MONO-LOGUES

Gleaners

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 06:56:00 +0000

Early morning walks during low tide unquestionably awakens one's senses especially if you are in the sea with a lot of seagrass beds like Danao beach in Panglao, Bohol. Moments of low tide allow the seas to unveil its another character--one teeming with life which, otherwise, cannot be easily seen with water above them. This becomes an affirmation of God's great creation.

Gleaning is a preferred activity in this part of Bohol. Gleaners tread on the shallow water or on the exposed land to pick up snails, shells, sea cucumbers, urchins, seaweed and even small fishes. For some fisherfolks, gleaning is a source of livelihood, if not for daily food.

Although this provides food and livelihood to many coast-dwelling people, it also becomes a threat to the ecosystem. Treading and tramping on seagrass poses threats to the living creatures in that seagrass ecosystem.

To protect and conserve the coastal ecosystem, everything must be done with care and in moderation.

The boat builder

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 01:00:00 +0000

I rarely see boat builders at work. I just had this rare chance of witnessing how big boats for fishing or for uses in tourism such as deep sea diving are built. This particular boat was commissioned by a diving tour operator. This boat is big so that it can accommodate tanks and up to 20 people on board.

The hull is usually made of hardwood keel, which is very rare in this part of Bohol, Philippines. They had to import this from Mindanao. Then the kiln-dry wooden frames are carefully assembled and shaped and to achieve the required balance between the bow and the stern. The hull is usually covered with marine plywood and sealed with water-tight sealants and epoxy so that it can stand the harsh conditions in the sea.

While watching them, I thought the scene was photography-worthy, especially the patterns of the well-assembled wooden frames. Asking their permission was in order. Some clients like their boats to have specific designs and the makers are covered with "non-disclosure" agreements. Besides, boats are usually done by the informal sector boat makers in the maritime industry. Although they operate informally, this village is famous and acclaimed for their skill in boat building. They were cooperative enough especially this worker who was willing to model for me.

Breaking patterns, breaking rules

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 15:54:00 +0000

If there is one thing in photography that I like most is "breaking the rules" as it allows a photographer to transcend conventions and standards to be able to fully express creativity, impulsiveness, and acting on that opportunity for "decisive moment" shot.

When I had the chance to visit London on official business, there was an ongoing repair of the Houses of Parliament. It was definitely a big disappointment to architecture and travel photographers because they will not be able to bring home a postcard-perfect photo. Sorry, but the Houses of Parliament was not just ready for Instagram.

But then, moving around it, there are goings on that are photography-worthy. There are still objects and areas where one can have a better photo opportunity. Then, this scene appeared before me as I was walking from the back. I was loving the patterns of the scaffoldings, but then adding the spire provided that contrast the to mesh pattern of the scaffoldings was deemed necessary. I was not disappointed.

Giving it a "work-in-progress" appeal or "work done" on the spires can evoke many interpretations. Add to it the human element in the midst add more texture and story to the entire picture.

Precious Water

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 05:43:00 +0000

I received a newsletter from my previous job featuring a water project I turned over just before I moved to my new job. The newsletter reminded me of my work-related trips to many communities and water sources and witnessing how hard it is for many families who have no water connected to their homes. I was just lucky to have the opportunity to help families gain access to potable water through the social enterprise and basic social service projects we implemented.

Families of this indigenous community in Tantangan, South Cotabato had to walk at least 50 meters away from their homes (and some even several hundreds of meters) to this location to do their laundry and fetch water for cooking and drinking. This leaves women and children become more vulnerable to the hardships that this challenging situation brings to their households.

In this day an age, the problem of communities with limited or no access to potable water is real. The recent El Nino in 2016 has even aggravated their situation. The search for and development of potable water project seems never-ending. The deforestation of watersheds and the pollution of bodies of water, lack of technology, inefficiency of local governments, lack of funding, and the negative effects of climate change pose challenges to these communities.

The next time you take a bath, drink water, or when you wash your cars, think about them, too.

Water is not infinite. Conserve water

Wide angle

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 01:00:00 +0000

A wide-angle lens creates a distortion in every photo. This distortion, is not acceptable to some professional photographers, especially in architecture because they create a tapered appearance of the building--owing to the basic fact that there are no distorted buildings and that buildings need to be captured in the most realistic appearance. In the end, depending on their editors, some photographers end up fixing the vertical and horizontal orientations and reduce distortions.

Some photographers, however, prefer wide lens to capture the entire architectural subject. Some even invest in an expensive wide lens to create this effect. In one article I read that a photographer does not need to have wide-angle lens just to capture the entirety of the structure. They say that there is one simple and inexpensive solution--just take a few steps back. Well, this is possible if the structure is isolated and if it is located with adequate foreground where one can freely move around.

While there may be conflicting schools of thought in the use of a wide-angle lens, everyone would perhaps agree with me that wide lens is perfect for nature and landscape photos. Using a GoPro camera, I tried it in my worm's eye view shot of young pine trees in Camp John Hay in Baguio City. Needless to say, I was impressed with the tapered effect making the treetops appear to be converging on top, which I have always wanted to have.

Every camera lens has its purpose. You may get the ire of professional photographers for using a wide-angle lens for architecture, but this should not stop you to experiment. All I can say, wide lens are perfect for landscapes and nature photos like this photo of pine trees.

The Storekeeper

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 01:00:00 +0000

She cheerfully obliged when I asked her if I can take her photo. She was tending their small store in a Dalit community on the fringes of a middle-class village. Her family was able to extend the store hours because of the small bulb plugged into a solar-powered battery they were renting for 20 rupiahs. Because the poor families cannot afford home lighting, a local entrepreneur took a loan from a rural bank to provide lighting to the poor. The entrepreneur is also assisted by SELCO led by Dr. Harish Hande, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.

While tending the store, she can study her lessons as well. She goes to a public school. Though poor, this little girl is able to comprehend and speak some English.

In this part of India, the plight of the Dalit community becomes less difficult especially at night when children like her can study their lessons. It is always their fervent wish to be able to get out of their caste.

More London in mono

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 14:38:00 +0000

London weather can be challenging for photography. One moment it is sunny, it can be gloomy or worse, rainy, the next few minutes. You will be lucky to have blue skies even on a summer. Using some borrowed time during an official business trip is just as challenging. You have to take advantage of the late sunset which usually happens around 9 o'clock.

Taken at around past six in the afternoon (close to 7PM) and cloudy at that, I had to get by with the available light. I could make adjustments in Lightroom later on. My only mistake was that I was not able to shoot in raw format, which could provide more leg room for editing and tweaking the photo.

I read a photography article before that if there is no sun or the sky is drab--exactly how this photo is --you may want to convert the photo into black and white, instead. Truth to tell, and I am not denying it, I had to tweak it first in LR, then convert this into HDR and black and white in Snapseed.

With right timing and framing and some good editing software nowadays, your drab photos can look better like this.

Seeing movement

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 01:00:00 +0000

"Movement" in still photos? Yes, you read it right!

Capturing movement in still photos is one of the most challenging subjects--not only because they are hard to spot, but it goes with the opportunity to freeze a moving subject in mid-action, like moving cars, children running, athletes jumping, people walking, and other actions you can ever imagine.

Sometimes suspending movement does not suffice. Creating motion blur by controlling shutter speed suggest better images of movement. Motion is not confined to living subjects -- we can find them around us in ways we may not readily recognize such as moving clouds, movement of the ocean, hair blown by the breeze and many more.

Sometimes, it does not have any physical movement. There is such a thing called "Visual flow" in art. These photos evoke dynamism and rhythm. The elements composition comes at this point. Lines, curves, patterns and repetitive elements, color gradations carry the eye from one point to next and allow you to experience movement — even when nothing is actually moving.

Traslación

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 15:59:00 +0000

Every January 9 the Philippines commemorates the Translación, referring to the transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo church in Manila.

Millions of devotees to the Black Nazarene make their way to the streets of the Quiapo district to join the procession. The Traslación is likewise a photographer's haven and capturing it in still photos, including the image of Quiapo church, is almost obligatory for every photographer.

With devotees and other attendees like photographers, street hawkers that reach up to millions, photographing the Traslación would be a challenging task. One has to contend with staying under the heat of the sun, dust and experience sheer exhaustion. You have you make your way to a sea of people and compete for that vantage point to see the andas carrying the replica of the Black Nazarene slowly inching its way amidst the crowd.

I, myself, "got lost" and got separated from my photographer friends, but eventually, we were able to converge on the roof of the way to the underpass behind the Metropolitan theater. It was not the perfect spot but allowed us to have a vantage point rather than stay at the street level.

With so many security restrictions now when we can no longer carry a backpack or bag that would contain photography gears, and the fact that I may not be as physically robust compared to six years ago, I am proud to say that, at least once in my life, I have been part and experienced to shoot the Traslación.

This obligatory shot--is done.

Get closer

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 01:00:00 +0000

Photographing subjects on the street at arm’s length was not my forte. I always wanted to be “invisible” to the subject with my 300mm lens. I was afraid I might lose that candid moment when I focus on them, and I was afraid I might get their ire.

Masters in street photography always say you must stay close to the subject. I followed, and it felt good. I was this close to the subject to spank me or shout at me, but I risked and glad I made that connection to the subject. She looked at me and I just clicked away. I thanked her and we exchanged smiles as a token.

Well, it does not always work that way. I was in Singapore two years ago and tried to do some street photography in Bugis. The moment I aimed my camera, the lady vendor already blurbed some indecipherable Chinese words and cusses. She was mad as hell and even shooed me away. Hah, that was something!

In the Philippines, street photography is not always easy. It is different with upscale communities and environs. They would always have that crazy thought you are stalking them or you will be using the photos against them and recite “privacy laws.” Some illegal vendors in Quiapo, especially those selling fake DVDs would not hesitate to hurt you. One of my photography colleagues experienced that—well, almost. The vendors in front of Quiapo church have been somewhat "desensitized" and just allow photographers to do their thing. They would even give you that “candid” pose you always wanted or be playful before your cameras—wasting that “Kodak moment”. Kids would be even quite cooperative but sometimes annoying when they insist you take their photos.

I think getting close to the subject is not for all. It is partly culture-dependent. It is all about the ‘subject’ not giving a fuss willing to have their photos taken.

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Finding inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 01:30:00 +0000

Photography has its ups and downs. At the start, you are like an eager-beaver wanting to capture everything under the sun. You hanker for the latest photography gadget or the latest upgrade. You wanted the best lens available in the market and other accessories you think you should or wanted to have. Yet, unless photography is your bread and butter, there comes a time when you just stop. Yes, stop.

This blog has gone through “redesigning” and “reviving” so to say—simply because I, the photographer behind this photography blog, just stopped “being creative.” Passion was not lost, but taking creative shots took a toll on me.

Creative photography entails not only cameras and good subjects. Your senses should always be actively waiting and looking for that scene you want to capture through your lenses. These images do not come very often. You have to be keen to your environment to be able to see what is photography-worthy. And you have to act fast for that “decisive moment” because when it is gone, it is gone forever.

I still took photos though, but just for work-related shots, and yes, touristic and eye-candy shots—photos that are “iconic” and those that pass on as stock photos. Even that, however, has stopped for a while. I am glad that recently, I was able to gather my mojo again to revive my travel blog, The Pinoy Explorer, and now this photography blog.

Having no new sets of photos, I began rummaging through my stock photos again. It has been a while. I had lots of them left unprocessed—and I was surprised that I was able to select some good ones that are worthy to share. Sometimes, having a break and not looking at your stock photos for a long time will give you that different way of looking how a photo conveys its worth. This process sometimes desensitizes you, removes your biases, and allows you to have a “new” pair of eyes to see the beauty in those photos you thought were no good.

Finding this photo of a girl in India, which I took three years ago, made me find my inspiration again. It was just one of those photos saved on my hard drive. At that time, it had no meaning at all. It was just one of those random photos of playful kids.

Looking back where and why I took this photo made the difference. I took this photo in a Dalit community, where the untouchables of India thrive. We were there for a study tour to learn how this poor community thrives and how they meet their basic needs, particularly on electricity.

Looking back, my passion for photography was borne out of finding not only the beautiful—but finding life and reflecting social reality. Looking at this poor child made me inspired and keep me grounded as well in living my personal mission as a development worker.

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The prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 15:50:00 +0000

When it comes to street photography, I felt I have become a bit rusty. I have never been out on the streets for two years or so. I was just so engrossed in my work and travel blog.

One day, I thought I have lost it. I always wanted to continue this blog but I did not have many interesting materials to fill it up. One day, I just decided that it was about time I chase that passion--again--and continue creating images beyond travel and tourism.

However, once I walked out on the streets of Binondo, again, I felt a void. I felt like I was alone. We were only three and unlike in the earlier years, we were a big group. Seems like the group has outlived street photography as well.

Be that as it may, I may have "lost" buddies to work, bikes, motorbikes, running, and new fad or other popular activities that have sprung, I think photography is always in me, after all.

It is my prayer that my "lost" photography buddies would also find themselves out in the streets again.

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Serendipity

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Shooting in Binangonan side of Laguna Lake, and with a point-and-shoot camera, I aimed at the reflections of the bamboo poles that served as fences for fish cages. I thought it would be good for this blog.

Reviewing the photos later, I found out I also captured a bird!

Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise, and I thought it would be just perfect to revive this hibernating photography blog.

Kuya, magkano ang camera mo?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:33:00 +0000

In May last year, I had a photo walk again with my son and nephew in my childhood playground, which was the "riles [railroad].

Back in the day, during weekends or summer vacation, we would walk or race along the railroad to the cantarilla; to watch the sunrise from mountains of Siera Madre. A cantarilla is a short-span bridge intended for shallow streams and canals.

We would stare directly at the rising sun and would delight at the circular flares we "see" once we take our eyes off from the sun. We would repeat and repeat it again until our eyes ached. Yes, we were oblivious to the dangers it would have had on our eyes! We were just lucky, I guess, that we did not turn blind by doing this.

The rails are gone. Many say they were stolen and sold in junk shops. Today, it is just a dirt road, and there were no longer traces of memories of childhood except for the cantarilla. Where there were rice fields are informal settlements. I could no longer distinguish the group of houses of the Villanueva's on the left and the Dugays on the right. After all these years, it has become a strange place. Be that as it may, one can still get a glimpse of rural life.

I was busy photographing some landscape and wildflowers when a boy came to me and asked, "Kuya, magkano yan?" [Big brother, how much is that?]

"Ang alin?" [Which one?], I asked.

"Yang camera mo. Mahal ba yan?" [Your camera. Is that expensive?]

"Medyo." [Yes, a little.], I replied. "Bakit mo tinatanong?" [Why do you ask?]

"Gusto ko rin kasing magkaroon ng ganyan eh. Saan ba binibili yan? Sa Manila?" [I'd like to have one like that. Where can I buy that? In Manila?"], he continued.

I secretly smiled. I must have sparked some interest in this boy. So I challenged him. "May pera ka ba?" [Do you have the money?]

"Mag-iipon ako!" he snapped. "Magkano ba yan, ha kuya?"

I was dumbfounded! Not wanting a "defeat" in this tête-à-tête, I told him, "Mga 35 thousand, makakabili ka na ng ganito." [With about 35 thousand, you can buy one like this.]

"Ahhhh. Ang mahal pala," [Ahhhh. It is expensive.] was his only disappointed reply.

Not wanting to kill the curiosity and interest in the boy, I took some photos of him and his friend, the roaming goats, and some wildflowers, and showed him my shots. He giggled at their photos. Before they left, I asked them to look at me and clicked away.

Finally, I told him, if he wanted to have a camera like mine, he should study well so he can have a job.

"Opo, Kuya," [Yes, big brother] then he ran away with his friend.

He is the boy on the right. I regret that I forgot to ask his name. Maybe I should go back and give them a copy of their photo.

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Gino's story

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:48:00 +0000

[Author's note: for this article, I deviate from the usual one (1) photo per article, thus the monologue, concept.]

As soon as the door of the van used to transport the books from Mandaluyong, Quezon City and Malabon, this boy whom I have known later as Gino, came from nowhere and was so eager to help and started carrying the bundled books. The bundles of thick and hard-bound books even looked heavier than his frail body. I was worried because we might be charged with child labor or child abuse! (Smile!). He did not mind but eventually gave in to my prodding. Perhaps he was just as excited like us in bringing the books to their small community.

From the look in his eyes, I could sense it was his first time to see so many books with colorful pictures and illustrations. He had that sheepish smile you would want to capture in photos. He seemed so excited that he could not help but peep into some loose copies, which he held along the way--with that sense of pride. I could not help but smile while following him. I was also like that when I was a kid when I have a new book!

While we tried to balance ourselves, he walked so fast and knew the muddy and slippery path by heart. From time to time, he would even stop to caution me that the trail I would be treading is slippery. When I was able to catch up with him, I engaged him in a pep talk. After all, it would have been very boring walking behind the rest of Flikristasindios members who already went ahead.

Although he is street-smart by their standards, he has that sense of inferiority when talking to a stranger like me. He had some reservations when answering questions, but after some time he finally loosened up.

Gino is 11 years old and currently in Grade 1. They had no money that is why he was not able to go to school at an earlier age, but he wants to study to become "somebody." He told me, at his young age, realizes that it is hard to be poor that is why he wants to finish schooling so he can find a better job. I told him that is a good attitude.

When asked about "what he wants to become" when he grows up--you know, the usual questions we ask children.

He simply reiterated: "Makahanap po ng magandang trabaho." [To find a good job.]

Perhaps, he had no idea what else to become later in his adult life. I did not probe further because he might realize that there is a bigger gap between the world of the "haves" and the "have-nots," than what is known to him, which may stop him from dreaming further. So I stopped there and just assured myself that he will soon realize when he grows up a little bit more. I took his word at its face value, and just encourage him to study hard, and he replied: "Opo." [Yes, sir.].

When asked about his parents' means of living, he told me, "Mag-uuling lang po." [They’re only charcoal-makers.]

"Huwag ganun, dapat ang sagot mo, mag-uuling po." I corrected him. [You should say "charcoal-maker" not "only" charcoal-maker.]

"Opo," he replied. [Yes]

"Ilan ba kayong magkakapatid?" I asked. [How many siblings do you have?]

"Dalawa po." [We’re two.]

"Ilang taon na ang kapatid mo?" [How old is your sibling?]

He clammed up a bit.

"Babae ba siya o lalaki?" I followed up. [Is your sibling a boy or a girl?]

"Babae daw po. Hindi ko nga po alam kung anong hitsura nya, at kung ilang taon na po sya," he finally replied. [They told me it’s a girl. In fact, I do not have any idea how she looks like and how old she is.]

"Bakit?" I probed. [Why is that?]

"Nasa tatay ko po kasi sya." [She is with my father.]

"Kala ko ba mag-uuling tatay mo?" I clarified. [I thought your father is a charcoal-maker?]

"Iniwan po kami ng tatay ko. Nang mamatay ang nanay ko, natakot daw po sya. Dinala ang kapatid kong babae. Hindi na ako binalikan. Natatakot na syang magpakita. Gusto ko nga po makilala ang kapatid ko eh." he answered straightforwardly. [My father left me. When my mother died, he got scared and ran away. He took my sister. He is already afraid to show up. I want to meet my sister.]

Apparently, he considers his grandparents (on his mother’s side), his immediate family, and his parents.

I was a bit stunned by the revelation. This time, it was me who could not talk nor ask a question. This boy has so much ambition but he also has so much insecurity that is pulling him back. He longs for his sister and that parental care that his grandparents try to fill in.

Gino is just one of the kids in Isla Pulo who is living in poverty. Just like the other kids, he epitomizes a poor kid who dreams—to finish their studies and later on to find a better job other than what they know in Isla Pulo—as charcoal-makers, fisherfolks or fishpond workers.

I just hope Gino meets his father in the days to come. I wish him well that he may be able to finish his studies so that he can realize his dreams--find a better job.

Whatever that job is, only God knows.

Nanang Maria

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:08:00 +0000

Sitting in a wheelchair donated by www.freewheelchair.org, and with the lovely overcast sky giving the right lighting needed, I was drawn to photograph Nanang Maria of Brgy. San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet. She temporarily borrowed the wheelchair though since she just came from the hospital for pulmonary problems and is hard up in walking because she can be easily exhausted.

She was a bit wary at the start, but when I talked to her in Ilocano, she smiled back at me, which was a signal for me to work with her. Since then, she was very cooperative when I directed her to do some poses. I thought I could not make her do some simple poses for me like looking at the window. The angle was mine and had to squat and move around, for she would not comprehend "the degrees" if I tell her so.

Yes, this is a staged photo, and why shouldn't it be? I do not want to be pretentious that it was candid, lest I want to draw some criticisms with this one.

For these types of photos, I love old women looking pensive with their facial lines defined by available light. But do not get me wrong. I love old people smiling. And, yes, I did manage to take some photos where she is smiled in front of my camera. I promised to have her smiling photo and send it to her. She even giggled at her image in my camera LCD when I showed it to her.

Lessons:

Establish rapport with your subject
For older subjects, work fast since their patience and attention span are short (just like children), and they easily get tired.
Fulfill your promises to old people.

Now, I have to fulfill that promise. And this reminds me to take a photo of my aging aunts as well before they leave us.

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Street photography, anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:54:00 +0000

When you are shooting in the streets, you think you are already a "street photographer." Am I right?

I, too, was lured into this thinking. Why not? I shoot people in the streets (photographing them, I mean). I have joined a lot of photo walks. I have taken more than a thousand photos of street scenes and people in the streets. Does that give me the license to be called a true-blue street photographer?

I thought so.

A discussion on this genre dominated the Philippine photography scene for the past weeks. Two Facebook groups with conflicting opinions on what street photography is all about came to the fore. Among others, there were issues primarily on post-processing of photos, as well as what is becoming more popular photography term: poverty porn and poorism. This 'conflict' of opinion even led to the banning from the group of one of the pioneers in street photography and photojournalism.

One thing led to another and this gave birth to a more liberal and open-minded Facebook group on street photography, which claims to create a "movement" on street photography, rather than carve on stone what street photography is. The group adheres to the notion that street photography in the Philippines is still an evolving genre, so a free and democratic and intelligent discussion on this matter must have a level playing field--where anybody can voice his/her opinion in the hope of establishing some "guidelines" that can guide wannabe street photographers or make the practice of street photography in the Philippines more palatable--without being censured (also read as: Banned) .

Owing to the masters, street photography as a genre in the Philippines is still in the process of establishing some "rules of thumb." This includes the basic tenet of "blending with the crowd" thus the preference for wide angle lenses and prime lenses as opposed to telephoto lenses. Among other things, it seeks to refine composition techniques to make one's photo more convincing and evocative. However, while it seeks to discuss technical concerns in photography, there are also issues that grip street photography.

Among other things, the practice of street photography in the Philippines has to face some issues akin to the practice of photojournalism. Granting one has already mastered the craft of street photography, can he now call himself as a street photographer? Not so.

One's photos are not only viewed based on its technical merits. It has to go beyond basic composition or digital and old darkroom techniques. It is very easy to photograph anything in public, and one can easily label it as "street photography."

However, street photography is not just any craft or any genre that one can learn with his eyes closed. A street photographer, must not only deal with the technical merits of the photos he shoots. Equally, if not more important, are the ethical, legal, and Philippine's commitment to international treaties and agreements. These include gender sensitivity and gender equality, ethics and morality, poorism, poverty porn, basic human rights, right to privacy, architectural copyright, and even national security.

Street photography, Philippines-style, is not a piece of cake, after all!

So, street photography, anyone?

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Boy and girl, uninterrupted

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000

I had several shots of this scene at the side of NCCA building at Calle General Luna in Intramuros. They were oblivious of the 20 or so photography hobbyists that pass by them. Even if I clicked away, they did not mind me photographing them. I found this particular shot somewhat intriguing. Their hand signals appear amusing, but no. Good thing, I am writing about it, or else, it would be misinterpreted just like Poleteismo.

They are nursing students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, I think, who were discussing physiology and anatomy, as I have heard them talking about some heart and lung conditions. The guy was demonstrating, I think how the blood gets trapped in the artery that causes some heart ailments [inaudible] that affects the lungs, etc., etc.... But that was the gist.

Reflecting on it, I admired these two students who for their determination to learn, by hook and by crook--in any nook, had to discuss their lesson. Likewise, this reminds me of my college days when we had to do study groups in our major subjects just so we could comprehend those alien psychological, psychometric, and statistical theories, and even the "war room" at work discussing poverty alleviation.

Good old days!

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Ugliness is in the eye of the beholder

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:27:00 +0000

Cables crisscrossing around the metro are definitely an eyesore. This chaotic image smack right into the city planners' lack of sense of aesthetics and order. This photo was taken in the historic and turn-of-the-century architecture-rich Juan Luna Street in Binondo. Likewise, Manila's Chinatown and its historic walled city of Intramuros are replete with frenzied and messy electrical and telephone cables--which, I should say, do not augur well for aesthetics (photographically speaking), not to mention the danger it poses whenever there are typhoons.

Manila has a treasure in its architectural landmarks, but the latter's beauty becomes barely noticed due to these untidy cables. Admittedly, it has always been my concern when photographing a very beautiful architecture and when these cables get in the way. It would have been picture perfect when Manila and the rest of the country would just have underground cables. Save for more modern business districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City where the planners and architects put aesthetics in these communities. The last time I heard, Ortigas Center will start with its underground cabling system.

Nonetheless, ugly as it appears to me, I still found these cables worthy to photograph--specifically to describe chaos. I should say I was always wanting to capture these cables, "aesthetically" when I found this above my head. However, this does not mean I am retracting my earlier concern. Perhaps, it is not only me who complains about these cables. I just hope that city planning offices would pass a policy on this matter. Likewise, electric companies and cooperatives, and telephone companies would also comply and invest in safer and aesthetically pleasing cabling system.

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Changing viewpoints

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:11:00 +0000

One of the techniques in photography I always keep in mind is changing viewpoints. Why? Viewpoint gives a different slant to your photographic work. By looking through, up, down the subject or within the action will create different impressions of even the most mundane and simple subject like an architecture above.

Likewise, your choice of viewpoint will communicate subtle messages that say as much about you as they do your subject. By capturing the image of the Quezon Memorial Circle monument through its reflection on the eye of my fellow photographer tells me about wanting to convey a message in a different way, and it gives, as well, the impression that I consider how others look at the subject too. Thus, it gives more than one meaning to the photo.

I would say, changing viewpoints is not an easy thing to consider as one is limited by physical space. It is often hard to find the best spot where to take the photo. Sometimes, your search for an unusual camera viewpoint attracts unwanted attention from the people around you--this includes crouching on the ground, climbing up a wall, or shooting through, for example, a group of people, looking through a puddle.

Time has also a bearing on taking a photo from different viewpoints. If you have plenty of time to compose, you can explore almost any possible viewpoint. That is why it is always best to be alone or with a small group of people rather than a big group like in a timed tour. If the subject you want to shoot, like the QMC monument, is just accessible and which you can frequently go to, it is more favorable for you, but not when the subject is located in another province or country.

Thus, it is always to keep in mind that you have several options to shoot a single subject. It just takes some creativity and sometimes, even making a fool of yourself while trying to capture the photo from a different viewpoint.

Learning curve

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Training one's eye for shots that go beyond convention is the hardest thing to do in photography. A hobbyist like me should learn to go beyond the comforts of photography rules and become more aware of the elements that are presented right before my very eyes. More often, too, scenes like this does not come very often. One needs to be quick on the trigger to be able to capture unique shots that one can call my own--when no one else has done it.

I have joined Flickristasindios photo walks to Quiapo and Binondo several times, and from my first photo walk experience, I always wanted to get a different take on what we all see. It is that personal urge to be different by going beyond norms and the flow, and these are the following lessons I have learned over time, which I am happy to share:

Aim for uniqueness. Avoid aiming your camera at the same subject your fellow photographers are photographing. In short, strive to be unique;
Take it from a different perspective. If ever you cannot resist the temptation, get a different perspective or angle like making an environmental portrait instead of a close-up;
Take the other side of the road. If everyone else is lined up on the more comfortable side (read: shady and feeling of security with other photographers), take the opposite lane. If you have been to a place like Binondo, more or less, you would know what to expect the next time you return. Take a mental note of where you have walked through the last time, and next time, take the other side of the road. There are always interesting subjects from a different perspective.
Review your past photos of the same place. Quiapo and Binondo are places teeming with photographic subjects and opportunities. It is a street photographer's mecca! By studying your past photos, you keep in mind what you need to shoot the next time around, and most of all, learn from your mistakes. This is how I found out I have not taken a picture of amulets being sold in Quiapo yet. So this time, I made it sure I would photograph amulets. Am I happy with my shots? Not yet. I still need to do more and experiment more on some angles and perspectives the next time I would visit Quiapo;
Be the leader of the pack or stay behind. When you go in droves, it is more likely that you would have similar subjects, and worse, even have the same framing. It is best to walk ahead so you can have the "fresh" scene worthy to be photographed, or you may choose to walk slowly and stay behind for you to better appreciate the scenes presented right before your very eyes;
Have a story in mind. I read somewhere that story-tellers are better photographers. I am not saying that I am very good at story-telling (because I am a work in progress in my blogging), but this time around, I had several purposes in mind: (1) Complete my Quiapo documentary which has been in the pipeline for so long, and (2) To tell a story about street food intended for my travel blog, and (3) to get photos that are unique from the rest of the 30 or so photographers. So this would help if you are working on a certain documentary project or a blog like I do.
Lastly, be open to all possibilities. Scenes are presented right before our very eyes. You just need to aim your camera and shoot any possible scene you think will look good on the big screen. As we, the Flickristasindios always say: Shoot from the gut. Capture and share. Have fun along the way!

Quiapo irony

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Quiapo is synonymous to faith, religiosity, and fanaticism or as what my nephew blogger, Leonard G. Reyes, calls it: indomitable faith. It is also identical to street hawkers selling cheap wares, food, and religious icons.

It is disappointing, that vagrancy and occasional petty crimes--and even conflicting Catholic practices on folk religion and Christianity, as aptly described by Prof. Jaime Bulatao as split-level Christianity, outshines the real essence of Christianity, Quiapo's rich cultural and religious heritage on Roman Catholicism, tolerance and understanding between Islam and Christianity, as well as its historical significance during the First Quarter Storm (FQS).

A clean-up was organized by the priests of Quiapo. Selling of "herbal" medicines--one of them is the makabuhay vine, which is known to have abortifacient qualities--are no longer allowed in front of the church. However, occasionally, some of these wares are still being sold along Quezon Boulevard at the side of the church and other wares sold on the sidewalks at the back of the church--away from the watchful eyes of the priests.

If we were to describe Filipino's faith, one can simply observe Quiapo. An interesting mix of Christian teachings, animism and quack healing, the fetish for "personal power" using amulets, the endless search for instant miracles, and folk religiosity, shape the Filipino's complex religious practices, which is already and deeply embedded in the Filipino psyche.

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Goodyear

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:57:00 +0000

This is probably my last post for this month. Aside from this blog, I still need to work on "Explored!" that badly needs updating. I have accumulated so many travel stories that need to be shared. The month of May has offered me many photographic opportunities. I should say this is a "Goodmonth". [smile!].

This is one is from one of my field visits in Marikina. This man owns a vulcanizing shop and his wife tends a store. After the typhoon Ondoy, life for them, like a wheel, has to roll and move on.

Life has many challenges, and I am just thankful for every little thing that it offers every day. And so I say, I am moving on.

A photowalk with Nicole

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Tue, 17 May 2011 08:20:00 +0000

Admittedly, even with my work, which exposes me to poverty, I have never been to a slum area for so long a time. The first one I did was when I was in college and with a group of PSBA students who had an exposure to then Smokey Mountain. The second one was a weekend tryst near a community in Pasay-Rotonda together with my SDWFP batch mates. It was some sort of community immersion which we did on our own, sans the knowledge of our trainers from PBSP. Needless to say, the two visits were professionally rewarding as it gave us a real picture of poverty in the urban setting. Also, my exposure in Smokey Mountain has started all the social development blood in me.

Forward to present, I could say I am no longer a stranger to a slum area. And I could confidently talk about it--the issues, development initiatives, as well as their aspirations. However, I am not blessed to handle a project that has something to do with urban poor. It was always about the fisherfolks of Quezon, rural women in the Dumaguete, upland farmers in the Cordillera, and indigenous peoples, upland and lowland farmers in Mindanao, etc.

Last Saturday, May 14, I accompanied our visitor from The Netherlands who was on official visit to gather stories about Cordaid-funded projects. They were about to build a website for their resource mobilization. We went to Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City (near Araneta Avenue). This community was flooded during the typhoon Ondoy, and they had to endure more than 15 feet of flood water for 24 hours. The area was like a maze. I could not even remember where we came from and where we ended, and finally exiting in the main street back to the office of the cooperative that is assisting the community.

I always had to be behind the "trail" and Nicole, who was gathering more than enough attention being a Caucasian, was also following the staff from the cooperative. I served as a "bodyguard," (since she was our guest and we have to protect them from scrupulous individuals who may be lurking at us), a personal assistant (slightly--I was carrying her tripod, which made it difficult for me to shoot, too.), a translator, as well as an interviewer too.

I could have taken more photos. Dark alleys and shanty interiors, and the children loitering and following us, wanting their photos (and videos) to be taken, the hot and humid weather, and limited time proved to be challenging for both of us. She took care of the video and I took care of some stills. There were many good shots, but I am not very satisfied. I could have taken more. There were too many tasks and distractions for me to properly compose and even take that candid photo, without children surrounding me and getting in the way of my viewpoint.

It was a rewarding day for me, both professionally and personally. I was not the one who developed the project intended for the members of the cooperative, so it was also a learning process for me to know the project a little bit more. At the personal level, I came to know more about the people from the slums. I realized that more than 20 years ago, their issues are still the same, perhaps, even more complex. And the most important thing--they too have their own stories to share--their failures, successes, and dreams.

Definitely, I will be going back there...to shoot more and to gather more stories.

John 3:16

noreply@blogger.com (Admin/Author) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:03:00 +0000

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

A blessed Good Friday to all.

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