Camera clubs are for pussies!

November 4, 2011
The old seeing eye says...
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Yeah! You heard it! If you’ve seen the movie “The Bang Bang Club” headed by Ryan Phillippe (who is always good to watch) you know what I am talking about. Been waiting for this movie to be shown here in Manila but I don’t know if I missed it or it was not shown. Good thing I found a dvd on my brother’s desk.

I arrived at several realizations while and after watching the movie.

These are:

  • Photography nowadays are more of a fashion statement than a career or hobby.
  • Serious photographers do not get respect for their vision and hard-work as much as they used to. People always think it’s because of Photoshop or the camera.
  • It’s all about Photoshop. Newbies flock image editing workshops than basic and advance photography. It’s really sad. Not that I have anything against people who teach Photoshop.
  • True value of a photograph is being taken for granted because a frame made from a digital camera is as cheap as buying a bottle of cola already.
  • Photography in general is not glamorous unless you are into fashion and celebrity photography. How many serious photographers are really into this? How many of them have broken into these industries? Not many really, at least here in Manila.
  • Film is almost extinct and unheard of. Ask the young people what a 120 is and you’ll believe me.
  • It is not in the camera. It’s in your vision and skills. How many times do I have to say this?
  • Some Lomographers say it’s the camera and the film and your hips. I think not. Weird angles and false colors don’t mean good photography.
  • Better and younger photographers are emerging making the industry more crowded and competition becoming fierce.
  • Now it’s equipment over passion.
This is the first movie about photography/photographers I can relate to. I have always wanted to be a photojournalist. I still am looking for a chance to become one at  least for a few days.
So, camera clubs are for pussies unless you belong to the “Bang Bang Club”.

Mirrorless camera?

November 4, 2011
Anything Under the Hood
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Been contemplating on what to buy for my next camera. Boy! My cams need upgrade. They have become ancient already. One time, a client asked me to shoot a video footage of a part of an event, I told him my cam does not have video. I did not know if I will be embarrassed or not because I thought, “I am not a videographer. I am a photographer. Why would I need a video in my dslr?”

I realized that I better have a video in my dslr for emergency purposes just to keep clients happy. Truth is I know a bit about video and I am even planning to take up cinematography classes.

Anyway, so much for that. I plan to buy either a Canon 60D or a Sony NEX-5N.

I am leaning towards Sony. I need it for my travel photography assignments since it’s as almost good as an expensive dslr and in some cases, better.

Travel workshop with Diego Verges

October 26, 2011
Reviews
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I was recently invited to attend a private workshop conducted by Spanish travel photographer Diego Verges. The workshop was organized by Pinoy Photography (Pipho) and was held in a studio somewhere in Cubao. I was surprised and honored that I was invited by Mor Corpuz of Black Pencil Project and I did not pay anything.

Diego’s portfolio is very impressive. His dedication to excellence is exemplary.  Aside from his cool post processing technique, what I admire about him is his commitment to complete a project no matter where it takes him.

I came to the workshop with an expectation. I wanted to know his philosophy and process in convincing people to pose for him. We know that in many cultures, people are apprehensive and skeptic to have their photos taken by a stranger. I first thought that maybe people warm-up to him easily because of the color of his skin but I soon found out that his approach is simple and effective (you have to attend his workshop to know).

Edwin Martinez, a fellow photographer famous for his landscape photography, commented that his post processing technique is similar to Joey Lawrence’s and I agree, but I find his technique more subtle and natural-looking and that’s a good thing. I particularly like how he renders the skin color of his portraits.

The thing is, though I want to lug around a couple of speedlights, a light stand, and an umbrella or softbox, it ‘s impractical for me because when I do travel photography, I don’t usually have the luxury of time to set-up lights. But when I saw his shots, I thought I might pick-up my pocket wizards the next time I go out to shoot.


Know more about Diego Verges by visiting his website at http://www.diegoverges.com/.

Exciting time

October 21, 2011
Just shoot it!
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I welcome myself back to the blogging world yet again. Been out for quite some time but never forgot photography. How can I? This is our bread and butter.

There is another chapter in my career as a photographer. I’ve been busy writing article contributions for several magazines. One is coming out next month. Pretty exciting.

Let’s see how it will all turn out in a couple of months.

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