1st Place
"Drop genesis"
Copyright: Ivan Stankovic (Djovani)
2nd Place
"michelle & nandy"
Copyright: Darwin Reyes (darwinr)
3rd Place
"Bulungan Sunset"
Copyright: Louie Marco Delos Reyes (lugawzium)
DECEMBER TREKKER of the MONTH
Jeff Vergara
jeff vergara aka zchizzerz
Member Since: 2005-10-29 Camera: Canon EOS 350D, Nikon D70s
Note: Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer (5736)
zchizzerz is a favorite of 91 members.
Viewed: 10956 Favorites: 44 members [view photos] [read critiques] · 14 photos
Jeff Vergara is a creative designer and budding digital photographer based in the UAE. He is also known as “zchizzerz” in the Treklens World. His posts are drawing viewers. Each post is rich in information about how he came up with the shot. Each has a story to tell. “Why he does it?” just click an image from his photo pool and you’ll find out. His passion for digital photography started in late 2004 with a slr-like camera borrowed from his former job. An avid and self-learning guy, his skills and experience grew capturing countless faces, poses, expressions and priceless moments in which portraiture and street photography are his favorites. Jeff writes his online journal, "The Dubai Chronicles" which is all about his photography and daily life in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Before we start, I need to ask you some routine question regarding how you started in photography and how did you become a member of Treklens?
- a buddy of mine, jmerts eddun (jmerts) invited me to join this community when he found out about the site. it seems interesting since the members give comments on the photo they submitted.
Seeing your treklens gallery, all I can say is two words, VARIETY and EXPERIMENTAL. What drives you to do what you do?
- when I was a kid, im looking for a reason on how things are made and how it works. that's why my toys ended up either dismantled or working which it is not used to be. although im móre into portraiture, I keep myself random and usually go "out of the box".
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in Treklens and from whom?
- there's no particular person but from different members: learn to accept critiques, constructive or otherwise and apply them. I need to ask you about your Jump Shot signature. How did you come up with that?- jumpshots is all about fun. i prefer to have action in my photos especially group hugs. it's fun to see their smiles when jumping instead of just standing around. that started it all.
Some of us are influencing the people around us especially with photography. Hows your end in UAE?
- they got inspired from photos im capturing. I was surprised that they're also got hooked up into photography that fast. since i also dont belong to a certain club or organization here in dubai , me, tet bautista (seven) and eric fajut (fadge14) organized small phototreks and major event (dpp mideast snipers grand eyeball) and it was a success. now, they'd keep on asking for another.
Let's talk about your blog, I was amazed by the photography experiments you documented in your blog.
- thank you. Hope you enjoyed the posts. the dubai chronicles is all about my life stories here in the uae. the previous version was everything i could think of. when i started my photography in 2005, it became part photo blog. tdc became finalist as photoblog at the philippine blog awards for two consecutive years (2006 - 2007).
Another thing that struck me in your blog is that you have been a victim of unauthorized use of your photograph. What have you learned from the experience?
- never upload/post large or hi-res images. if you cant help it, watermark it all over. next, protect your images by copyrighting it.
How about the Forsaken series, what made you to conceptualize and execute the series?
- I executed the forsaken during the lowest moments of my life. it's all about betrayal from someone you loved. i wanted to scream or do something that will make me forget but i can't. instead of pouring it into violence, I put it into pictures. each photo was spontaneous
What is making Jeff Vergara's work so unique? What makes you tick?
- every photographer is unique in their own way. maybe i'm just expressive in my work.
What can you say to someone just starting in photography? Any "Words of wisdom", as they say.
- inspire, open your eyes, keep on shooting and share it.
jeff vergara aka zchizzerz
Member Since: 2005-10-29 Camera: Canon EOS 350D, Nikon D70s
Note: Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer (5736)
zchizzerz is a favorite of 91 members.
Viewed: 10956 Favorites: 44 members [view photos] [read critiques] · 14 photos
Jeff Vergara is a creative designer and budding digital photographer based in the UAE. He is also known as “zchizzerz” in the Treklens World. His posts are drawing viewers. Each post is rich in information about how he came up with the shot. Each has a story to tell. “Why he does it?” just click an image from his photo pool and you’ll find out. His passion for digital photography started in late 2004 with a slr-like camera borrowed from his former job. An avid and self-learning guy, his skills and experience grew capturing countless faces, poses, expressions and priceless moments in which portraiture and street photography are his favorites. Jeff writes his online journal, "The Dubai Chronicles" which is all about his photography and daily life in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Before we start, I need to ask you some routine question regarding how you started in photography and how did you become a member of Treklens?
- a buddy of mine, jmerts eddun (jmerts) invited me to join this community when he found out about the site. it seems interesting since the members give comments on the photo they submitted.
Seeing your treklens gallery, all I can say is two words, VARIETY and EXPERIMENTAL. What drives you to do what you do?
- when I was a kid, im looking for a reason on how things are made and how it works. that's why my toys ended up either dismantled or working which it is not used to be. although im móre into portraiture, I keep myself random and usually go "out of the box".
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in Treklens and from whom?
- there's no particular person but from different members: learn to accept critiques, constructive or otherwise and apply them. I need to ask you about your Jump Shot signature. How did you come up with that?- jumpshots is all about fun. i prefer to have action in my photos especially group hugs. it's fun to see their smiles when jumping instead of just standing around. that started it all.
Some of us are influencing the people around us especially with photography. Hows your end in UAE?
- they got inspired from photos im capturing. I was surprised that they're also got hooked up into photography that fast. since i also dont belong to a certain club or organization here in dubai , me, tet bautista (seven) and eric fajut (fadge14) organized small phototreks and major event (dpp mideast snipers grand eyeball) and it was a success. now, they'd keep on asking for another.
Let's talk about your blog, I was amazed by the photography experiments you documented in your blog.
- thank you. Hope you enjoyed the posts. the dubai chronicles is all about my life stories here in the uae. the previous version was everything i could think of. when i started my photography in 2005, it became part photo blog. tdc became finalist as photoblog at the philippine blog awards for two consecutive years (2006 - 2007).
Another thing that struck me in your blog is that you have been a victim of unauthorized use of your photograph. What have you learned from the experience?
- never upload/post large or hi-res images. if you cant help it, watermark it all over. next, protect your images by copyrighting it.
How about the Forsaken series, what made you to conceptualize and execute the series?
- I executed the forsaken during the lowest moments of my life. it's all about betrayal from someone you loved. i wanted to scream or do something that will make me forget but i can't. instead of pouring it into violence, I put it into pictures. each photo was spontaneous
What is making Jeff Vergara's work so unique? What makes you tick?
- every photographer is unique in their own way. maybe i'm just expressive in my work.
What can you say to someone just starting in photography? Any "Words of wisdom", as they say.
- inspire, open your eyes, keep on shooting and share it.
TL Photo of the Week 13
1st Place
"Stephanie"
Copyright: Konifacio Casuga (Konie)
2nd Place
"Sunset Surfing"
Copyright: Timothy Ngaw (Timothy)
3rd Place
"Holy Kamote"
Copyright: Catherine Valiente (kookai)
TL Photo of the Week 12
1st Place
"ANCESTRAL HOUSES"
Copyright: Joseph Ryan Torres (jrqt14)
2nd Place
"Boracay Sunrise"
Copyright: Angelo Dulay (anjhello)
3rd Place
"Fire in the Sky"
"Fire in the Sky"
Copyright: Ronald Duque (ahimanrezon)
TL Photo of the Week 10
1st Place
"Beauty in Murky Water"
Copyright: Fred NEF (Freddie)
2nd Place
"A Love Story"
3rd Place
"clair"
NOVEMBER TREKKER of the MONTH
Manny Librodo
Manuel "Manny" Librodo Jr.Aka manny
Member Since: 2004-04-01 Camera: nikon coolpix 4500, Nikon D70, Nikon D200
Note: Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer(10990)
manny is a favorite of 619 members. Viewed: 33350 Favorites: 26 members [view photos] [read critiques] · 32 photos
He considered himself still as an amateur photographer. But his passion for the art transcends the word amateur.
We have been amazed by how he presented his subjects. We are basking in the depths of emotions that his photographs conveyed and awed in the stories that each one tells.
He is a well known international artist in Photography. Admired and sought after in different countries for his lectures and seminars and for the very talent that he has.
He is a well established name in the field of Photography. A well loved and respected Trekker.
How did you start in Photography?
As a "model”, as I get older, I started hiding behind the camera. (Seriously) I think it started with an appreciation of anything beautiful. I can get lost looking at beautiful pictures. I attempted to create them myself (five years ago) and the rest is history, so to speak. Now, I can't stop myself from freezing the hands of time with that one single shot.
At this point of your career, do you now consider yourself as a Professional Photographer?
Not really. I do get some renumerations from my workshops and some published works but I still have my fulltime job that provides me the dough. Skill-wise, .I definitely have a lot of things to learn.
Why and how did you become a member of TL? I see that you are a member of TrekEarth first before TL.
TrekLens is an offshoot of TrekEarth. I started with the latter. Since it is a sight that caters mostly to travel pictures, I always got some flak whenever I post pictures of people I now. Sometimes I had to "invent" a story to make my picture more acceptable to the community. Treklens is my "world". It basically got me to start taking experimental portraits of my students in school. And since I did it in school I had to crop very tight to exclude unnecessary details.
What was the most unforgettable lesson you have learned from TL and from who? Or a critique for that matter.
The sharpening method that was shared by Luko. It took my photography to a higher level. Also the glamour look in portraits shared by zto. They are very dear people to me.
Browsing your TL Photos, showed an experiment on different subject. How did this point you to the direction of Portraiture where your posts are a majority of?
I had always been a people person. I love to watch people. I love to teach people. I love to love people. If ever I experiment with other subjects, I probably am just honing my skills when it's time to point my camera on people.
Is there any subject that you wouldn't want to shoot? or be hesitant to do so?
No. Everyone has his own story to tell. If I can get physically close to them to take the shot, I must do it. But if it isn't possible, I always have my telephoto lens as a weapon.
Seeing your first photo posted in TL, was the "Wanna Buy Flowers", showing your good skills in Post-processing, do you know by that time that you will go far?
My post-processing there was awful! Very unreal! It was a point-and-shoot camera. I wanted the subject to pop out from the background so I experimented with Photoshop to do so. When I upgraded to a Nikon D70, I have to do less Photoshop. No, I never thought I would get to this level (where people would pay me to share my Photoshop workflow). I continue to learn (from my workshop participants).
Do you have any special preparations before you start your post processing? How about your personal mood, does it affect your post processing?
A full stomach and good music. Once I get started, I forget about eating. Good/appropriate music translates to the mood I want to convey in my pictures. I should be psyche to get myself into that mood too.
Do you envision your final image before you even capture the image? Or do you just go with the flow and express yourself along the way?
I am a very spontaneous person. I don't have set expectations. I go with the flow and create concepts as I go along the way. My final image sometimes takes its form while I am in the middle of post-processing. Some of them are borne out of accidental mistakes in Photoshop.
Any words of encouragement to all who wants to start in Photography?
Shoot with your heart, not with your head.
Manuel "Manny" Librodo Jr.http://www.pbase.com/manny_librodo
"A portrait is a landscape of emotions."
TL Photo of the Week 8
1st Place
"immortals"
"immortals"
Copyright: Dustein Sibug(dustein)
2nd Place
"Rubber Duckie on Vacation :)"
Copyright: Fred NEF(Freddie)
2nd Place
"Rubber Duckie on Vacation :)"
Copyright: Fred NEF(Freddie)
3rd Place
"100th Post"
Copyright: Danilo Martinez(cunejo200)
TL Photo of the Week 7
1st Place
"Manila '07"
Copyright: Mapan Nao Nao(mapanao)
2nd Place
"Charity"
Copyright: Catherine Vailente (kookai)
3rd Place
"Glow"
TL Photo of the Week 6
1st Place
"reflection2"
Copyright: cris go (crisgotiny)
2nd Place
"WINDMILL"
3rd Place
"...till twilight"
TL Photo of the Week 5
1st Place
"Big life of small ants"
Copyright: Kelvin Jay Bien (kelvin_jay_bien)
2nd Place
"the look"
Copyright: andrew dingcong (andr3w)
3rd Place
"kidsface"
OCTOBER TREKKER OF THE MONTH
Alec Tempongko
Member Since: 2006-02-01
Camera: Canon 1D mkIII, Canon EOS 20D
Note: Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer (2978)
alecnorman is a favorite of 105 members.
Viewed: 5951
Favorites: 1 member · 12 photos
Alec claims to be an amateur. But his posts says otherwise. You can see class and seriousness in his posts. A true artist to be reckon with. He is quite respected in various sites in addition to his Treklens. Browsing his Pbase account is a feast for newbies. You can see that ideas are flowing and shutters are clicking. May it be fine arts, portraits, landscapes and photojournalism that comes along his way.
Can you give us a brief background of how you started in Photography? What was your first camera, where the first passion sparked?
My very first SLR was a Canon. I then bought my first DSLR, a Canon 300D. I realized that I wasn't maximizing the potential of digital photography so I took my very first basic photography course at FPPF. There I won my first natural light portrait challenge and this certainly inspired me to keep on trying harder.
How did you became a member of Treklens?
I just discovered Treklens by browsing over the internet and was amazed by how people inspire and learn from each other.
For Alec, what is Photography?
To me, photography is a means of expressing oneself. A photograph speaks more about the photographer than the subject.
Let me ask about, who/what is your major influence in photography?
Manny Librodo for portraits. He never fails to amaze me. Richard Larrios for landscapes.
How do you separate your photography from others? Any general classification or photography in which you attribute your work?
All my images, whether portraits or landscapes portray emotions. I am pleased with how people comment on my work but at the end of the day, we all have different preferences because indeed beauty is relative and certainly is in the eye of the beholder.
If only one picture from your pool is to represent you as the Trekker behind the Lens, what will it be and why?
My photo entitled Veil. This image of a young boy was taken in a poor dumpsite community in Manila. His eyes emotionally struck me when I was taking the photo.
What will we be expecting more from alecnorman in future posts?
More portraits, perhaps different styles and some landscapes and fine art.
Can you give us an idea of your typical work flow from capturing the shot to posting to TL?
I shoot only in raw, adjust exposure and white balance if necessary. I then convert and save as TIFF file. I open the file in Adobe Photoshop CS2 and perform the necessary post processing depending on my desired final output on the image. For portraits, a glamour portrait will have an entirely different post processing method compared to a photojournalistic type of portraiture. For landscapes, it will depend again on the dynamic range of the image and the effect I want to achieve in the end.
Lastly, advice to those who want to start photography? To those who are new members in Treklens?
Photography is a challenging craft. Accept constructive criticisms and don't be afraid to make mistakes because this is the fastest way to learn. Experiment and try to break the rules. Practice makes perfect.
Member Since: 2006-02-01
Camera: Canon 1D mkIII, Canon EOS 20D
Note: Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer (2978)
alecnorman is a favorite of 105 members.
Viewed: 5951
Favorites: 1 member · 12 photos
Alec claims to be an amateur. But his posts says otherwise. You can see class and seriousness in his posts. A true artist to be reckon with. He is quite respected in various sites in addition to his Treklens. Browsing his Pbase account is a feast for newbies. You can see that ideas are flowing and shutters are clicking. May it be fine arts, portraits, landscapes and photojournalism that comes along his way.
Can you give us a brief background of how you started in Photography? What was your first camera, where the first passion sparked?
My very first SLR was a Canon. I then bought my first DSLR, a Canon 300D. I realized that I wasn't maximizing the potential of digital photography so I took my very first basic photography course at FPPF. There I won my first natural light portrait challenge and this certainly inspired me to keep on trying harder.
How did you became a member of Treklens?
I just discovered Treklens by browsing over the internet and was amazed by how people inspire and learn from each other.
For Alec, what is Photography?
To me, photography is a means of expressing oneself. A photograph speaks more about the photographer than the subject.
Let me ask about, who/what is your major influence in photography?
Manny Librodo for portraits. He never fails to amaze me. Richard Larrios for landscapes.
How do you separate your photography from others? Any general classification or photography in which you attribute your work?
All my images, whether portraits or landscapes portray emotions. I am pleased with how people comment on my work but at the end of the day, we all have different preferences because indeed beauty is relative and certainly is in the eye of the beholder.
If only one picture from your pool is to represent you as the Trekker behind the Lens, what will it be and why?
My photo entitled Veil. This image of a young boy was taken in a poor dumpsite community in Manila. His eyes emotionally struck me when I was taking the photo.
What will we be expecting more from alecnorman in future posts?
More portraits, perhaps different styles and some landscapes and fine art.
Can you give us an idea of your typical work flow from capturing the shot to posting to TL?
I shoot only in raw, adjust exposure and white balance if necessary. I then convert and save as TIFF file. I open the file in Adobe Photoshop CS2 and perform the necessary post processing depending on my desired final output on the image. For portraits, a glamour portrait will have an entirely different post processing method compared to a photojournalistic type of portraiture. For landscapes, it will depend again on the dynamic range of the image and the effect I want to achieve in the end.
Lastly, advice to those who want to start photography? To those who are new members in Treklens?
Photography is a challenging craft. Accept constructive criticisms and don't be afraid to make mistakes because this is the fastest way to learn. Experiment and try to break the rules. Practice makes perfect.
TL Photo of the Week 3
1st Place
"S T A N L E Y"
by: Orlando Arcelao Jr (riddler)
2nd Place
"Green"
by: Gerald Pingol (geraldpingol)
3rd Place
"The LAST Show"
by: christian caina (chrisyan)
TL Photo of the Week 2
TL Photo of the Week 1
1st Place
School of Goldfish
by: Allan Barredo (allanbarredo)
2nd Place
WHEN?
by: Xavier Alcala (hydroxycut)
3rd Place
Manila at Night
by: Oggie Duque (Shogun)
Manila at Night
by: Oggie Duque (Shogun)
SEPTEMBER TREKKER OF THE MONTH
Jing Magsaysay aka jingmag
From the Philippines .
Member Since: 2006-02-07
From the Philippines .
Member Since: 2006-02-07
Camera: Nikon D-70s, Nikon D200, Nikon F-3
Note: Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer (298)jingmag is a favorite of 48 members.
You can checkout his photo gallery here.
You can checkout his photo gallery here.
How did you become a member of Treklens?
Just by chance, i came across it when surfing about photography sites.
Photography to some has different meaning, for you what is photography?
Photography for me is a language everyone understands. Like, music and all the other art forms, it transcends words. It is a tool by which we can communicate with others through the images we capture. As the photographer who captures the image, there are feelings or emotions we want to convey or share through the image. As a viewer of the image, we see the image from our point of view, from our heart, or mind. if somehow, there is connection between the photographer and the viewer, then the image fulfilled its purpose.
Let me ask about; who/what is your major influence in photography?
i don't know if there is a single person who has influenced the way i capture images. i may admire so many photographers but when I’m capturing an image, something else is at work, my entire being goes into capturing the image. But if you want names of photographers I admire, Ansel Adams and Nick Brandt.
There are others who have the constant urge to upgrade their gears; do you think gears in photography really matters in getting the "perfect shot"?
There are two parts to this question. My answer to the first is: as long as you have the minimum amount of gear to get what you want. It really depends on what photos you capture. If you're a nature photographer, then you would want long lenses and equipment protection. If you're a fashion or portrait photographer, you may need lights or a good flash system, if you're an underwater photographer, you obviously need underwater accessories, if you're a sports photographer, then you need long and fast lenses and a fast camera. Constant upgrades are a luxury, not a necessity. Once you have your basic gear, you're good to go. You don't want bringing tons of equipment around anyway, unless you're a pro with a staff to do that for you.
second question: you may have the best equipment in the world but if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time or the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time, then you don't have your image. Of course I’m talking as a landscape and street photographer. If you're doing studio shots, then you have control over most elements of your process, subject, lighting, time, color, design, etc. if you're out in nature or on the street or a sports photographer, you're hostage to so many variables: weather, lighting conditions, positioning and the effect all of these have on your equipment. And when you're out there, its 1% equipment, 1% skill and 98% luck. over time, you develop a feel for certain things and you attune yourself to some elements like where the sun is setting, if its rainy this time of year, where to set up for a particular shot. Nature is such a big subject and everyday you spend outdoors is a day in school. The perfect photograph is a gift. a good photograph is a product of learning.
We have seen many sunsets in your posts in Treklens, does this signify anything? How about Long exposure shots?
i particularly like sunrise and sunset images. I’m not alone in this, millions of other photographers like sunrises and sunsets, in fact, so many photographs are taken of these subjects that some groups ban sunrise or sunset images. But for me, sunrises and sunsets are celebrations
Sunsets can be gregarious, vivacious and opulent even. Sunrises on the other hand are subtle affairs. There's a softness in sunrises which just rightly and gently brings you into the new day. It is when time and place are both suspended and restless, the night laboring to give birth to a new day. But like sunsets, every moment of a sunrise is different. Every second is a second in motion, on so large a scale that humans can only perceive it over a long period. But try taking a photograph every three seconds or so and look at the photos after. It is only then that the insidious character of change can be observed. Clouds of mist change the fastest, enslaved by the wind and changes in the atmosphere; they take on a different shape every second, always there but never the same. Water dances to a steadier beat, drummed by far off trade winds and transcontinental currents. Land is slowest of all. Motion so slow no man or series of photographs can be witness to its gentle grind. But every moment is a world in itself.
How do you separate your photography from others? Any general classification or photography in which you attribute your work?
I really don't "separate" my photography from others. I just take photographs of whatever catches my interest. Mostly landscapes, seascapes and street photography.
If only one picture from your pool is to represent your work, what will it be and why?
Each of my photographs is a message so they are "equal", if you may, in terms of being representative of my work. But there are special ones. One of those is "Children of the Sea", a photo taken along the seawall of Roxas Blvd. on a summer day. The elements of the photograph, the sunset hidden by the cloud but still casting an orange glow on the horizon, the play of light on the water, the 4 boys in the water, progressing from the farthest to the nearest who is actually out of the water making his way to the rocks and the man with a child beside him seemingly "watching" over them. All the elements just came into play in one photograph. My series of long exposures of the Grotto on Boracay are also special to me. Those photographs were taken in the middle of the rainy season and I was fortunate to catch a full moon "moonrise" with the monsoon clouds. They are just so powerful for me.
Can you give us an idea of your typical work flow from capturing the shot to posting to TL?
I try to frame my subject so I won't have to crop during post processing so I don't lose any quality. I also bracket shots whenever the circumstances permit. In post, I just usually adjust for light, contrast, levels, curves, just enough to get what I want, not overdoing adjustments. Mostly global adjustments.
Lastly, advice to those who want to start photography?
Like everything else, put your heart into it. And that's not as simple as it sounds. Putting your heart into it means time, effort, investments. And keep learning the functions of your equipment, learning these things will bring you closer to the "style" or "feel" you are looking for. Learn from others. Look at other photographs and join or read the many forums on photography. There are so many intelligent technical and philosophical discussions which will surely contribute greatly to your craft.
Photography for me is a language everyone understands. Like, music and all the other art forms, it transcends words. It is a tool by which we can communicate with others through the images we capture. As the photographer who captures the image, there are feelings or emotions we want to convey or share through the image. As a viewer of the image, we see the image from our point of view, from our heart, or mind. if somehow, there is connection between the photographer and the viewer, then the image fulfilled its purpose.
Let me ask about; who/what is your major influence in photography?
i don't know if there is a single person who has influenced the way i capture images. i may admire so many photographers but when I’m capturing an image, something else is at work, my entire being goes into capturing the image. But if you want names of photographers I admire, Ansel Adams and Nick Brandt.
There are others who have the constant urge to upgrade their gears; do you think gears in photography really matters in getting the "perfect shot"?
There are two parts to this question. My answer to the first is: as long as you have the minimum amount of gear to get what you want. It really depends on what photos you capture. If you're a nature photographer, then you would want long lenses and equipment protection. If you're a fashion or portrait photographer, you may need lights or a good flash system, if you're an underwater photographer, you obviously need underwater accessories, if you're a sports photographer, then you need long and fast lenses and a fast camera. Constant upgrades are a luxury, not a necessity. Once you have your basic gear, you're good to go. You don't want bringing tons of equipment around anyway, unless you're a pro with a staff to do that for you.
second question: you may have the best equipment in the world but if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time or the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time, then you don't have your image. Of course I’m talking as a landscape and street photographer. If you're doing studio shots, then you have control over most elements of your process, subject, lighting, time, color, design, etc. if you're out in nature or on the street or a sports photographer, you're hostage to so many variables: weather, lighting conditions, positioning and the effect all of these have on your equipment. And when you're out there, its 1% equipment, 1% skill and 98% luck. over time, you develop a feel for certain things and you attune yourself to some elements like where the sun is setting, if its rainy this time of year, where to set up for a particular shot. Nature is such a big subject and everyday you spend outdoors is a day in school. The perfect photograph is a gift. a good photograph is a product of learning.
We have seen many sunsets in your posts in Treklens, does this signify anything? How about Long exposure shots?
i particularly like sunrise and sunset images. I’m not alone in this, millions of other photographers like sunrises and sunsets, in fact, so many photographs are taken of these subjects that some groups ban sunrise or sunset images. But for me, sunrises and sunsets are celebrations
Sunsets can be gregarious, vivacious and opulent even. Sunrises on the other hand are subtle affairs. There's a softness in sunrises which just rightly and gently brings you into the new day. It is when time and place are both suspended and restless, the night laboring to give birth to a new day. But like sunsets, every moment of a sunrise is different. Every second is a second in motion, on so large a scale that humans can only perceive it over a long period. But try taking a photograph every three seconds or so and look at the photos after. It is only then that the insidious character of change can be observed. Clouds of mist change the fastest, enslaved by the wind and changes in the atmosphere; they take on a different shape every second, always there but never the same. Water dances to a steadier beat, drummed by far off trade winds and transcontinental currents. Land is slowest of all. Motion so slow no man or series of photographs can be witness to its gentle grind. But every moment is a world in itself.
How do you separate your photography from others? Any general classification or photography in which you attribute your work?
I really don't "separate" my photography from others. I just take photographs of whatever catches my interest. Mostly landscapes, seascapes and street photography.
If only one picture from your pool is to represent your work, what will it be and why?
Each of my photographs is a message so they are "equal", if you may, in terms of being representative of my work. But there are special ones. One of those is "Children of the Sea", a photo taken along the seawall of Roxas Blvd. on a summer day. The elements of the photograph, the sunset hidden by the cloud but still casting an orange glow on the horizon, the play of light on the water, the 4 boys in the water, progressing from the farthest to the nearest who is actually out of the water making his way to the rocks and the man with a child beside him seemingly "watching" over them. All the elements just came into play in one photograph. My series of long exposures of the Grotto on Boracay are also special to me. Those photographs were taken in the middle of the rainy season and I was fortunate to catch a full moon "moonrise" with the monsoon clouds. They are just so powerful for me.
Can you give us an idea of your typical work flow from capturing the shot to posting to TL?
I try to frame my subject so I won't have to crop during post processing so I don't lose any quality. I also bracket shots whenever the circumstances permit. In post, I just usually adjust for light, contrast, levels, curves, just enough to get what I want, not overdoing adjustments. Mostly global adjustments.
Lastly, advice to those who want to start photography?
Like everything else, put your heart into it. And that's not as simple as it sounds. Putting your heart into it means time, effort, investments. And keep learning the functions of your equipment, learning these things will bring you closer to the "style" or "feel" you are looking for. Learn from others. Look at other photographs and join or read the many forums on photography. There are so many intelligent technical and philosophical discussions which will surely contribute greatly to your craft.
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