"KABAYAN: Fil-Am Fotogs"

Mga Kabayan, Meet Oliver "jojo" Pensica Jr. aka jobarracuda, our 37th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:11:00 +0000

"No time for being a child"

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About The Winning Photo:

He gathers plastic cups and bottles, barefooted, in the streets of Manila to help his family.
Junjun, 10 years old, is the 3rd among six siblings.

I followed him for a while and found a chance to talk to him:

"Saan ka nakatira?" (Where do you live?}, I asked.

"Kung saan-saan lang po kami nakatira" (We live anywhere, sir)

"Magkano kinikita mo sa pagkuha ng plastic? (How much do you earn from gathering plastic bottles?), I inquired.

"Minsan po, P60, minsan po, P80...depende po" (At times 60 pesos, at times 80 pesos. It really depends sir - *about 2 dollars*.)

I invited him to have a burger with me and we talked about other things. After finishing up his burger, he bade me goodbye:

"Sige po. Thank you po sa sopdrinks at hamburger" (Ok sir, thank you for the soft drink and hamburger)

"Ok, ingat ha." (Ok, be careful). I smiled at him. With a heavy heart I looked at him as he went his way.

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Oliver "jojo" Pensica Jr. aka jobarracuda

I am basically a serious hobbyist when it comes to photography and a self-confessed flickr addict. I worked in various fields and in various positions: encyclopedia salesman, artist, creative director, ad and promo officer (in a casino) and most recently a teacher in an International School somewhere in China.

I started in photography in December 2006 when I gifted myself with a Panasonic Lumix FZ50. I got interested when I borrowed a Kodak p&s from my co-teacher and took a photo of a Chinese kid. I developed the photo and gave the family a copy. I was so touched by their reaction and became close to them. Photography got me right away.

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ50 which I love so much and a Nikon D40x which I won in a photo contest last August 2007.

I don’t think I have a particular style in my photography, I am still trying to learn different approaches and styles in this field. I do admire lots of photographers and their works: jeridaking, kamalayan, angrylittleboy, farl, I travel east, to name a few. I could go all day browsing different works here in flickr and in the net and come out inspired.

I love photos of human interests, street portraits, and street life. These are closest to my heart. But I do try glamour, wildlife and landscapes when there’s a chance.

Five years from now, I am hoping I could travel to different countries and take photos of people and their culture. Hopefully I could earn some money as well doing this passion by then.

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Three Pictures That Best Describe Me:

"Muslim Girl"

This photo is so special to me because of the story behind it* when I took this photo. This is also my very first photo that got exhibited. It participated in an exhibition in Hong Kong (The Fringe Club, HK). This photo was also selected as one of the Honorable Mentions in Charity-In-Focus Contest and got exhibited in ICOSAHEDRON GALLERIE in TriBeCa, New York City, USA last year and participated as well in a small art fest in Chicago.

*The story behind the photo:

i was shopping at Baguio market when this little girl approached me, asking that she'll carry my bag for some money. i told her that i'll just take a photo of her and she doesn't have to carry my bag.

"isang kuha lang po ha" (just one photo sir).

i smiled and took a shot as fast as i can because i didn't want her to change her mind.

she was so happy and surprised that i gave her 50 pesos (1 dollar). most of the time they get 10 or 20 pesos in every bag they carry....and most are heavy shopping bags.

"kuya nagkamali po kayo" (brother you made a mistake.)
offering back the money.

"no i didn't", i said.
that is really for you.

then i went my way praying that the photo i took of her was alright.

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#Explore Fontpage - April 22, 2007

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"Noli Me Tangere"

This photo won 1st prize in the Philippine Group Photo Contest last year and won me my very first dslr – Nikon D40x.

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"Batang 888"

This photo recently won 1st prize in the Philippine Group Photo
Contest and won me a Toshiba Satellite Core duo 2 Laptop.

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Epilogue:

I customarily put my Admin's note at the beginning of the interview.
But I did not want to spoil the continuity of Jojo's narrative and the
beauty of his outpouring. The entire article was in Jojo's own words.

Jojo is a true artist who, for good or bad, wears his heart on his sleeve.
His openness and willingness to reach out and touch someone could,
or might, cause him some hurt in the future (if this hasn't happened yet).

But reading "between his lines," to not help is not in his nature.
And if we believe in good karma, and in "paying it forward," maybe
that's why he's already won a Nikon DSLR and a Toshiba laptop after
only two years in photography!!!

In closing, I consider myself fortunate to "walk among photography giants"
who are KABAYAN - Fil-Am Fotogs members. We have seasoned professionals and gifted
hobbyists in our midst...some of whom we might never have known about were
it not for this series of contests.

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ga Kabayan, Meet Jimmy Carlos aka jimmy~ , our winner for contest # 36, "MEN IN ACTION! (Dangerous/Risky Jobs)"

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:45:00 +0000

The Winning Photo:

It's all in a day's work

May 22, 2008

I went up to the newly opened Sky Deck in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo during lunch, and was lucky enough to see these window washers, from 270 m above the ground, preparing to be hoisted down to clean the windows of Mori Tower.

EXIF Data:
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Exposure: 1/6400 sec
Aperture: ? (don't remember)
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO Sped: 50
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f1.4 (for Contax fitted with an adapter for EOS mount)

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Jimmy Carlos aka jimmy~

The photo was taken by my friend, Charles Peñacerrada. And no, I don't have long hair anymore. I had to cut it prior to entering my now bankrupt company.

My name is Jimmy Carlos and I'm currently based in Tokyo. My company just went bankrupt and we're now in the process of migrating to our new buyer.

My dad loves taking snapshots, and I used to use his Olympus Pen when I was a kid. There was a big blank after that. I got my first digital camera, a Kodak DC290 in 2000. I got my first DSLR, a Canon 10D in 2004. I have since used both digital and film.

I have several cameras, but mainly use a Canon body with Contax lenses attached with an adapter. I don't use film that much recently since it's expensive to have them developed these days.

I don't really follow, nor know much about famous photographers. I just try to make up my own style based on some idea I have. I do look at different photo magazines and photos by other people in photo sites like Flickr. I would mention Tommy Oshima if I had to name one.

In the past year, I have become more into night street photography, going out mainly on Friday nights, usually with other Flickr friends who I also got to know in the past year. I also like to take photos of festivals around Japan. While I like to take landscapes, I just don't have time to go out far places. I would like to expand my "portfolio" in this area as well.

In the next five years, I would like to have at least an exhibit of my photos and have some of them published.

Three Photos That I Like:

This photo seems to be popular among my night street photos. This is also one of my favorites.

This would probably represent my photos of festivals in Japan.

My other frustration: landscape photography. What's the other? I don't know... ha ha...

Mga Kabayan, Meet Ma. Rosario D. Sanchez (aka MarorieS), Our Winner for Contest # 35

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:57:00 +0000

The Winning Photo:

"Where's my burger?"

August 30, 2008 our friends organized a street photography shoot in the Carbon Market. Our meeting place was in McDonald's Fuente Osmeña at 5:30am. I saw this kid lying on the ground like a dead dog and was nervous taking this photo. I felt somewhat guilty after the shot. I later heard from the bystanders that the boy sniffed rugby.

EXIF Data

Exposure: Aperture Priority
F-Stop: f/5.6
ISO Speed Rating: 900
Focal Length: 18.0mm
Lens: 18-55mm Nikkor
Flash: Did not fire
Metering Mode: Pattern

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Ma. Rosario D. Sanchez aka MarorieS/

I’m Ma. Rosario D. Sanchez, born in Sampaloc, Manila. I presently reside in Metro Cebu. I am a BSC Marketing graduate from the College of the Holy Spirit.

I'm a soft-spoken, serious type of person who can be weird at times. I love listening to music, especially to the sound of silence. Also, I have composed some songs during the darkest days of my life.

My husband and I started photographing sunrises and sunsets on South Reclamation Project Road using our Canon Powershot A460. We decided to start our small business, Anjo’s Point of Photography, January of this year. The cameras I’ve used were Canon 300D, 400D, and 40D, but now I us a Nikon D40 because it's lightweight.

I only have 2 lenses: the kit lens and the 55mm-200mm Nikkor VR lens.

Michol Sanchez is the main influence in my photography style.

I like street photography, as well as capturing people’s emotions. I would like to learn product and sports photography. Having my own photo exhibit is one of my dreams.

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Three Photos That I Like:

I love the sunrise. It makes my day more meaningful. I thank God for each new day.

Live, Love, and Laugh... Enjoy and live life to the fullest together with your loved ones.

Sailing Home... Serenity in Simple Living and Contentment in Life.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Ron Miguel (aka Kamoteus), Our Winner For Contest #34

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:30:00 +0000

The Winning Photo

"Philippine Jeepney"

This image was taken in Alaminos, Pangasinan, on our way to Hundred Islands National Park last October 2007. My Dad was driving and I was on the passenger side when I took this shot. Our good friend, Mr. Antonio Genovia, asked me if he can post-processed this image, and he made this photo a winner after doing his magic. Compliments goes to Antonio Genovia .... Thank You Sir!

EXIF DATA: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, 1/320s, f/4.5, 56 mm, ISO 400

Ron Miguel aka Kamoteus

I'm Ron Miguel, born and raised in Pamapanga. I am a registered nurse, not just in the Philippines, but also in England and in the US. I migrated in the US of A on 2003 because of better job opportunities and am currently residing in North Carolina. On flickr, I am known as Kamoteus, a name I got from kamote, which means sweet potato in English.

Photography is a hobby I picked up in 2005 when I bought my first DSLR, a Rebel XT year 2005. Just recently, this May, I upgraded to Rebel XTi. Basically all my gears are Canon except for my 300mm Lens which is Sigma.Jose Romelo Lagman is the main influence in pursuing my passion in Photography.

Personally, I really want to learn Sports Photography. But, since photography is not really my profession, I take the opportunity to photograph just about anything. Photography is both fun and challenging. In flickr, I was struck by the one particular flickr mail sent by someone from the group called "The Jurors," where my photostream was cited for its potential, palette of colors and diversity of composition, So, with your help my Kababayan, I hope to able to gain the respect of my fellow photographers in this community.

Five years from now I hope I would already have my first exhibit. I also would like to to start or join some projects for Street Children most especially in our country, the Philippines.

These are my 3 favorite photographs:

This is my first manual shot and it is taken in New Bern, North Carolina. Never in my life have I thought that I can take such a beautiful sunset. There is no post processing made on this image.

The photo expresses my love for children.

This one captures my love for nature.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Floramie Rose L. Mirasol aka frfefarfearz and Chris (aka Phey) Palma, Our Two Winners For Contest #33

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:13:00 +0000

"you!"

moalboal cebu
sept 21 2008
robert rolian

50mm f1.8 II

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Floramie aka FR

I'm Floramie Rose L. Mirasol aka frfefarfearz, but I go by the nickname FR and almost everybody calls me that way. I’m just graduated this March 2008, with a 5-year Bachelor's Degree in Applied Physics, at the University of San Carlos here in Cebu. Inasmuch as I wanted to practice in my field, I’m currently working as a CSR at Eperformax Contact Centers.

I didn’t know exactly how I started in photography. I have always loved taking photos and have always been fascinated by how a camera works. Imagine, it is just a simple box but it can create an image. This is how my high school physics teacher unwrapped the study of light and optics to me, that is, through the beauty of photography.

This inclination developed into a hobby when I met Robert Rolian, who shares the same interest. He became my first shooting buddy. I learned a lot from his passion in the art and from then on, I began to explore more.

I have an Canon EOS 400D and a Nikon Coolpix. Currently, I am interested in street, portrait and glamour photography but I am planning on venturing to other fields.

Five years from now, I still see myself as a photographer who's still learning. Photojournalism is both a passion and a dream, and if I wouldn’t be successful, I still would keep this hobby. Besides, I am planning to have a masters degree in optics. Now, that would be fulfilling.

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something to be proud of...the three photos of my choice.

#1 break free

This photo was taken using a friend's olympus 4 mp cam at Medellin cebu. Sunsets are viewed best on the north side.

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#2 hoody girls

The glamour pics started when i had my 2 good friends who were very willing to be photographed. They are so easy to work with. Taken using my dad's canon powerwshot a570is at Taoist temple!

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#3 Sundial Post

Street photography extended to the streets of dumaguete city. Taken using robert's canon powershot a630.

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Pinoyphotog note:
"When I received Phey's reply to the questionnaire I sent him,
some of the answers seemed familiar. No wonder. He's won
before (with his "Jamaican Twist" entry to our "Smoke" contest)
and he's answered the same questions before! Haha!
And the mug shot he sent to go with the first interview
was the winner in our latest contest!"

Phey is now our 7th Two-Time Contest Winner!

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"Basagulero"

"This Basagulero shot is mainly influenced by the Movie Fight Club and Joey L / Lara Jade. I placed 1 SB 600 on my side with an Umbrella as diffuser set my cam on timer and on a tripod ( It had a lot of trial and error shots done to get it right)..then everything else is all on CS3."

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Chris (Phey) Palma

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Three of Phey's recent favorite photos are:

1. "D I S T R A C T"

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2. "T E X T U R E D"

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3. "Walk Away"

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Floramie interview article by Farl
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Elmer Borlongan aka fotobumbong, second time winner of "Photographer of the Week"

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:44:00 +0000

Hail to the Chief!

About the Winning Photo:

The two frogs in the pond caught my attention when I was about to enter my studio. It was an amusing sight to behold---to find them facing and reaching out to a terracotta frog statue we bought in a garden store in San Marcelino. I took this shot with my Canon 20D with the Sigma 18-200mm to get close to the subject.

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Elmer Borlongan, aka fotobumbong, first won in "Best Black & White"
the 30th "Photographer of the Week" contest, with his "Dreamer" entry.

fotobumbong's recent favorite photos are:

Reel and real life violinists Coke Bolipata and Julian Duque for a promotional shoot for "Boses", an independent film entry for the 2008 Cinemalaya Film Festival.

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A student of Casa San Miguel releasing hundreds of baby Olive Ridley Turtles by the shore of the sea surrounded by the Pundaquit mountains in San Antonio, Zambales.

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A lowly vine in late afternoon backlit by the sun.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Engelbert Balduman, aka enggul, "Photographer of the Week" the second time around!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:05:00 +0000

I'm Singing This Song For You

About The Winning Photo:

"Digging up some old files and I found this one...
I haven't been playing guitar lately and I'd rather sing shout! LOL
As far as I can remember, I was singing "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain
(because of the B-chord) nyaahaahha!!!"

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Engelbert Balduman, aka enggul, first won in "Laughter" the 5th "Photographer of the Week" contest, with his "Girl Friends" entry. (He tied with Ericson Machacon, aka akumach, in that contest). He has recently been experimenting,
and amusing us, with his self-portraits:

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Three of enggul's recent favorite photos are:

I love this one because it shows life's reality... i speak
my mind through my photos.

This was taken during my welcome party here in Shizuoka. It
was my first time wearing the jinbei and my winning photo
was taken during this time.

Continues..." />
This is a "no pain no gain" photo... :)

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Mga Kabayan, Meet Elmer M. Borlongan aka fotobumbong, our 30th Photographer of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:06:00 +0000

" Dreamer "

About the winning photo:

I entered our bedroom and saw my nephew, David, sleeping on the couch. I, immediately, took this shot with the wonderful morning light passing through the small window. I later converted the photo from its original color to black and white in Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Camera: Canon Powershot A80
Focal length: 24mm
Shutter Speed: 1/20sec
Aperture: f2.8
ISO: 400

======================

Elmer M. Borlongan aka fotobumbong

My name is Elmer Borlongan. Friends call me "Emong". I'm a full-time painter living in the Philippines. I grew up in Mandaluyong City. My wife and I decided to move to San Antonio, Zambales to concentrate in our artmaking.

I bought a Nikon FE2 film camera in college. My purpose was to document my paintings and take snapshots for the family album. Fine art photography was not in my mind back then. Eventually, I had to set it aside because it's expensive to buy films and develop prints. Turning digital has rekindled my interest in shooting again.

I have a Canon Powershot A80, Rolleiflex MiniDigi toy camera and a Canon EOS 20D. I replaced the 18-55 kit lens with a Sigma 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 DC lens alternating with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II.

My source of inspiration are my flickr contacts whose photostreams I often visit. I study their techniques and composition on how they capture different subjects. The Filipino photographers whose works I admire are Sonny Yabao and Nico Sepe.

I shoot portraits, nature and objects. I would love to do documentary photography and maybe focus on photo essays that has to do with the environment.

Photography will always be part of my visual expression. This is a lifelong learning experience for me. I would love to continue sharing my images and help create an appreciation for our heritage and natural resources of our country. I hope to travel and do photo walks in different countries or explore and shoot all the islands of the Philippines.

Three Photographs I like:

While walking in a farm in Zambales, I saw this gardener burning dry leaves under a mango tree. The sun was setting and suddenly light rays came out between the branches. The smoke helped a lot to emphasize the rays. It made an incredible sight and I had to capture it. I was so happy with my dream shot.

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I was standing in a parking area inside Megamall in Mandaluyong when I saw the skylight and driveway produced a beautiful abstract image right before me. The car passing by produced a sense of space and directional lines in the background.

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I asked my five year old nephew Ani to hold an early U2 album in front of his face. Good thing he agreed to do the shoot and was game for it.

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Written by Elmer M. Borlongan aka fotobumbong

Meet Our 4th 2-time Winner: Edward Cabalit aka Light Stalker for the Weekly Contest #29

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:05:00 +0000

Mga Kabayan, meet Edward Cabalit aka Light Stalker for the second time!

As he has been previously interviewed, we are featuring his new large-size mug shot
(showing his new toy, too) in lieu of the write-up that should be taking up this space. :P

Edward Cabalit, "Light Stalker!"

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Edward titillated and teased the photo-voyeur in all of us with his
"silip" ("peek" or "peep")
winning entry in the "SEXY!"-themed weekly contest:

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As two-time winners get to feature three more photos that
best describe them, here are Edward's chosen pictures:

El Capitan

Yosemite Valley

Golden Gate Bridge

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Mga Kabayan, Meet Don Evan S. Parrilla aka flickr:donpar, our 28th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:39:00 +0000

"Branching Out"

Like a well-lit piece of diamond featured on the front window of a jewelry store that catches one's eyes, this leaf reflected its vibrance to passersby near my place of work. Having my eyes on it for over a week, and with my camera in hand, there was no reason why I had to let it pass. On that day, the cool autumn bluish skies mixed with the slightly warm backlit lighting and brought out a sparkling contrast. The colors of Fall fascinate me.

Camera properties:

Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Exposure: 1/800 sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 60mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

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Don Evan S. Parrilla aka flickr:donpar

I'm a hobbyist currently living in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, my haven for creativity, a place with a plethora of photo opportunities for nature lovers. My early years were spent in the small Visayan island of Leyte, two hours away from Cebu island, Philippines by watercraft. I'm "bisdak" in every way. Currently, my career is learning and collaborating with researchers for a cancer research company. Photography is my creative outlet.

My photography started during a trip to the Philippines a while back, when I visited my aunt in Singapore along the way. Those who have visited downtown Singapore probably know that you are mostly greeted by electronics stores and beauty salons everywhere. I always wanted a camera growing up but couldn't afford one. It wasn't in my budget during the trip but something inside of me told me to go for it. So, I purchased my first "real" camera: the Canon Rebel XT (350D), even though I didn't know how to use one. I had enough money left just to keep me through the trip. I was almost broke, but I was the happiest traveler out there just to have my own camera in hand. This was how my photography began, and the results weren't pleasant: I came home after the trip all excited to see my images…90% of the images were underexposed or blurry. My newly prized treasure was set aside and left to collect dust after that .

A year later, my former high school classmates from Visca: Andreu and Tabz, who are also photo enthusiasts, introduced me to flickr - kudos to them. Ever since then, I have grown a lot, photography-wise, but still have a long way to go. The creativity and endless possibilities in photography ignited my passion deep within. It's quite an experience to constantly learn and get inspiration from others…. there's no looking back. I've had no regrets in purchasing my first camera.

A few flickr enthusiasts from my small hometown that also show great work are: Andreu, Tabz, Kudaker, Jeridaking, Bofel, Zenbay, Julius, shearwall, jair. They share group shoots and ideas at the Ormoc Photographic Society. Check it out!

I currently own a Canon 5D with the 24-70mm as my walk-around lens. For my landscapes, I use my 17-40mm lens set steady on a Manfrotto grip action ball head with the Induro tripod tandem.

Inspiration can be found everywhere, through nature, life, established artists and other aspects of visual arts. A few successful names whose works I have come across that have inspired me to become a better photographer, to be more creative and have more fun are: Art Wolfe, Chase Jarvis, legendary Ansel Adams, Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, landscape photographers David Ward and David Norton.

Currently, Landscapes and Portraits have caught my interest in photography. But, I enjoy shooting a wide spectrum and a diverse/variety of images like sports, floral, nature, etc. I'm a photography lover. I love watching images that are presented beautifully, no matter the type.

Moving forward, I would love to study more on Portraits and Landscapes, and incorporate both styles. I'm also interested in selling my images in the future and use the money to start and fund a non-for profit organization to help children in poverty get basic education in Southeast Asia. I don't know how but it's a starting thought.

Three images I find amusing:

1. BIRDS NEST – Coastal Photography

The elements were brought together: The land, water and sky. An eagle-formed cloud illuminated the skies as the sun set towards the horizon – a bonus. I didn't notice it until I had a chance to view the images a few days later. A lucky chance capture.

2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – Animal Photography

The composition and lighting on these horses I like very much. For me, the image tells a story of love…Unconditional Love – Like a mother to her son/daughter.

3. NIGHT LIGHTS – Night Photography

I had to endure the chilly and breezy winter weather to get this shot, moving around the area to get the right angle and perspective. Waiting for the sun to finally set and leaving a great bluish hue in the sky. I left the place with cold hands and feet but with a warm heart.

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Meet our 3rd 2-time winner, Atty Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr for the weekly contest #27

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:27:00 +0000

Big props to our third 2-time winner in the Kabayan weekly contest. Eagles prove to be a charm to Atty. Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr., aka as i_am_bishop as a Philippine Eagle photo from him also garnered the top spot in the previous Eyes contest in the first week of July 2008.

As you can check in his previous profile feature, Edwin is our lawyer photohobbyist. He is shown here with his wife in their first wedding anniversary last December 23.

Again, here is Edwin, in his own words:
THE WINNING PHOTO

The Philippine eagle featured here is “Geotermica”. It is the same photo used by Insular Life used this photo in its Honors Program/Club poster whom I granted permission for publication.

In shooting “Geotermica”, I used a sigma lens 70-300mm APO DG and a tripod. “How did I shoot the photo?” I just clicked the shutter and let loose 190 shots of 10 mbs. “Techniques?” None, but I am presently studying how to do it manually. Manual mode gives the photographer more control in the lighting, composition and artistic style of your shots. If you also want to learn the manual mode, treat Farl’s photostream as your personal library.

THREE PHOTOS I LOVE

To be exceptional, a photo must draw an emotion from the viewer, whether it is a positive or a negative response. I love photography because it makes the viewer react and decide whether a photo is an art or pretending to be art…

“Wandering about…”

As much as I love to post-process my shots (it gives me more artistic control), this photo has not been adjusted except for the cropping. I consider this one as one of my best. It is a deliberate shot aimed to capture a slice of realism and present it in a cold satirical perspective; ironically some people find it amusing and cute…

“Life is not a bed of roses…”

As for chance and creativity, this is my best example. It is neither a breathtaking scenery nor a portrait of some celebrity, but, then again, it is interesting to look at…

“Swell”

Mga Kabayan, Meet Roland Roman Roldan, our "Photographer of the Week" and Winner of Contest #26!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 05:47:00 +0000

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"Pentax 01"

About The Winning Photo:

it was taken years ago pa. Pentax ME-super with 28-200 Vivitar Series 1
lens (f.5.6). Sakura negative film ASA200.

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Roland Roman Roldan aka RRR

Born in Manila, Philippines, with Pampanga as my "adopted" province.

I used to work for a financial company in Makati until my early retirement in 1999. Set up a media business outfit and named it ABBEYMANILA (a "corruption" of the word "Abbey" -- old churches in England -- and Manila, the place of our operations. It came into mind because my first business involved weddings (hence, churches). Got into book publishing, event organizing, advertising, writing atbp (at iba pa) later on.

My father was a photography hobbyist and usually took pictures of us during travels and gatherings. He marvelled me with his beautiful black and whites (color was in its infancy during those years) and sepias. So I decided to go also into photography hobby by buying myself a Crown Instamatic Camera. I also used to own different kinds of cameras and lenses (Mirandas, Voightlanders, Fuji, Minoltas, etc.) but all were lost (including our vintage pictures) in a fire that gutted our antique house in Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila during the Holy Week of 1998. The assassination of Ninoy Aquino opened my mind to serious photography because I thought: if anyone with a camera had taken a picture of the exact moment former Senator Aquino was shot, there would be no need for all those investigations that followed suit.

My first film SLR was the Ricoh KR-10 with 50mm f2 lens. It got me started with "K-mounts," and I later acquired Pentax and Cosina bodies, and ended up buying all sort of "K-mount" lenses (from 7.5mm full fisheye to those Super Berthas 2,000mm things). I like to see the world in a different perspective and those lenses satisfied my "lust."

Came the digital era and I bought a Canon 300D (my first real prosumer DSLR) but later exchanged it for a Pentax *ist and more Pentaxes. Why Pentax? Because my old screw-on Takumars lenses and most modern and advanced K-mounts will all fit on the present Pentax line of cameras.

What influenced my photography? Ahhhh!!! My father. And then later, Popular Photography. I used to buy them and read them religiously but not copy their style. I like to develop my own style without the influence of a particular photographer. But Jim Paredes, Eddie Boy Escudero, Boyet Guevarra and the whole of Nayon Photographers Club has contributed to my thinking and own style in taking pictures. Those camera club photo critiques really opened my eyes on what's there to improve in my compositions.

Which area in photography would I like to learn more? Bodyscapes, nature, landscapes, sceneries, sports,. I would like to learn more on portraitures. I mean more, more, more. Such as how to pose a person and see his/her right angles.

Five years from now, I would like to be a world-renowned book publisher, mostly on Philippine tourism.

Photography took me to different parts of the globe (with the exception of North America and Australia). Met people of different cultures and places (from the hidden Muscat to the beautiful and vast land of the then Soviet Union). Tragically, I also had bad experiences through photography: plane crash, boat sinking, lenses being thrown overboard, dami pa! :(

=============================

Three Photos That Best Describe Me:

A bridge in Ilocos Sur over the great and sometimes volatile Abra River.
I like the placement of the bridge's shadow and the tranquility of the river, together with its color interplay.

--------------------------------------

Heritage Street at Vigan, Ilocos Sur after a downpour. Rich warm colors. Attractive, peaceful.

--------------------------------------

Different perspective of our world. Ultra wide angle shot to bring back childhood memories.

* * * * *

Mga Kabayan, Meet Christopher aka Phey Palma, Our 25th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:03:00 +0000

*
"Jamaican Twist"

This was shot during one boring, rainy day in Hong Kong.
I used a KATOL (mosquito repellent) to get the smoke,
and with an SB600 pointed directly at the smoke. Camera
on a tripod, prefocused. Then I just flicked away. Colors
were done on CS3.

The workflow.... i don't remember much but as everyone says...
EXPERIMENT!!!

Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: 100

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Christopher Palma

I am based in Hong Kong for 30 years na.
Married and have two wonderful children.
Currently working as Operations Supervisor at a Health Club.

I got started in photography just two years ago. My ex-boss used to
bring his camera to work and it just got me the first time i flicked that
DSLR! Olympus yung cam nya. Love at First Sight...

But I started with a Canon 400D, then after 8-9 months i shifted to a
NIKON D80. A year later, i upgraded to a D300. Hopefully a D700 by
Christmas.....JUST HOPE!

i don't think there is any influence on my photography style.
i love to post process my stuff, though.

What type of photography interest me these days?
PORTRAITS!!!! PORTRAITS!!! PORTRAITS!!!
And Urban Nights and Landscapes (But i don't have that much).

Five years from now? I think i will still be shooting....and still earning
some extra cash from it...TAX FREE! Hahaha!

=======================================

My proud shots...

Recently published in Digital Photographer Philippines Coastal Issue.

My favorite landscape capture. Shot in Munting Buhangin, Batangas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

These two are my favourite models...my Son Jiro and Daughter Mae
(also Photographers din). This will define me actually, as most of my
pics in Flickr are of the two of them...they even sometimes help me out
with my gear..taga-hawak ng reflector.

-- from Phey Palma - (?)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of my images that have previously been on exhibit here in Hong Kong at the
Philippine Consulate, and at the famous "Fringe Club Fotogalerie":

As you see these are three kinds of shots which i would love to get more into...
PORTRAITS, URBAN NIGHT SHOTS (Long exposures) and LANDSCAPES!

* * * * *
Edited by pinoyphotog.
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Edward Cabalit aka Light Stalker, our 24th Photographer of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:14:00 +0000

* * * * * *

"The Golden Gate Bridge"

About The Winning Photo:

I have visited the bridge several times and took countless photo
of it. Every time I visit, I always look for the uncommon angle or
view of it. On this particular shot, I wanted to frame the SF side
tower with the Marin side tower, and it was made possible with
the use of a 70-300mm lens.

============================================

Edward Cabalit aka Light Stalker

I spent most of my childhood in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, the Philippines. It was after college that I stepped out of the comfort of home to face the world on my own. (Gee, if not for this write-up, I wouldn't have realized that 11 years have passed since I started on this journey. Time travels so fast!)

Of those 11 years, I spent an average of three years in each city that I lived in: Manila/Makati, Cebu, and San Jose, CA. I've been living and working in San Jose for almost three years now. Does this mean I'm going to move again? I can't really tell yet, but I am certain that -- 10 to 15 years from now -- I'll be back in the Philippines for good.

I work as a Financial Analyst for a semiconductor company in the Bay area, and have always been in the Financial and Accounting fields since I began working.

My journey into the world of photography began when I moved to California.
Being new to the state and having few friends here, I spent the weekends driving out of town. California is so beautiful that I felt it was a waste to explore this vast state without documenting it. This is the reason that I bought my first Point and Shoot.

I'd like to mention that although I now have two DSLR bodies, 75% of the time when I go out to shoot, I either have the 35mm film SLR EOS 3/s system or the A1's system.

I'm not really sure where my photographic roots are yet, as my own style is still evolving! One thing I am certain of: before tripping the shutter, I always ask myself " how can I frame or compose the subject differently than everyone else?"

I love to shoot old towns, vintage items, air shows, freestyle motocross, subjects with Bokeh, and portraiture.

I am currently doing a personal project: creating a San Francisco Photo Book. I am hoping to complete it by November, as this would be a great gift to my parents and brothers who aren't as fortunate as I am to experience this beautiful city.

I would like to learn more about strobe lighting and portraiture.

Five years from now, maybe I'll be shooting more weddings or portraiture on weekends. However, I still do not see myself going pro with this. Too much pressure and stress...hehe.

15 to 20 years from now, perhaps I'll be in one of the remote regions of the Philippines, moving from one town to the next, documenting the lives of the people who live there. I am hoping that it would be my legacy, and that my photos will live on after I am gone.

==================================

Three Photographs I Like:

"Man-Made Forest"

Photo taken on my recent trip to my home province.
The scene is one of a popular stop on every Bohol tour.

-----------------------------------------------

"Chuck Taylor All-Star"

This is the most viewed photo in my stream. Strangely, I didn't expect this one to be one of the top viewed. c",)

-----------------------------------------------------

"Your Life, Your Boat"

Bokeh or shallow DOF is always close to my heart.
Coincidentally, all of the photos that I chose were shot on 35mm film.
It just confirms my preference for film over digital.
If cost were not an issue, I would be shooting film all the time.

* * * * * * * *

Edited by © *DEE and pinoyphotog.
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Binh Ly aka bly2k, our "Photographer of the Week" and Winner of Contest #23!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:43:00 +0000

Admin's foreword:

"I recall bly2k's hesitance when I first invited him to join KABAYAN, saying he's not a Filipino nor a Fil-American. He only agreed to join after I assured him that we have other nationalities in our group. I am glad he's with us; and happy for him that he's won this contest." :D

=====================

"nyc st. patrick's cathedral"

About The Winning Photo:

I've been to the St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC many times and I got bored of the usual rectilinear perspectives. So one day I decided to bring my fisheye lens just to see what I can do inside the church. When I got in, I got disappointed that tripods were not allowed so I had to handhold this shot at f/2.8. To compose, I kneeled down on the floor and pointed my camera slightly upwards because I knew I wanted to capture the grand beauty and architecture of this church from a "fisheye" perspective.

-----------------------------------------

Binh Ly aka bly2k,
entirely in his own words (no editing necessary - pinoyphotog):

I was born in the Philippines to Vietnamese parents. I always get asked why I'm not a Filipino citizen - that's because the Philippines does not give citizenship by birth! I came here to the U.S. right after college (UPLB) and have been living in NJ since. I love to go out and explore nature's beauty and capture what I see through my lens. Too bad I have motion sickness and I hate getting in the plane just like I hate my dentist. I also love playing the acoustic guitar as much as I love photography.

I was born digital and started taking photographs only very recently with no prior experience. There was no why or how, I just happened to stumble upon the concept of bokeh and wide aperture on the internet and I had to give it a try. The rest is history.

Whenever I go out, in my bag you'll find a Canon 1DS Mark II, a 24-105 lens, a Gitzo tripod, a couple of GND filters, and a circular polarizer. The tripod by the way is for self defense since I tend to take pictures only at dawn and at dusk and it can get scary out there sometimes.

There is no specific person who is my main influence in photography. I do love landscape photography the most so I can appreciate some good landscape photographers out there. Most of them are simply my friends and contacts on flickr and fredmiranda.com (specifically people from the Landscape Photographer forum).

I love taking pictures of landscape, nature, people, and architecture. I do have a little interest in studio photography too but I just don't have the charm to attract beautiful ladies who are willing to model for me. So I have a couple of loving alien bees strobes at home looking for pretty models, if you're interested. :)

Five years from now, I will probably have visited at least a couple of U.S. national parks and have taken thousands of pictures and met hundreds more friends. If the studio photography works out well, I can try to do that for close friends and family on special occasions. I love it so much when I take pictures for friends at birthdays, outings, events and they are always happy to have their photos taken as a keepsake for their memories. I believe that when time has passed, all we have left are nothing but photographs and memories (yes I'm a fan of Jim Croce).

-------------------------------------------------

The following are some pictures that make me happy:

- Broken pier in Ocean City, NJ:

I thought New Jersey was such a boring state until I discovered this gem on
flickr. Just goes to show, there is always beauty nearby if you look hard
enough.

---------------------------------------------------

- Eagle cliff falls in Watkins glen, NY:

This photo was taken on my first photo outing date with Nel (skylove on
flickr). It just brings back some memories of how much fun we had waking up
very early everyday to get good light on our subjects.

2681" />

----------------------------------------------------------

- Headless figures at Princeton University, NJ:

This photo again was taken just literally in my backyard. It also taught me
the importance of good light in making great photographs.

As you can see, I crave good light and I love to wake up early in the
morning (or stay out late at dusk) for 2 reasons: there are less people
around and most landscape subjects look very good only during this time.

-----------------------------------------------------

bly2k's Footnote:
("romance is in the air? :p - pinoyphotog)

I know you didn't ask but I just wanted to add one more thing: I accidentally met
a beautiful person on flickr last year and we're now very happy together.

It's so funny how sometimes a simple hobby like photography can bring people
together no matter how much distance there is among us. I know sometimes
we get caught up in the daily grind but think about how many people you've met
on flickr that grew up in the same hometown/country as you and eventually became
your very good friends.

So keep making more friends, keep pressing that shutter, keep exploring the world,
and do it now while you're still young.

* * *

Mga Kabayan: Farl -- "Family" Contest Winner --Shares Some Valuable Photo Tips!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:57:00 +0000

on the winning picture

I have several “family” shots, but this one brings it home the most. It makes me wistful. Too bad that it is almost impossible to make a self portrait like this for me, my wife and my daughter. Being the one behind the camera has its limits.

Phototip: Make the late afternoon sun work for you.
The silhouette technique is described in detail here.

Canon EOS 350D, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, 300 mm, ISO 100, +2/3 EV
uncropped, warmified, saturated, highlighted, sharpened
using picasa.

Tibubeneng Beach, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

As my profile has already been featured in the past, I will just present 3 favorite photographs.

1. Taken at the Mekong Delta where the giant river pours out of South Vietnam before joining the South China Sea. Depending on the season, the river rises and falls with the rushing volume of waters from its tributaries. Occasionally, the sea gets its revenge when tidal surges penetrate way deep inland. The river is so wide that it has numerous islands and some, like this one, have their own narrow riverine divides- a river within a river.

Phototip: To get a shot at a high angle, I stood up and planted my feet wide apart firmly at the side of the boat for balance. I had to be still or else I would unsettle the boat. Let’s say my companions almost freaked out.

Canon EOS 350D, 1/200s, f/5.6, 18 mm, ISO 400, +1/3 EV
uncropped, saturated, sharpened using picasa
Unicorn Island, the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. The second picture is also dangerous not to me but to my subject, my wife (we still were going out when I took this shot). The volcanic pool temperature was approaching 80 degrees, I think, so we did not even dare dip our hands. Dangerous, scalding and stinking with the stench of sulfur, this is the hottest spot of the Mambukal resort. The waters from this hot cauldron are pumped and diluted with cold spring water into nearby dipping pool and in the hot Ishikawa onsen baths, where temperatures are a soothing and comfortable 35 degrees centigrade. Hot steam spas are a feature of Mambukal which is saddled in the active volcano that is Mount Canlaon.

Phototip: We had to wake up early (dawn) to get a shot that shows off the steam playing against the heavy morning mist. In brighter light, the hot white steam would get lost.

Canon EOS 350D, 0.6 sec (3/5), f/22, 18 mm, ISO 400, -1/3 EV
uncropped, sharpened in picasa
Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Philippines

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. The last photo again involves water. The Balinese regularly bathe in the sacred waters of the 10th century Tirta Empul to heal their body and purify their mind, not to cool down or to hang out. The ritual includes offerings, prayers and blessings from the temple priests.

Phototip: Location, location, location. I claimed a stake at the narrow ledge of the pool just beside the first spout. I literally sat on my haunches as I mounted the tripod quite low and attached 2 ND filters so as to achieve long exposures even during the day. The worshippers who bathe a few feet in front of me then became fair game. I observed how long a bather would pause to determine the optimum exposure time and waited to get one singular subject come near me.

Camera: Canon EOS 350D, 13 s, f/32, 41 mm, ISO 100
uncropped, lightened slightly, shot with a stack of 2 ND 0.9 (8x) filters
Pura Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

* * *

Mga Kabayan, Meet "i_am_bishop" and "budslife," The Two Winners of Contest #21, "EYE(S)!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:36:00 +0000

Co-Winner "i_am_bishop":

“What's up slick?”

About The Winning Photo:

I took it at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon Ave., in the Philippines.
It's a White-Breasted Sea Eagle. I tried to get in closer for the shot when it suddenly moved towards me... luckily I was able to click it.

=============================

I am Edwin Calica Cacayorin, Jr., aka "i_am_bishop",
a lawyer by profession and a photo hobbyist.

Sometime in the summer of 2008, a friend, pro photographer
Bobbot Meru, encouraged me to try photography. So I did.

Currently, I use a Canon Rebel XTi with a standard kit lens
and a Sigma 70-300 DG APO.

There are a lot of photographers who influence my
photography style. Some of them are Farl, Soul101, doctony,
_rebekka, Dusko Almosa, dreadfuldan, araigordai, Kris Kros,
Stuck in Customs, i b u, lichtmaedel, sati k, scubapup,
sam_samantha, edgarjlaw, Barry Lu, The Scalpel Master
Sir Cam, Brilliant Shadow Photography, redsago, av producer
and practically most of my contacts.

Whatever photographic subjects there is, I’m interested
to shoot. I would have loved to photograph people but I’m
a bit concerned of invading their privacy.

Five years from now, I see myself doing photography
professionally.

===============

These are the three pictures which make me proud:

"Three-Leaf Clover"

===============

"Interrupted"

===============

"Batang Gumasa"

************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************

Co-Winner "budslife":

"Ant Lion"

About The Winning Photo:

Gear used: D40x with 105mm and (KENKO) full extension tube 36mm+20mm+12mm.

Lighting used: SB 800 as commander 2 SB-R200 remote flash.

Exif Data: F 22 1/100s ISO 200 spot metering.

==============================================

Thanks to all Kabayan!

My name is Buddy Venturanza, aka "budslife,"
and I work in Saudi Arabia as a Technical Engineer.

I love travel and adventure, especially scuba diving and hiking. I used to live in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, the Philippines.

A self-schooled photographer, I became a serious hobbyist from the first time -- back in 1997 -- that I saw the beauty of many things through my camera. To this day, I keep on taking pictures of different places and things to remember all my journeys by. But due to many priorities I didn't pay much attention to this hobby until I met one of my friends, Filan Ventic, in 2003. Filan and I work in the same company here in Saudi, and like me, he also has a huge interest in photography. He helped develop my interest in photography and I soon bought my very first digital camera, a Nikon D70s. Filan also introduced me to scuba diving, and helped me to discover the beauty of nature under the sea.

Aside from the D70s, I also have a D40x plus a few lenses; as well as an F-801s and a 2000 FCW Hasselblad 35mm film cameras.

My shooting friends are also the main influence in my photography, as we learn from each other by sharing ideas and techniques. Currently, I love taking macro, wildlife and underwater photos. I also enjoy sharing my photographs with others as I have found that, in life, there will always be room for improvement. I am interested in learning more about 3D animation, fashion and wedding photography, too.

I see myself, five years from now, still behind the lens capturing the moments and preserving different emotions, in all the different places that I have been to, in the hope that I can share these with other people who have not to seen them.

-------------------------------------------------

Three photos that I like:

This image defines my underwater explorations that allow me to share the beauty in the deep ocean that some people don't get to see.

------------------------------------------------

This is a reflection of how, just like the sands, people's lives are shaped by things around us.

------------------------------------------------

This image reminds me that we're never alone, that nothing is impossible and that with unity and courage, we can achieve anything we want.

* * * * * * *

Interview/editing by Nanayof2 and pinoyphotog.
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Frances Anne aka Arkitekta ~ Winner of Week 20 Contest: "BEST OF SUMMER"!

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:07:00 +0000

.
"Ate Hagis Part 2"

About The Winning Photo:

I took this shot while waiting for my dad who was buying boat tickets for Manila. I’ve seen kids like them ever since I was young. They ask you to throw some coins in the sea for them to dive and catch.

It is all about timing plus bright daylight and the genuine smiles of the kids.

====================================================

Frances Anne aka Arkitekta

------------------------------------------------

I am Frances Anne M. Morgado, currently working as a designer in Singapore. Born and raised in Bulacan, I am the youngest of three daughters. I finished grade and high school at the Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos (HSAM) and graduated B.S. Architecture at Mapua Institute of Technology five years ago. I love traveling and if I had the time and budget, I would like to go backpacking.

My first DSLR camera, a Nikon D40x, was a birthday present to myself last October. I was actually inspired by flickr where I searched for pictures for my work. That was when I realized that one of my friends is already a member. I have an 18-55mm kit lens, a Nikkor 55-200mm, a Nikkor 18-135mm and a Nikkor 70-300mm.

My main photography influence are the photographers here in flickr members but I admire most Lawrence Ripsher, the official photographer for Contender Asia. I like the way he captures the fight scenes of the TV show.

I am interested in photographing the streets, kids and the sky. I would like to learn more about night photography. Perhaps, in five years, I already would have gone to lots of places backpacking. My dream is to have a photography book of my own, showing scenes of my travels, friends and family.

---------------------------------------------

These are the 3 pictures which make me proud:

#1 "Hawak Kamay"

This was taken during my vacation last May. Here, my nephew and his playmate Kring Kring are singing a song. I love taking photos of my nephew.

---------------------------------------------

#2 "My Sunset"

I love sunsets and cloud formations.

---------------------------------------------

#3 "Coastal Dunes"

I took this photo without a real tripod. I just propped and angled the camera on a concrete post and took a long exposure shot which came out just fine.

* * *

Written by Farley
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Reyno Rosete, The Co-Winner of Contest #19 "DOF and BOKEH"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:43:00 +0000

.
"Eyeing To Land"

About The Winning Photo:

This image of a Great Egret was taken at Joe Overstreet
Landing in Kenansville, FL while I was tracking Snail Kites
and Ospreys.

EXIF: Canon EOS 1DMKII; EF500; EF 1.4XTC
F5.6; 1/2500s; ISO200

========================================

-- from Reyno - (?)

Reyno Rosete, in his own words:

My name is Reyno Rosete and I'm from Orlando, FL.

I bought my first DSLR in 2006 for posterity shots of
family and friends but the intent got deeper into a hobby
when I started taking photos of wildlife around my neck of
the woods. I'm currently using Canon bodies and lenses.

There are many who influence my photography style, but most notably Arthur Morris.

Currently, I'm into birds and wildlife. In the future I
would like to venture into glamour and fashion photography.
But I'd probably be doing this as a hobby still, five years from now.

----------------------------------------------------------

Three photos that define me:

"Dinner In The Air"

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Honey I'm Home"

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Into the Golden Light"

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I think of my photography as an opportunity to share my
vision of wildlife in a graphic, vibrant, and creative
manner. I enjoy bold contrasts and rely on the warmth of
natural lighting to emphasize color, gracefulness, detail,
and to accentuate character in an image. Creating
photographs with strong emphasis on action and behavioral
pattern is one of my favorite ways of allowing others to
connect with the subject. It is my desire to present a view
that is fresh and vivid. I love the outdoors and I am most
inspired by what I see in the natural world around us and
of the endless and changing opportunities for wildlife
photographers like myself. I hope to evoke a response that
allows one to have a greater appreciation for the
distinctive beauty of wildlife in their natural habitat
.

Mga Kabayan, Here's Jesslee Cuizon (again!), One of TWO Winners of the 19th "Photographer of the Week!" Contest - 'DOF and BOKEH"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:43:00 +0000

.

About The Winning Photo:

I've been doing street photography for two years now, and I do it during the day most of the time. But I've seen a lot of great street photography work here in Flickr and what amazes me most are the night shots. I'm impressed at how other photographers play with light, bokeh, and other technical aspects. Looking at these photos, I get inspired to try and do the same thing.

This is the reason why I decided to buy a fast prime lens. Just this month I got the Nikkor 85mm/f1.8. One day, I went out late in the afternoon to one busy district in Tokyo (Machida), and tried street night photography. And this (the winning photo) is one of the results. So far, I'm enjoying having this lens, and I know I still have to learn a lot.

=========================================

-- from recep-bg - (?)

Two-Time Winner Jesslee Cuizon aka Kalandrakas!

I am Jesslee Cuizon or "Kalandrakas," a word borrowed from Spanish which now means “messed up miscellany”. I'm a Cebuano currently working in Japan as an IT engineer. My friends describe me as a funny (most of the time, corny), outgoing and adventurous person. I'm a loyal UCnian having finished high school and college at the University of Cebu (BS in Information Technology).

Before, I was just a mere witness to a lot of things in the streets, all uncaptured. When I was still in Cebu, I used to go to office by jeepney and see a lot of children selling fruits in the streets, asking money in the middle of the highway; and I felt like I needed to do something...to tell these things to other people. This started the desire to have my own camera.

My first digital camera was a tiny Aiptek Slim 3200. Then, I got my Sony DSC-R1 last February 2006 and started getting a little serious about photography. Now, I'm using Nikon D80 with Nikkor 70-300mm VR and Nikkor 18-135mm lens.

Like most of you, I didn’t attend any photography workshops. What I do is read, read and read. There are a lot of amazing photographers, and they are just a "google" away. Flickr, of course, helps a lot.

If you can check my photostream, most of my photos are of people, and mostly candid. I love going out and taking photos of people. Danz in Tokyo inspires me more to do street photography. He has amazing street photos.

I really love street photography. I want to capture daily moments in the streets. For me, it is like telling stories. I do like to work in media and do what I love: photojournalism. I am more interested in social and environmental issues.

==========================

I am proud of these photos:

"why homeless people exist in japan"

This photo shows that the homeless are everywhere in the world,
even in a well-developed country like Japan.

----------------------------------------------------

"gyaru"

Gyaru fashion is one of the most unique in the world.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"awa odori"

Awa Odori is one of the most popular festivals in Japan.

----------------------------------

"I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them" --Diane Arbus

********************************************************************
Interview article by © *DEE~
.

Mga Kabayan, Meet Filan Thaddeus S. Ventic , our 18th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:36:00 +0000

.

"Dragon eyes"

About The Winning Photo:

After a very frustrating attempt at using a combination of extension tubes and a 50mm at a very close range, Filan decided to change to an 85mm, with same extension tubes...and got a detailed shot of the dragonfly which didn't seem to mind being photographed.

====================================

-- from Â© *DEE~ - (?)

Filan Thaddeus S. Ventic

Communications Engineer
based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Self-schooled photographer, versatile in style with a natural eye for color, tone and composition. His work reflects an inimitable ability to get inside a subject and explore the inner workings and intricate aspects and deliver an accurate interpretation of mood, environment and emotive balance though his images. Filan concentrates his energies on finding and delicately balancing most effective angles and lighting effects to give a depth and perspective."

Filan got his start in photography as a snapshooter in underwater photography back in 2005 and decided to try a DSLR in 2006.

His gear consists of the Nikon D70s and a few lenses, Canon & Sony PnS cams for underwater photography.

Filan's main influences in photography are:

Ka Pepe - www.pbase.com/josedeluna

badungsky - www.flickr.com/photos/budslife

Ka Orly - www.pbase.com/riddler214

Currently, Filan is intrigued by macro and landscape photography, but is also interested in expanding to wedding and portrait photography in the near future.

Five years from now, he sees himself still "capturing the moments" because he finds photography to be a very rewarding hobby.

The three photographs that best define Filan are:

#1 - "When nature strikes"

www.flickr.com/photos/filan/1220120059/in/set-72157601624...

Taken during one stormy evening in the Khurais Desert, he had wished for this shot and it just came in perfect timing, his very first lightning shot.

#2 - "I found you"

farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2550638878_f6ab1e68c3.jpg'

Filan had been wanting to capture good shot of a Clown fish, and this photo is the best that he could get, in his opinion. It was taken in his hometown of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur Philippines, of which he is very proud!

#3 - "Lilies in Lakewood"

www.flickr.com/photos/filan/2500647173/

Filan felt privileged to shoot for a tourism office, and this photo is his favourite shot.

He submerged himself into the lilies in the water to obtain this angle.

www.flickr.com/photos/filan/sets/72157605327015499/

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Interview written by © *DEE~
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Mga Kabayan, Meet Paolo Arroyo, aka marbleplaty, our 17th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:24:00 +0000

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"bubbles"

About The Winning Photo

His daughter was blowing bubbles in a straw over water in a blue glass when he saw how striking the imagery was. So he took his camera and, with his daughter helping him, he was able to frame the winning shot.

Sony DSC-H7, 0.025 sec (1/40), f/4, 5.2 mm, -13/10 EV, Flash fired

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Paolo Arroyo

This week's winning photographer is Paolo Arroyo, also known as marbleplaty. He is a Computer Science graduate presently working as a graphics artist in Bicol. Born, raised and educated in Legazpi City, he is married for 10 years and has 3 kids.

Paolo got into digital photography about nine years ago when he received a Kodak DC-3200 1.3-megapixel camera as a birthday present. Four years later, he bought an Olympus C-5000z, a 5-megapixel camera with manual controls. Then two years ago, his sister gifted him, on his birthday, a Sony H7.

Admitting no singular photographic influence, Paolo considers flickr as his main source of inspiration. Here he gets to see "the masterpieces of some of the best photographers in the planet." It is in flickr where he also learns new techniques and styles. Similarly, he has no particular photographic subject interest. He shoots whatever he finds interesting, living or inanimate. Right now, he is venturing into portraiture.

Five years ahead, he still would be into photography, hopefully with the proper gears. He is already saving up to buy an entry level DSLR.

These are his three choiced photographs:

1

This is one of his first attempts at macro photography.
To date, it is his most viewed, commented and faved photo.

2

He considers this special since this is his first entry in a photo contest which won First Place.
The shot was taken during the Magayon Festival last April in Legazpi City.

3

This is a shot of his 1 1/2 year-old son who, like any kid, is always moving.
Despite the difficulty in shooting, he was glad that he captured the moment.

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Interview written by Farl.
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Mga KABAYAN, meet Andrew Lacaya aka PanDiSal, our 16th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:52:00 +0000

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"Wall of Fire"

About The Winning Photo:

It was taken during the California International Air Show in Salinas, California. It was a simulation of a bomb dropped by an A-10 Tank Killer plane (not seen on the picture).

My Self:

Andrew Lacaya, aka PanDiSal

================================================

I was born in Cebu City and grew up in Dipolog City, the Philippines. I first worked a few years in Cebu with a Japanese company and had a chance to go to Japan several times and come to love everything about high tech gadgets.

I'm currently an IT Engineer here in Northern California since 2000, working for one of the network companies. Photography is just one of my hobbies that I really love.

I started with digital photography when I got my very first digital camera, the Casio QV11 (with only 320x240 pixels) in 1998. My cousins in Cebu then got me into buying a Nikon DSLR in late 2006.

I now use a Nikon D80 with my trusted 18-200 VR lens. I also collected some lenses, both new and used, that I got from eBay.

Nobody really influence my photography style, as I'm just a self taught photographer. Its just a hobby, for now. Five years from now, I see myself still doing photography as a hobby.

I really like to take candid shots of people and love to capture their unposed expressions. And even though I love to take pictures of everything, event photography interests me more now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The three pictures that I like, or best describe me, are:

1. "Moments Like This"

It was taken during our Kabayan NorCal meet and I happened to see this father and daughter at the beach. I really like this shot of a candid moment (which won at the PK Challenge #182 a few days ago).

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2. "Golden Gate Bridge"

The most photographed landmark in San Francisco. And though I have
a lot of shots of the bridge, so far this is the one that I'm really proud of.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

3. "Blue Angels"

This one was taken on the same day I took my winning photo. This was the first time I used my newly-arrived lens 80-200 f/2.8 that I got, used, from eBay. I'm really proud of getting this shot and getting the timing almost perfect as well. It proved that my eBay purchase was a good deal, after all. :)

* * *

Jon Bucks Carlos - Our 15th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (Nanayof2) — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:51:00 +0000

“Aliwan Fiesta 2008”

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About the Winning Photo:

This was taken during the Aliwan Fiesta, held at Quirino grandstand near Luneta Park. I used 40th of a sec for the shutter, f/7.1 aperture and handheld with my 70-300mm lens.

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Jon Bucks Carlos aka JonCarlos

Jon Bucks Carlos, our photographer of the week, is a 34 year old native of Las Pinas City, Philippines.

Jon started photography in 2007. Together with his wife, they both took basic and advance photography workshops at FPPF. Isn’t it sweet and cool? It’s always fascinating to know couples who share and enjoy the same interesting hobby like photography.

He uses a Canon EOS 5D and couple of Canon lenses. He proudly stated that his most favorite lens is the nifty fifty. Yes, 50mm rocks!!!

When asked who influences his photography style, he stated, “Ador Pamintuan, Vic Sison and Ed Santiago are my mentors.”

Presently, Jon is interested in street photography. He also would like to learn and try fashion photography. Five years from now, he sees himself photographing weddings and events.

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Pictures which make Jon proud:

This was a shot of my nephew who I caught making faces. I used the available light and post-processed in Photoshop.

This one made it to the top 50 of the Photo World Cup photo contest. Taken in Castillejos, Zambales, Philippines during the Holy Week.

My most favorite of all the images that I have taken, simply because it symbolizes the Philippines. It was also a finalist of the Photo World Cup's “Jeepney” theme for the month of April.

Edited by *DEE~ & Nanayof2

Remedy Medina - Our 14th "Photographer of the Week!"

noreply@blogger.com (pinoyphotog) — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:40:00 +0000

"Phantom Hikers"

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About The Winning Photo:

This was taken while we were riding the sky chair of Snow Summit in
Big Bear, California.

In winter time, this is the lift they use to carry the skiers and
snowboarders to the top of the snow summit. In summer, it takes
hikers, mountain bikers and sightseers to the top of the mountain.

On our way down, I saw these four hikers and noticed right away that
they were casting long shadows because it was already late afternoon.

I took several shots of them, and this one is when they were almost
directly underneath our chair.

When i uploaded this, I noticed that one of the hikers' shirt was
light brownish-grayish in color and it was something similar to the
color of the ground , some part of him blended with the color of the
ground and they seemed invisble. I desaturated the photo,overexposed
it a little bit and applied that tint using the channel mixer in
photoshop!

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-- from *DEE~ - (?)
Remedy Medina aka usclabdog

My name is Remedy Medina, I'm a forty-one year-old lover of one and
father of two adorable kids.

I was born in Navotas, a fishing town north of Metro Manila. I'm a
Medical Technologist by profession .

People always ask me about my name, which was my father's brilliant
idea. His full name is Renato Medina, and he combined the first
syllable of his first name and two syllables of the last name,saying
it's way better than naming me Renato Medina Jr. and be called the
generic name "junior'' or "jr" as most first or only male Filipino
children in the family are called.

My parents married kinda late and it took them almost three years
before I finally came out, so they also thought of me as the "cure"
for all those years of sadness and loneliness of not having a child.
Or so they thought .

My father really wanted me to become a doctor, he thought it would be
really cool for me to be called "Dr. Remedy." lol.

Anyway my love for photography started because of the desire to
photograph my kids.

My first camera was a Canon Powershot G2, which was one of the first
advanced point and shoot at that time. It took nice pictures, but the
lag time between shots was really long, and it was quite slow to
focus sometimes so I decided to buy a Canon 20D which is still the
camera I'm using now.

I have several lenses, the UWA (ultra-wide angle) 10-22 mm, the 100mm
macro, the kit lens 17-85mm and 70-300 mm. I've been waiting for the
5D upgrade for a while, and I'm also thinking of buying the 40D
instead, as I want to convert my 20D with an IR sensor.

I don't know if I have a unique style. I take a lot of landscape
photos because I'm fortunate enough to be here in California where
there are a many magnificent parks and reserves. I do admire the
works of other Filipino photographers here. We may be the land of
ghost employees and ghost voters, but when it comes to photography,
there are so many excellent Kabayan photographers out there.

Right now I would like to learn more about landscape and outdoor
photography. The area that I need to learn more about is proper
exposure with this kind of photography.

I'd also like to learn more about how to use Photoshop for digital
darkroom processing.

Five years from now, I'm gonna have an exhibit!

Like this is exhibit A, and that is exhibit B! (I watch a lot of CSI *
lol*)

I've asked myself, what do I want to do with photography aside from
taking landscapes and family photos? And the dream for me would be to
do a photo documentary or photo essay. I really want to show how the
other half of us lives.

We always focus on the great ones, but I would like to honor the
little people.

Growing up, I was very impressed by the images that I saw on Life and
Time magazine. A lot of those pictures defined a period in history,
but a lot of them also became the instrument of advocacy: a patient
dying of HIV, a vulture waiting for a child to die in famine-stricken
Africa.

Those images made a difference. Five years is a long time, plenty
of time to chase a dream. My wife is now a nurse, my kids are going
to be teenagers by that time and this is America, yeah, so why not?

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The three photos that make me proud, and why:

This was taken at the San Francisco Bay. It was my first time to
use a circular polarizer, and there's too much vignetting on the
upper right side but nevertheless I like this photo a lot because of
the way the cloud mimics the line of the pier.

I took this photo of my son, soon after I saw in the news the
aftermath of the monks' protest rally in Burma. I have a lot of
Burmese friends at work, a lot of them were professors and doctors in
Burma but now are working as lab assistants. Having had a
similar experience during the time of Marcos' dictatorship in the
Philippines, I really feel empathy for the people of Burma.

I didn't know how important a GND (graduated neutral density) filter
is, until I saw other photographers at Glacier Point using theirs. I
was still shooting JPEG at the time, and I could have done a better
job in post-
processing this if I got it in RAW. Still, it's precious to me
because it will always remind me how spectacular it was during that
sundown at Yosemite.

Article edited by *DEE~
.