When It Feels So Right...

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It sure feels great to see how you've progressed over time especially when you really worked hard on it.

and the journey goes on..

I am someone who believes in hard work, determination and discipline. This is what my mom taught me at an early age when she started exposing me into arts and music. Dad (being an architecture major) taught me calligraphy (the art of writing characters) and exposed me into drawings. Mom on the other hand allowed me to freely explore my world and exposed me to learn music as early as 9yrs old. Different art forms, different disciplines. I learned the value of patience, how practice really makes perfect and never give up! I have learned how having proper discipline can make you really stand out among others. I learned on how to be meticulous and analyze every detail and know the things I need to know.These are the valuable lessons I've learned due to my exposure to the arts so I don't agree when others say that art and music are useless subjects. In fact, I would advice you all to expose your kids to these activities not just for the exposure but for their character's development as well.

Anyway, it's been almost a year now since I started learning photography. Believe me, never in my wildest dreams have I imagined myself to be into this art. I was always contented with music that I never thought about trying other things. I may say I sort of boxed myself and limited myself to the things which I was comfortable with. Well, the universe really works in mysterious ways. If it's bound to happen, then it really will no matter how you try to twist stories or events.
Now that I'm at my 10th month in photography,  honestly, I am very much proud of the progress I have made. I'm not claiming to be a pro or what 'coz I know that I still have a lot to learn but I do believe I have the right to express my views. Hopefully this will also inspire my other contemporaries as well.

expanding my horizons

Think and Feel---

First of all, I think about my shot, what I want and how I'd like to present it.  Whenever I take still photos, I think ahead and visualize the actual shot in my head. It may sound weird but yes, that's what I do. Probably that's the reason why I'm good at composed shots~~~ it's because of the concept that I have already visualized in advance. An artist is a visionary. We are the ones who paint the future. When it comes to candids, I also have to think ahead and sort of tell my brain to look out for the expressions which I wanna capture.  It really requires a lot of thinking. I've always believed that artists have bionic brains so you really have to have the brains for it, not just the heart.

I'm sure you've heard about "gut feeling" or "instinct." After I've decided what my subject is and how I wanna present it, the next thing is all about waiting for that precise moment.  For some, they call it the pulse, but for me, instinct. Most of the time I shoot by instinct. There are times where I  tell people, "ok don't move!" then I get my cam right away and click! I know it sounds weird but it really happens. I dunno how to explain it! I just know it. It feels soooo right! Every cell of my body tells me so, and when this happens, I respond. For portraits perhaps a sudden change of vibe/aura and for still life, the perfect light, setting and background. I may describe these moments as miraculous I believe for these only happen once and I'm very blessed to have captured them. Beyond the rules and technicalities... I know beauty when I see it. Plain and simple.

Here are some examples...

 I was simply at awe during this time... this is a rare scenery so I had to capture it

 I was drawn to the serenity of this site.. a perfect description of my longing to have peace of mind.

 I got curious with the amount of footprints which I witnessed. I knew I had to capture this before the wind blows.

It may look boring for others but very symbolic for me... how would you interpret this?

 still remains to be one of my all-time favorite photos... I am deeply drawn to the feeling it conveys.

This is just magnificent. I love everything about it. I see it as a work of art.

 When it comes to food, I capture it in a way like how I wanna eat it. I select an angle where I feel the food looks most delectable.... When my tummy starts to growl.. then it's time to click on the shutter! hehehe

Don't you feel you just wanna put it in your mouth now?

an array of cakes.... this site reminds me of my childhood

Don't you just wanna put your finger  in it and lick that icing? I feel like a kid again!

 It just felt so right.. I was at the right place at the right time.

 Paula here had no idea on how to pose until I saw her making this gesture then I told her to freeze

 A candid shot at the airport.. it felt so right again!

 They were just fooling around during this shot when I saw this moment... for me it looks artistic. I love the light which touches her face

 Awwww... this is a very emotional candid shot. Definitely worth a thousand words. A picture of what I want my future to be... a simple happy life beside the one I love.

 I know I was supposed to join them during the prayer but when I saw this site, I just had to capture it. gut feeling again. The result: A solemn genuine moment

I asked them to whisper to ones ear and this is what I got.. a genuine smile, a romantic moment

I'm pretty good at breaking rules. My point here is that, the face is not the only part which tells a story.

The story behind my fondness with half faced portraits... I feel that the person becomes more interesting with this composition. It's like I as the photographer introduces you to her, then it's up to you to make an effort to truly know her. There is this mystery factor which you need to unravel. It reflects a lot about myself. I may look as though my life's an open book, but there are so many things which I don't disclose.

always keeping both feet on the ground...

I'm glad that I'm able to apply my background in art with every picture. I tend to be very emotional with my shots. yeah! I'm an emo photographer! hahaha I have to be.. because I have to use my emotions in order to send the message across to you. I'd like you to feel my shots and see how I view the world around me. My aim is to reveal truth in the most artistic way possible. I'd like to show you how beautiful the world is and how lucky you are to be alive. I'm so thankful for the gifts I have. I'm thankful that God made me an artist. No matter what people say about artists as being just a bunch of penny less mortals, I'd still wouldn't choose any other life. This is who I am and I accept it with all humility. 

Growing with Maggie...

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If you remember I've discussed about new subjects which I'd like to shoot.. well, if you noticed, my blog is slowly transforming from a food blog into a photo blog nowadays. In the past weeks, I've discovered this new liking for photojournalistic shots. I've already developed a romance with classic portraiture but  in between taking photos of faces, I found myself craving to shoot objects... objects which symbolize my model. I'm fascinated in my ability to put life into an innate object.

Nowadays, I'm becoming really interested in candids... natural emotions. Shots of unaware subjects. They always leave me curious.... I wonder what they're thinking of... their deepest darkest desires. With photography, I can vividly express what's on my mind.









 I recently discovered that I actually possess a "pulse" in capturing exact moments and this ability to turn an ordinary scene into something interesting as commented by my critiques.

As I find myself in a middle of an event or a shoot, I'd notice how my mind would whisper words/phrases like a poetic verse which leads me to shoot a certain frame. Each photo.. a different line and by the time I upload them on my pc, I'd sew them all together and create a somewhat poetic photo story. I dunno exactly how I do it... it just comes naturally. I feel like the author of my own fairy tale.

Due to this pursuit in capturing more raw emotions, I've finally decided to upgrade to a new lens with a longer focal length which will enable me to capture long-range shots. This week I bought a 70-300mm manual focus lens (pardon me for the low quality shot). I know most shutterbugs would prefer a VR lens (autofocus and vibration reduction) over a manual one, but aside from being really really cheap as compared to VR lenses, I felt it's high time for me to further train my "eye" so manual focusing would be just perfect. Also, using a 300mm lens can really allow me to zoom-in! At first it was really difficult! It was like getting to know my cam again but after some time, I realized its difference from my kit lens. I now have more control on the subject. I can choose which ones to blur. I also get better BOKEH and well defined subjects. I can now make tight shots from afar! It's really amazing! Let me show you some of my test shots today...

 with my new lens, I'm able to take a peek at what people are reading hihihihihi

 notice the blur and defined subject

 I can now take close-up shots of unreachable objects

 nice blurred background ..

 Another defined subject. Amazing how manual focusing trains the "eye"

 I've been having difficulty with this kind of shot with my previous lens.. but now it's easy!

 Shot from afar while I saw my co-teacher dancing with herself.

 another shot where I was able to define my subject

Another candid shot from afar while my co-worker checks her own cam.

Passion is something which I possess that will never ever be taken away from me. This photo very much expresses how much I love what I'm doing. I was thinking how much I loved myself and my art during this time.. I'm amazed on how my camera was able to capture it perfectly!

I still have to train more. I believe I really have to train hard and discipline myself in order to be very good in this. I believe that all my hard work and sacrifices will someday pay off.  It's time to level-up, not just my equipment but my own skills as well! Slowly but surely, one step at a time.. I will patiently hone my skills. I'm doing myself a really big favor. Time to do things on my own. Sick and tired of being used and abused by others.

High time to get fuckin' serious with photography!

The Story Behind the Winning Photo....

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I'm currently at my busiest week this year in preparation for a very much awaited SKA event in our country.
Being the central contact person and one of the main organizers for the event is really one stressful task for I have to carefully balance my work as a teacher/team manager and an event organizer. I don't even know how the hell I was able to write this blog entry
today. I guess I just need a breather! Phew! Somebody save me!

For this week, I'd like to tell you about something big which happened to me.
2 weeks ago I entered my teacher's (James Nicolay) Monthly Photo Contest on Facebook.I was quite hesitant at first for I felt it was too soon to join since I only started last April this year. Though I've been religiously practicing every weekend (take a look at my 140 albums on FB), I believe that my skills need more fine tuning. Also, I never had any formal lessons on photo editing so I'm really looking forward to enroll in the coming months.

Anyway, I've only decided to join a day before the deadline. I've been thinking of a concept for quite some time but I wasn't really satisfied it would work (I'm not pleased with the "usual" stuff). I also consulted some of my friends for ideas. I know my teacher really has a highly sophisticated "eye" not to mention the many good students which he has. I've got nothing to lose anyway, at least I tried. So there I was, walking around the city, with no direction and idea in mind. I've decided to meet  some long time friends and supporters from our scene. I asked them to take me to a place where I can take pictures. We strolled along the streets of Cubao in Quezon City. At first, we went to a place where graffiti artists were working on some project..  the colors were very eye-catching however, I didn't find any subject fit for the theme which were about "LINES." 

I felt I wasn't inspired enough that day so I  gave up and invited them to the nearest McDonald's to grab some tummy treats! Fortunately, just before reaching the highway, we happend to pass by a tiny old store and sitting just right outside was an old woman possibly in her 70's with so many wrinkles on her face. I was stunned... but went on walking... but just after some steps... I knew I had to stop and take a U turn. I was convinced she was the answer to my prayers! I remember asking my friend Smee if I should approach the old lady or not. He said, "Ate Mae! Eto na ang hinahanap mo! Ang sagot sayo'ng mga dasal! Eto na ang LINES!!"
I was hesitant of course, how am I gonna convince her that I badly need to take her picture? I'm used to talking with strangers but not like this. Anyway, I don't wanna have any regrets... so I followed my guts and took the risk!

I politely approached her, introduced myself and told her my request. She refused as expected.. she probably thought I was crazy! I told her I needed  to take her picture for a "class project" ( I felt my nose extending a mile!). She was really grumpy! Didn't like the idea at all! She said she was too old and ugly and was somewhat allergic to photos! Despite the countless rejections from her, I was really really determined that I was never gonna leave without a shot! I think I already said all the possible alibis and "pagpapacutes" but Lola's defenses were really strong! Her daughter and granddaughter were convincing her to say yes. I even offered her a small amount of money to somehow cover for the inconvenience. Her daughter said to take the offer so she could buy her favorite tabacco! After 15 grueling minutes, Lola finally said yes just as long as I do it quickly.  Good thing I already prepared the ideal settings in my mind beforehand (you never know when kodak moments will happen). I immediately took snapshots.. tried different angles to emphasize the facial lines. I only took a few shots.. I guess less than 15 for I didn't want to look impolite. I thanked her and handed her the tabacco budget hehehehe
....... it was time to celebrate!

After having a few drinks, I immediately enhanced the photos (adjustments on contrast temperature with a slight touch of High Dynamic Range effect (HDR) and emailed them to sir James along with a prayer in mind that he'll hopefully have mercy on my entry! hehehe

Without further adieu, let me show you the post processed shots I made...

In this shot, I wanted to focus more on the forehead

Lola was just perfect!

A silly shot I did about lines... since I'm a big fan of cheese and I'm quite known of posting korny lines on Facebook. I came up with my literal version of CHEESY LINES!

and the winning entry......

"Ang mga Guhit sa Mukha ni Lola Sungit"

As soon as the finalists were posted, I felt very happy and honored to see my work! The other finalists were very very good! Their photos were superb! I wish to someday be able to take shots which are as good as theirs. Many people admired the photo and said my attack on the theme was very unique and artistic. I feel really happy whenever I read those comments!

If I were to give a critique to my photo... hmmm dunno... I'm actually out of words. I'm not really good with words (believe me!) for I think I'm more of a "feeler" (if there is such a word)... but I do feel that there is something special with this picture that's why it garnered the most number of "like" votes on Facebook. I remember how I felt while clicking my shutter...I knew I was at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing! I felt mystery in her eyes.... telling me a thousand stories.. imagine the countless experiences she has surpassed. If you see her condition, you'd surely go teary-eyed.

I did some campaigning of course but it was really easy because many strangers voted for my entry due to it's X-factor!

On the last day of the competition, I was surprised to see Frank's critique on my photo.. (his entry for the critiquing contest)

here's what he posted...

"The concept of old-age was completely out-of-the-box.

It was beyond the usual idea of "LINES", yet has maintained faithful on the theme.
It carries a meaning with different interpretation, making the photo more interesting.

......Raw shot made it appear more natural and realistic.
The texture of skin, chapped lips, pierced ear and gray-color hair were captured greatly.

The photo carries a charisma that trigger one's heart, as captured by the lens.
Hence, TWO THUMBS UP to its owner!

(also,i really like the background, it tells a new different story in the photo)" - Frank Ruaya

.... I was blown away with his critique.. never thought he had talent in writing. I was very impressed......

......and guess what? He won!!! yipee!! 

 the nut heads did it again! Apir!

When sir James announced my entry as the winning photo, it felt like heaven! Winning the grand prize in the 1st ever photo competition I joined was really something! Maybe I do have a future in photography. Who knows? I won 2,000php while Frank won 500php. We were the 2 big winners that day!!

... it was not really about the money. It was definitely a morale booster for me! A sign that I should keep on learning and improve my craft. Entering photography was never my plan this year, I just followed what the universe had to offer. Never thought I had a talent in taking photos. As you all know, I've been struggling to heal my broken heart for a year now. "When God closes a door, He will definitely open a bigger window." I guess this is just one of those big windows. hehehe 

I still have a lot to learn and I need more and more practice... I wonder what will happen next... just wait and see!!!

Before I end this article, allow me to thank the following people who have helped me a lot specially his year..

James Nicolay - for being a great great teacher and for his inspiring blog entries and photos

Frank Ruaya - for introducing me to the world of photos. The only person who can clearly interpret my shots.His  thoughts and critiques are just brilliant! kudos!

Michelle Villas - a newly found very good friend. I feel very at ease with her!

Badeth Compuesto - the ever ready photo/foodie buddy. For always being there during photo shoots.

My Dad - for convincing me to buy a DSLR instead of an ipad. Great choice!!

My Mom - for being ever so patient with me and for supporting me in all my endeavors.

LA Dacula and Greg Valerio - my mentors.. for the countless tips and for inviting me to lots of shoots

.. and to all the rest of my ever supportive friends ( you know who you are)!

A Fun Shoot with Fun People...

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Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined that I would one day buy my own dslr and actually be sooo addicted to it. NEVER!

I've been exposed to all sorts of arts all my life but photography was the least I like.. in fact, I didn't even consider it as an art and I thought that one doesn't have to have any talent to do it... before, I thought anyone could take pictures and that people with cams were just pseudo-artists! Clearly, I had a very different  view about it before.
Now, I regret some of my statements... I still do think that ANYONE can take pictures though (like anyone can attempt to sing or draw) but, not everyone can easily take GOOD and MEANINGFUL ones. I guess that's where "art" kicks in. There is indeed art in photography!

It's pretty obvious how much I adore food. Food has been my primary subject for such a long time... it is one of the main reasons why I've decided to buy Maggie (my Nikon D3000).But these days, I feel the need to really practice in order to enhance my skills, get to know more about my cam and learn more about the behavior of light. I know that my cam is a very basic dslr but I'm pretty happy with it so far..fab photos doesn't wholly depend on the brand or model of the cam (well of course using a pro cam can be a plus) but more on the person's imagination and creativity.

So now I've decided to conduct a series of serious photo shoots for various subjects  and feature them here to hopefully get some honest critique from you.

For my 1st attempt, I've decided to try portraiture for I remember my teacher telling me that I should try to master the rules first before doing my wild concepts. Taming myself and strictly following rules can really be a drag but because I really really am willing to learn,I know that I should be familiar with the rules first before I break them.

So as soon as Tay Greg Valerio (one of my mentors) lent me their external flash, I immediately invited Kristel Ann Cruz (Frank's buddy) if she would like to model for me. I also invited their other fellow officemates Watcher Concepcion and Mich Cabudsan to join us. Watcher just bought a brand new Nikon D5000 so it was a good opportunity for him to get to know his cam more. We agreed to meet last July 24, a Saturday after their shift and the chosen location was UP Diliman...

It wasn't an ideal day to shoot that time for it rained the whole day but I still wanted to take my chances for I knew there would be less people in the campus.. we can have the whole place for ourselves heheheh! I had this gut feeling that I could still discover something good out of this not so ideal situation (breaking the rules again). The 4 of us marched down to the campus with our umbrellas and bags with us.. not knowing where to go.. hehehe

First Stop..... I took them to the Bahay ng Alumni so Kristel could change and do her thing while the rest of us did some test shots in preparation for the shoot. Afterwards, we went across the Bahay ng Alumni and found a nice spot at the back of the UP Theater and did some shots.
Let's take a look at the candids made by Watcher and Mich...

We stayed at the back of the UP Theater

 Krissy having a re-touch while Watcher eats his taho.

Me and Krissy getting down to business.

A photo of me acting like I know what I'm doing.

Now, let me show you my shots .....

The theme was all about "Krissy the Blogger" so I asked her to bring some stuff which would symbolize her love for writing.

One of my favorite shots..I like symbols a lot and I think this fits her well.

Krissy the writer..

Krissy the kikay...

love the nails...

Krissy in action...

I love this angle.. looks mysterious..

same shot with a different effect.. so modern!!

Fresh and vibrant!

Pure and naive..

hehehehe not so serious this time

A whole body photo of Krissy taken at a very familiar place but during a very rare moment.

Now this is what I'm talking about....UP turned into a ghost town.. a kodak moment indeed!!

Despite the rains... it turned out to be a perfect day!!!

The fun shoot turned out to be really really fun!!

I'd like to thank Krissy, Mich and Watcher for their time. I enjoyed every minute of it! I'm also very proud of the shots I made that day! Success! I believe I still need to shoot more portraits and get to know more and more people who can pose for me.

Before I end this entry, here's my favorite self portrait made my tay Greg Valerio and nay LA Dacula.. my mentors in photography. I love this shot a lot for its simplicity and 'coz of my Mona Lisa smile. Hope one day I can also take a photo as dramatic as this.

I found a new passion and I may say I feel more complete than ever. Commitment and perseverance are just some of the characteristics I possess which I am truly proud of. Photography is something which I would like to seriously explore so I plan to stay focused and ever eager to improve.

I hope and wish that you may also find your passion in life. Like what I always say in my entries.. find your happiness and never be afraid to explore your world!

Watch out for my next entry.. I'm still thinking on the subject which I will feature... hmmmmm any suggestion?

Wishing you all a splendid weekend once again!!