FPC PoW!s -- Week 12, 2008

With the long vacation concomitant to Christendom's observance of the "Holy Week," we expect photos from the vacation of FPC members. My family enjoyed the countryside and the beaches of Ilocandia, with me being the full-time driver, part-time baby-sitter and full-time photographer. I enjoyed the landscape and the photo-journalistic images I took with my camera and I can't wait to share them.

Meanwhile, let's look at what our members want us to see in PoW! this week. I see the usual contributors and some infrequent ones. However, looking beyond the personalities, I concentrated on the images and found some gems, including one that is really relevant to the "Holy Week," i.e., "Penetencia 2008" by Eric. Other picks are Marvin's shot of Machi in flowing white dress during their Cagbalete trip. Marvin has the eye, but I can't understand why he doesn't title his images; he seem to be very visual, setting aside the rather encumbrance of exercising the mind by thinking of thought-provoking titles. Therefore, I just give his PoW! photo the title "Where's the Party?"

Ken's photo was nominated by Rey Nocum and gives a spice of action to our selection. "Jenny" by Don is a rather raw photo, considering the "as shoot" skin texture and a seemingly obligatory facial expression. On the other hand, it is a very good material for those wanting to learn studio lighting. He applies a subtle Rembrandt and backlighting that brought out the hair texture on the right side of Jenny and kicking her off the background.

Finally, Alex sends another one to PoW! with his self-portrait on a backlit wall, which I would say is rather creative. He uses 2 speedlights, one in ETTL and another in manual zoom and power. With that setup, Alex shows a substantial degree of mastery of Remote Lighting System or RLS.

This is NOT IN ANY WAY A PHOTO CONTEST. We just want to honor Photographic creativity :D

Here are our PoW!s for this week, in order of date taken:

November 18, 2007

Untitled (suggested: "Where's the Party?")
by Marvin Llanos Maning
Shooting Information:
Camera: Sony DSC-R1
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 14.3 mm
ISO Speed: 160
Exposure Bias: 7/10 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Portrait mode
Metering Mode: Spot


March 01, 2008

"Surf's Up"
by Ken Tamayo
Shooting Information:
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 5 EV
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Pattern


March 17, 2008

"Jenny"
by Don Garchitorena
No Shooting Information available.


March 21, 2008

"Spiderman?"
by Alex Atienza
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Speed: 320
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash fired
Exposure Program: Manual

March 21, 2008

"Penetencia 2008"
by Eric Fernandez
No Shooting Information available.

-end-

Tribute to a Dear Friend

by Alex Atienza

Alex is an Flickers Photo Club (FPC) member based in Doha, Qatar. Originally posted on his Flickr photo page. Reposting here with permission. The photo he captured for this post made it to FPC's PoW!s of Week 11, 2008. Here is the photo:

"Tribute to a Dear Friend"
by Alex Atienza
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 61 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Flash fired, red-eye reduction
Exposure Program: Normal
Metering Mode: Average

Here is Alex's story:
"Exactly 3 years ago today, my Canon EOS 20D and I met in the small town of Matawan, New Jersey and from then on went into a wonderful photographic journey. Oh man! we did took some beautiful pictures since then.

We went places -- East Coast USA, Egypt, Brunei, Philippines, and of course Doha, Qatar, my present city of residence. We attended some international sporting events -- Superbike Grand Prix, The 15th Asian Games, F1 Powerboat Races, and probably the best known of my photos, 3 seasons of WTA Qatar Total Open.

We photographed some of the most beautiful people in various occasions -- Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis, Roger Federer, beautiful models, my colleagues, my friends, family and most beautiful of all, my wife.

And then we met some new friends here in Flickr and the name "alexdpx" was known by my viewers and contacts. More importantly, I've met fellow "photo addicts" in the Philippines, particularly those belonging to the "Philippines" and "Flickers Photo Club" group. Thank you guys. I'm looking forward to shooting with you again someday.

No, I'm not retiring the 20D but it now has to take the backseat in all of my future shooting. My new Canon EOS 40D is arriving soon and that will be my new main camera and the 20D will assume the role of backup. Although I hope I could use both of them in tandem.

It's been a wonderful three years and a beautiful friendship. Not even once has my 20D ever let me down. Thank you. Now it's time to pass on the torch."


A comment from fmtabora (http://www.flickr.com/photos/20594351@N02/) on the photo page:
"I'm a new Dad of a 3 month old baby. I've had sleepless nights because of Daddy stuff (changin' diapers & preparing milk). I guess you'll be having the same experience 'coz Mikee told me you didn't sleep enough last night clicking your baby 40D. Congratulations Tatay Alex!"

Indeed a nice friendship between man and machine! :D

-end-

FPC PoW!s -- Week 11, 2008

With the 7th Tambayan fever wearing out, we focus on the next activities for FPC members. Upcoming are the Go-See for aspiring models and the various tasks that go with it. Committees are formed to ensure distribution of workload among leaders and volunteers. Responsibilities are defined. But however, busy FPC will be, the PoW!s are here to stay.

This week, fresh talents contributing fresh takes to our pool of PoW!s steadily pour in along with long time members of FPC. One is Marc, who took good photos of the Manila Bay dragon boat riders. He also contributed photos of his trip to Anawangin in Zambales and one of these get featured here. Eric shows how to create moving images with a piece of clothe -- and an emotive model.

Perry wows us again with a brilliantly crafted one-lighter creating a dramatic scene with his toy heroes. Alex retires a camera and captures a lasting image-tribute to his Canon 20D. A blog will follow to feature this end of a "close friendship." And lastly, Roy comes back with a photojournal with a political message.

This is NOT IN ANY WAY A PHOTO CONTEST. We just want to honor Photographic creativity :D

These are our PoW!s for this week in the order of date taken:

February 23, 2008

"After Glow in Anawangin Cove"
by Marc Geronimo
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Exposure: 15 sec (15)
Aperture: f/16
Focal Length: 20 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Shutter priority
Metering Mode: Pattern

March 01, 2008

"Swoosh!"
by Eric Fernandez
No Shooting Information available

March 03, 2008

"The Vision"
by Perry Chua
Shooting Information:
Camera: Nikon D2Xs
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Spot


March 15, 2008

"Tribute to a Dear Friend"
by Alex Atienza
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 61 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Flash fired, red-eye reduction
Exposure Program: Normal
Metering Mode: Average

March 16, 2008

"Only Hope"
by Roy Yap
Shooting Information
Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 22 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

-end-

Sea Breeze Resort Revisited

by Garry Cruz
Original blog posted by Garry at his Multiply page. Posted here with permission.

I have been in a slump lately with my photography. I couldn't get myself in the right mood to take photos nor process those that I took some time ago. I mean I'm excited to go out and take pictures but the results are sometimes not what I wanted them to be. I guess I needed a break.

Last Saturday, I was packed with possible shoots and really couldn't decide which one to choose. There was the UP fair, a folio shoot for a friend and a funshoot out with my friends from Flickers Photo Club (FPC). I wanted to go to the UP fair since I haven't watched a concert for such a long time but wanted to go to my shoot at Boni as well. Good thing I was able to ask my 'client' to postpone the shoot the next day.

FPC is also scheduled to have a shoot that day in a warehouse located in Makati but due to the lack of participating photogs, it was cancelled. Robert invited me to a shoot in Sea Breeze Resort in Taguig City, which almost didn't push through due to some model backing-out at the last minute. I said to myself: "What the heck! Since I'm not doing anything that weekend anyway..."

After my shift, I went straight home to pack my things for the shoot. I was also thinking of bringing some swimwear since I'm not really in the mood to shoot but rather to relax. Good thing I decided otherwise and my laziness to bring an extra bag paid off.

We started shooting late in the afternoon coz some of the guys swam in the pool while the models were preparing for the shoot. I was surprised when Luane asked me if we knew each other since I looked very familiar to her. I told her that its the first time I've seen her.

We started shooting around 4pm just about when Egay, our hired makeup artist con hairstylist (does great work), finished doing April's make-up. I messed up my first few shots of her because the strobes were not being triggered by my cam. I felt stupid when I found out that I forgot to reset my cam to trigger the strobes that I was testing earlier that day. With all the strobes set... I was shooting like crazy.

We brought April outside the resort to a construction site and saw some workers with their equipment. We asked permission if we could use their equipment as props for the shoot and they gladly agreed. They even posed in a few shots as well.

Two teams were shooting at the same time. Exchanging models as we go along. Next up was Luane. I remember her talking to me prior to the shoot and asked me if we knew each other. She told me that I looked very familiar to her. Flattered, I told her that it was the first time that I saw her. After having her make-up done. We also brought her outside and started shooting.

After shooting for a couple of hours, we decided to take a break before starting the next set. While waiting, some of us had dinner while others charged their batts. With more than enough juice in mine, I just passed the time listening to music in my PSP.

We were shooting till about 9.30pm all of the flash batteries were bled dry. Too bad I wasn't able to shoot Luane with her 3rd outfit but nevertheless I had fun that day. I went home exhausted but had tons of fun.

-- end
MORE SHOTS HERE!

7th FPC Tambayan @ Kiko's Restaurant

Flickers Photo Club's (FPC) regular Tambayan now on it's 7th time. This night we introduce a relevant and important twist to our eat, dine, and talk gathering. Now we have a model shoot. This is possible at Kiko's 2nd floor where there are no customers eating and a lot of layouts can be shot at the stairs, the orange wall, the door to the kitchen, the restrooms, and the movable panel dividers. Kiko's is at the PureGold ground floor, E. Rodriguez cor Araneta, beside the Quezon Institute.

These are the outtake photos of the event. Other outtakes and the model photos are HERE:

FPC peeps enjoy the delicious food at Kikos Restaurant.
For P200, whet your appetite to a variety of sumptuous meals
to your heart's content.


Kiko's is ideal for Tambayan. Spacious, nice ambience,
delicious food, and most of all, you can shoot upstairs!

Sidney tries his "signature shot" with two babes.
But Abby screams "Bitoy!" and his arms went flying
away from the sisters! Haha

Chit chat before the shoot-shoot.
The models at the left are Breezely and Cecil,
the ones on the right, across Lenard, are Arianne (in gray)
and her sister Abby.


Where are your hands Sidney?!
"Bitoooooy!"


Ronald (k.i.f. as Basti) and Eric.
Ronald and I shoot at weddings together already.
Eric is a regular event shooter.
He arrives from an Incubus Press Con shoot.


Setting up the gears on the 2nd floor "studio."
The stairs, restroom and the kitchen
become part of the studio too!


Readying the gears while the models make themselves up.
Sidney comes in full battle gear, with his old Canon 350D
and new Nikon D300 (Wooo-hooo!)


Robinson and Marvin. Abby and Lenard.
Robinson is an acquaintance of Ian Ong,
but they come along with Rick Li.
Ian Ong comes along with a "Tentative" somebody else! Haha


Surveying the "studio" for layout while the models ready themselves.
A flash unit inside behind the door will highlight the fake leaves
and the glass very nicely, I thought. But we only shot on the leafy facade.


Sidney tots his small and big guns.
A 350D on his right hand and the Nikon D300! on his left.


Eric does his "crazy" thing! LOL
Testing the lights.

- end -

FPC PoW!s -- Week 10, 2008

The 5th leg of the Vigan expeditions came and went by swiftly. FPC contingents had a hard time finding the Sand Dunes of La Paz. We traveled through Laoag City, pass the rurals. We asked directions along the way and the locals gave conflicting directions. One resident said "Turn right after this straight road" and another, "When you get to the peak of this hill, turn left!" Yet another misheard our word and told us "That's in Ilocos Sur!" We realized she was talking about "Candon," a municipality of Ilocos Sur! Haha

We hit a dead end, backtracked and asked for more directions. We finally find the place--a dirt track with empty gravelly earth and sand on both our left and right, stick fences with barbed wires, and thorny bushes along the wayside. After about 5 minutes of inroad, we see huge hills of sand with dirt tracks, apparently made by dune buggies. Three of us got off and surveyed the place. Garry captures a scene of the place.

Before that episode we shot Nina Caldona and Given Teves, models who came with us on this expedition, at Mindoro beach. By the time we got there it was getting dark and the stars are starting to be seen. After shooting them at the beach hut, I wondered if we can get a decent photo of a model and the sky with long exposure. Sidney's photo is a testimony to the success of our effort.

While we were at Pagudpud, Rolan was in Baguio shooting the Panagbenga Festival, where he shot his PoW! this week. He texted he can not follow us anymore in Vigan and intimated that it was cold up there. He had no idea we were are the north tip of Luzon also battered by rain! We drove back from that brink of Philippines, and the sky cleared again.

Other FPC members contribute outstanding photos this week. Edwin makes it again with an unusual fowl photo, and Nilo shoots the Bangkok Skyline bathed in interesting points of light. We chose five PoW!s this week from among great images tagged for March selection; there's just simply many superb photos to showcase and we have space for them all :D

This is NOT IN ANY WAY A PHOTO CONTEST. We just want to honor Photographic creativity :D

Here now are our PoW!s for this week in the order of date taken:

February 21

"Bangkok Skyline"
by Nilo Miranda
Shooting Information:
Camera: Olympus E-500
Exposure: 3.2 sec (16/5)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV
Flash: 88
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
Metering Mode: Pattern

February 22

"Waiting for a Falling Star"
by Sidney Chua
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Exposure: 10 sec (10)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0/2 EV
Flash: Flash fired, red-eye reduction
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Partial

February 23

"Sand Dunes"
by Garry Cruz
Shooting Information:
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.0025 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Spot

February 24

"People Power at Panagbenga Festival"
by Rolan Garcia
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/13
Focal Length: 46 mm
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Shutter priority
Metering Mode: Pattern

March 09

"Look... No Hands!"
by Edwin Calica Cacayorin Jr.
Shooting Information:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 300 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Exposure Program: Shutter priority
Metering Mode: Average

-end-