the SP1000 allows me to have complete control over exposure settings, fostering a deeper understanding of light and its interaction with film.
Durability: The robust build of this camera makes it an ideal companion for various shooting conditions, from urban streets to more challenging environments during my travels.

While the Honeywell Pentax SP1000 is my primary tool, I’m always open to exploring new equipment and techniques. Photography, like any art form, is a journey of continuous learning and evolution. I believe that each camera and lens can offer a unique perspective, and I’m excited to experiment with different tools as I grow artistically.

A Note on Street Photography

Some of the images on this blog may fall under the category of street photography. I believe in the power of candid moments to tell authentic stories about our shared human experience. However, I also respect individual privacy rights.

Important: If you find a photograph of yourself on this blog that you’d like removed, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will promptly remove any such images from this public collection upon request. You can reach me at photo.oekk@gmail.com.

Thank you for visiting. Enjoy seeing the world through my lens – a blend of artistic vision and analog charm.

Support This Project

Like my photos? Support my analog journey on Ko-fi!
Every bit helps me develop the next roll and keep sharing stories.