in love with photography

Fashion Photography: My Styling Project

2011-08-30T22:34:00.007+08:00

Early last year I attended a Fashion Workshop and one of our projects was to come up with a pretend editorial spread.

Photos were all shot during daytime (indoors and outdoors). I relied mostly on the sun for lighting. I used my Canon 450D DSLR for this with standard 35mm lens.

The Title: Whether Ready
The Concept: Modern Women ready for any occasion (Work, Play or Me Moments)
Make up Artist and Model: Jill Ramos
Styling and Photography: myself

"Working Girl"

"Weekend Moments"

"Jetsetter Girl"

Christmas is for kids (a party for others)

2010-12-19T03:32:00.022+08:00

A typical December month for the usual Pinoy is packed with parties and events - early morning mass, company parties, family reunions, and gathering with friends.

Simple Joys.

This year our village officers held their first ever Christmas party for children in our barangay. DSWD was asked choose kids who needed our help the most.

Our DIY photobooth.

I was asked to be one of the photographers that day. Our officers wanted all the kids and families to have a token to remember the day, so...us photo volunteers...clicked away. It was a good day for: the kids, us volunteers, Christmas, and photography.

Cotton Candy for all.

Curiosity.

In the Eyes of a Child.

Sweets.

Behind the wall is another Child.

My photoworks on a poster/ad

2010-12-19T02:21:00.014+08:00

Just this year a close friend of mine started her videography and editing business which also gave me the chance to use some of my photo works in an ad/poster. Check them out and let me know what you think! :)

Photo by yours truly
Layout by Mapet Diaz
(photo was taken in one of the busy streets of Macau)

Photo and Layout by yours truly
(photo was taken in one of the city parks of Hong Kong)

By the way, you can also check out my friend's biz blog (she offers editing services and video workshops).

When Pictures tell Stories

2010-08-25T22:25:00.012+08:00

Last night I attended a photograph workshop at UP Diliman. Thanks to my high school friend's sister who tagged and invited me to this event via Facebook. It was a free event, highly accessible and very enriching.

The event was a photography workshop called Conversations with Rick Rocamora, and was sponsored by pinoyweekly.org. Unlike other photography workshops I've attended, this one was unique. What made it different was the man, Mr. Rick Rocamora. He was a photographer with a purpose and passion for photography. It wasn't just about the technicalities and aesthetics of a picture. It's more about his work and the journey and life stories behind each picture.

Rick Rocamora, a photographer with a message

Rick is a well-travelled man. He is a Filipino-American who uses his talent in photography to communicate his stand and concern over issues that are important to him, one of which is the plight of Filipino War Veterans in the US. He showed us his book with photos of men/women/families. Each person he knew, each one with a story to tell, and each story he knows by heart.

The workshop was inspiring to me as a photo enthusiast and Filipino.

Anyway, here are some of the things he said that struck me the most, quotable quotes you can say:

1. "Pictures tell the Truth."
2. "Get near your subject."

and my favorite

3. "Develop a Point of View." (A person with a belief and a stand has more thoughts that make their pictures not only beautiful but also meaningful)

For more information on Mr. Rocamora, visit his blog.

My First Stab on Fashion Photography

2010-08-10T19:19:00.016+08:00

My friends and I are working on a small online shop that will sell clothes locally. It was also my chance to practice on taking fashion shots that will also feature our current collection (modeled by us as regular/non-model women of course! :p)

These are not high fashion shots, but simple catalogue type pictures. For more photos you can also visit our online store.

A Day at Hong Kong Disney

2010-04-15T11:10:00.031+08:00

I just visited Hong Kong Disney and just as before I happily took photos of every thing or situation that appeals to me. Travel and Photography work well together for me since they are activities I enjoy and am passionate about. Traveling widens my horizon and personal perspectives, while photography allows me to communicate or capture them. Below are some of my the events/things that caught my eye.

'Hold on to Mickey'

"Free and Safe Baby Stroller Parking in the Magic Kingdom"

"The Balloons in Disney which I'm always drawn to. Click here to view my Balloon shots in Disney Anaheim"

'The Much-Awaited Evening Fireworks'

'Action shots of various Live Disney shows'

Easter Sunday in Macau

2009-04-13T13:42:00.025+08:00

One thing I love about photography is how it captures moments, whether special or random. I especially love taking pictures of people and places. I like them all natural and candid - simply memorable.

Here are some of the moments of our Easter Sunday 2009 in Macau.

3 in a Row and a Man

Red

Habit

Profile

It's the T.

Grafitti

Easter Mass

Chandelier

Church Ceiling

A Child looks at me

Choir

Fellow Travellers

Capturing a Capture

A Cat Thinks Deep

A Cat Stares

Advertising

Tric

In the Middle of the Crowd

Sunday at the Square

Feet

Playground 03.2009

2009-04-10T16:21:00.007+08:00

Some shots I took while walking inside our community. It was gloomy and cloudy that day so I decided to have it in Black and White. It also complemented the mood and emptiness of the place.

Just another park in China 04.2009

2009-04-10T16:20:00.023+08:00

Zhongshan is a place rich in parks. It is a place thriving with beautiful flowers and open spaces. This works well with its people who love outdoors and socializing. In designated public areas you will always see children playing, people exercising, or family and friends socializing.

I just love going and walking in parks to practice on my photography. This place is so rich with culture and moments. In this photo collection I also take several shots of the second pagoda I've seen.

My first few shots!

2009-04-03T10:54:00.009+08:00

I've always been fascinated with ceiling lights - their design and effect on pictures.

I'm still playing with every nodule and feature of my camera, but here are my first few shots! Let me know what you think. :)

Got my DSLR Camera!

2009-03-23T12:48:00.004+08:00

Wahoo, I finally got my Digital SLR yesterday! :) Finally moving up from my Manual SLR and Digital Point-and-Shoot. My hubby and I went to an authorized Canon distributor in Macau to search for my first DSLR.

That means it's time for me to update my header copy.

From this...

"I'm a photo enthusiast. An amateur. Saving up for a Digital SLR. I forget time when I'm with my camera. Photography is poetry. This is my collection."

To this...

"I'm a photo enthusiast. An amateur. Just got my Canon 450D, and now saving up for Macro lenses. I forget time when I'm with my camera. Photography is poetry. This is my collection."

It has always been my choice to get a Canon. I'm so used to Canons buttons and didn't want to adjust. I also like the idea that Canon's body is versatile and to accommodate even other lens brands. However it took a long time for me to decide between getting a 40D or 450D, I like both. I think it was fate that led me to 450D. Canon 40D was no longer available, all the shops said that it is no longer available.

It's ok though; I'm very happy with my new camera. Got a good deal, warranties, and I even got freebies with it - 4G memory card and a Lens cleaner set. Even my hubby is so excited with it. I think I've influenced him into being a photo enthusiast himself. Now, I need to play with my camera and all it's features.

In my next posts I will share new photos and learnings on the 45oD features.

All about Simone

2009-02-19T17:19:00.019+08:00

One of my favorite photography subjects are kids.

Simone is my BFF's daughter. She's simply adorable and loves the camera, making her a perfect subject for me :) I just wish I already had an SLR.

Anyway, here are my favorite Simone photos. Incidentally advanced happy birthday Simone (she's turning two on Feb 22)! Your growing up to be one charming and smart little lady!

Sonya's Garden, Cavite, Philippines 02.2009

2009-02-19T16:35:00.014+08:00

In our recent trip to Manila, my hubby and I decided to go back to one of our favorite 'escape' from City Life, Sonya's Garden. I just looove the organic food they serve, the beautiful gardens and even the dogs that roam the place. We almost chose this as a venue for our wedding but a year ago the road conditions were not that good and convenient for my guests.

Anyway, here are some of the photos of our trip there. My hubby and I were on the trip with my dad and stepmom. The food and the day, was absolutely perfect!

M.I.L.K photo contest, earn as much as USD50,000

2009-01-05T18:06:00.005+08:00

I was just surfing when I saw this contest. Here is a summary:

This contest is open for all professional and amateur photographers at least 18 years old.
The competition opens on 01 August 2008 and closes on 28 February 2009.
Entries should be uploaded and submitted electronically before the closing date.
The entries should be images that: celebrate friendship, family and love. It should tell a story and convey real emotion. It should be off good quality and can evoke a humorous response.
The prizes are: 1 Grand Prize Winner: US$50,000 and 150 General Prize Winners: US$500

For more information on this contest, please visit their site.

Fishermans Wharf, Macau 01.2008

2009-01-02T23:27:00.014+08:00

I just visited Fisherman's Wharf in Macau and it feels like I took a trip around the world in an hour.

A few more photos :)

New Year Countdown in Macau video

2009-01-02T16:41:00.001+08:00

We welcomed the new year at Macau, here's our video of the countdown! :)

Happy New year everyone!

Techniques: Digital Macro

2008-12-30T22:02:00.006+08:00

One of the best features to use in a point-and-shoot camera is it's Digital Macro - I can get so much from it. Sometimes I feel so much limited with my digital camera but thanks to this function I am able to satisfy some of my artistic preferences.

As I was saying, this feature can make an ordinary photo look so much more professional and deep. It's actually one of my most favorite functions. Take a look at the photos I've taken using this technique.

Try it and let me know how it works for you! :)

Zimaling park, China 12.2008

2008-12-29T16:31:00.004+08:00

We visited Zimaling park, an 88-plus hectare park located in Zhongshan, China. In the past, during the time of the Ching and Ming dynasties, this area was an entertainment place for rich people to ride horses.

There are lot of rides and places to visit but I am most fascinated with the pagoda on the hill...and of course, not to forget the flock of pigeons that constantly wait for free food. Unfortunately the day was quite foggy and hazy so I decided to take most of the pictures in Black and White.

'Horses'

'The Pagoda from afar'

'The Pagoda'

'Stairs and Squares'

'Ceiling'

'Veranda'

'Veranda Design'

'Mickey Mouse on tiles'

'Landing'

'Different'

'Amongst humans'

'On the look out'

'Food Bonanza'

A Holiday video

2008-12-24T09:43:00.002+08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

May you and your families be blessed with more happiness, love and peace! :)

Techniques: Overexposed, use a Tissue!

2008-12-19T10:41:00.009+08:00

I learned this from a professional photographer and instructor, Jimmy Domingo.

One way of avoiding overexposed photos caused by flash is . . . with a tissue! Yes, you read it right, tissue. Apparently tissue helps soften the flash glare. Try it.

Simply cover the flash area with a tissue or a white cloth and, voila, you get a better exposed photo. Here's a sample.

Without tissue

With tissue

If you know of other camera techniques related to flash and or overexposure, please drop a note and share you ideas. Would love to learn from you! :)

Techniques: I love the camera's 10 sec timer

2008-12-17T11:51:00.013+08:00

It's a well known camera feature not a lot of users maximize, well me included. Only a few months back did it struck me - It's not just good for taking group shots!

Most amateurs, like me, use the 10 second timer for group shots or people shots. We leave the camera on a tripod or a stable object and voila. . . a perfect group shot with no extended arms.

We get this ...

Instead of this...

But wait, apparently, we can use the timer to get shots like this...

In summary, timers can be used when:

1. we don't have a tripod,
2. it's dark, and again, we don't have a tripod,
3. when we want to take in more detail, movement, with a 2 or 1 sec shutter speed

How about you, any ideas on how to maximize the timer?

Macau 12.2008

2008-12-15T12:16:00.038+08:00

Here are more photos of my visits to Macau. This time I got to take more pictures of side streets that show us more about the culture and lifestyle :)

Venetian, Macau 11.2008 and 12.2008

2008-12-15T12:16:00.018+08:00

It really feels like Europe in Asia. I've been to the Venetian twice but I'm always in such a rush. I never seem to have enough time to take the pictures I want. Here's what I have so far.

The Gondolas are so beautiful and the place is so romantic!

Sun Yat Sen or Sun Wen Memorial park, 12.2008

2008-12-15T11:59:00.012+08:00

This month I also visited a park here in Zhongshan, China. It's a park that commemorates their National Hero - Sun Yat Sen. Reminds me so much of Luneta park in Manila, Philippines.

'The Hero'

'3 Pillars'

'Pine Tree'

'Dragon 1'

'Dragon 2'

'Zhongshan: View from the Top'

'Cultural Center'

Zhongshan, China 10.2008

2008-12-13T18:41:00.019+08:00

We just relocated in Zhongshan, China last Aug. I documented the place and here's a few of my collection.

'View from our Veranda'

'Flower'

'Line of Condos'

'Reflection'

'Bench'

'Commune'

'Chinese Lantern'