FPC PoM, February 2007: Eric Espenida

Our Photographer of the Month (PoM) is last month's PoM! I've worked with him in several occasions and I can attest to his passion with what he does. Having said that, there is no more guessing who he is! Presenting to you our PoM for February, 2007: Eric Espenida, known in flickr as "Ryuji23."

Ryuji earned the PoM award for this month by accumulating more points than others who participated in the monthly theme photo contest and in one or more of the OTS of FPC events during February, e.g., "Hot Air Balloon Festival." He won 3rd place (2nd runner up) in both contests. The total points he earned for February is as follows:

We sent a flickr mail to him, like we did last month and asked him a few (more) questions:

FPC: Is it sweeter the second time around?

Ryuji: Both times are sweet! I'm so thankful to FPC that it gave me this award. Again! Maybe I got lucky. Again. Hihihi. I'm happy for it!

FPC: Do you think you can bag it again next month?

Ryuji: I don't think so! There are so many great photographers in the group, especially the new members. I've looked at most of their pictures and... wow! I just tell myself that I have to keep on learning new approaches, new ideas and composition in order for me to be at their level.

FPC: In case some generous souls gave you prizes for being twice PoM, what's on your wish list?
Ryuji: Wish list? Hmmm... that's embarrasing! But I think it's not a crime to dream, right? Well, here's what I've been dreaming, things that would take me 5 to 10 years more before I could afford them:

1. Nikon D200
2. Nikkor 18-200mm VR
3. SB800 or SB600 flash
4. Studio or Outdoor shoot with a celebrity or famous fashion model (sigh!)
5. Flickr "pro" account! Hihi

It's just a wish list! Hehe

Again, I would like to thank FPC and all its members. We should be proud of our group! Congratulations also to us for hitting the 600th membership mark! Yehey! Let's keep promoting our group so that we can reach 25 million also! Hehe

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FPC PoM, January 2007: Airic Espenida

Our Photographer of the Month (PoM) is a newbie, having just upgraded his camera from a P&S to a DSLR. He sure must be very inspired to shoot as he was able to send quality entries to both the month's theme and OTS photo contests!

And in both contests he wins, bagging the grand award for the OTS!

When the results of the OTS contest came in, I instantly knew who the PoM for January is. Well, no guessing about that! Anyone can tell, actually, by just keeping track of the discussions on the thread. Therefore, presenting to you our PoM for January, 2007: Airic Espenida, known in flickr as "Ryuji23."

Ryuji earned the award by accumulating more points than the others who participated in the FPC events (announced in threads, where members should sign up to qualify for points) and submitting entries to the monthly Theme and the On-the-Spot contests. When January ended, Ryuji was awarded the following points:

We sent a flickr mail to him on the night of validating and finalizing the scores, and asked him a few questions:

FPC: How did you react and feel when you read our flickr mail?
Ryuji: I was a bit surprised because I never expected to win such award, the first thing that comes to my mind is "Hey! Is this for real?" I know there are many FPC members that have much better composition than mine and it was just luck that I won, but I'm very happy for it.

FPC: How does if feel to be the very first PoM of FPC?

Ryuji: All I can say is "WOW!" I'm very much pleased and also motivated to improve more to enhance my composition because I'm still considering myself as a newbie.

FPC: What does the award mean to you? And how will it affect your photography?
Ryuji: This award means so much to me! It raised me one level up on my current skill. Though it's still a long way for me, I'll take the challenge to improve more. I will continue to ask pointers from the skilled members in our group. And I will always be proud as a member of FPC.

I just want to say thank you! I didn't expect anything, all I want is just to shoot and improve my composition, and this award is very special, I always consider myself as a newbie in photography and I'm looking forward to learn more from the PROs here in FPC.

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