Thursday, March 29, 2007

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.

F
PC: 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

- end -

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

PoW! 22nd Week

There's a moonlight like the sun on a calm beach
Where lovers spend moments without any speech.
Eye on a flower, sparkling in red-green explosion
Of colors, greets the eye with visual satisfaction.
Aliens hatch a plan of earth conquer, time to unite!
Fight them off before the eggs spew out their blight!

Here are this week's FPC's PoW!s, in no order of preference:

little red
"Little Red"
by: doctian
Sony DSLR-A100, 1/640, f/5.6, 300mm, ISO100

Editor's Comment: This photo is very eye catching. The colors are just wonderful and I love the bokeh as well. Great job.

Alien Hatchery
"Alien Hatchery"
by: captchaos
Sony DSC-H1, 1 sec, f/2.8, 6mm, ISO64

Editor's Comment: There's a lot of talented photographers in FPC who shoot very respectable miniature photos and Ronald Bayan is one of the best. This photo attest to his imagination and creativity. Doesn't this one photo seem very real to you? To me it does and it even scared me! Like the alien was real and they are planning to take over the earth by multiplying then attacking at once! We have got to find this hatchery before it's too late to save the earth!

By our lonesome
"By our lonesome"
by: kael06
No Exifs Available

Editor's Comment: I remember reading something from a book, it explains the special connection between people and the sea (or the Beach).

We always find it romantic, relaxing and for some reason the beach makes us feel at home. Well technically it is our home, its where all creatures came before it evolved to strive on land (sorry for being nerdy).

So this summer, pack you bags bring your friends and visit the beach. Its all worth it!!

and as the ever energetic band SANDWICH puts it (from their track tittled Sunburn)

I need to get away from the city
I need to get away from work
I need to get away from traffic
I just wanna be on the Beach

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

PoW! 21st Week

Does an alley cat meow when it is "bangag"?
Or does it purrrrr like a crazy angry ugly hag?
Or will it screeeeech like a sports car zipping
In full throttle with gleaming body streaking.
Drive it up the mountainous highways fast
Like a bullet from a gun, gone far in a flash.
While the fowl on the water is having a drink
so slow, but lovely in her dress of lively pink.

Here are this week's FPC's PoW!s, in no order of preference:

porsche HDR
"Porsche HDR"
by: Joachim Guanzon
No Exifs Available

Description: my boss and I took this car up the canyon here in Lehi, UT for a few promotional shots, I suggested we used HDR just for kicks... I got a lot of compliments from this shot as well

Editor's Comment: I like how this product shot of the car is done with HDR. The venue shows the idea how fast the car can go. Make me want to have one myself. :)

Having a drink
"Having a Drink"
by: Igorms
Nikon D200, 1/160, f/5.6, 400mm, ISO1600

Editor's Comment: What I like about this shot is the surprise that you get when you click on the thumbnail. What you think as a slender backside of a woman with legs on the water and the head lost in a cloud of pink (or is it fuchsia) and white and black is not what it turns out to be be when you see the larger photo.

Igor makes good use of his big gun and shows his affiliation with nature with this wonderful photo of wildlife. Though it could use about a half-stop more exposure, it is quite a riveting sight watching this fowl take a sip through its funnel-like beak. And it makes you think why it doesn't just bend its knee so it could get to the water easier.

Bangag
"Bangag"
by: Captchaos
No Exifs Available

Description: I had another dream. I dreamed I saw a party Cat! But he was not happy... in fact he had dagger eyes!

Editor's Comment: This image is mesmerizing. I like the colors most of all. It's ironic that a gray colored cat can be such a colorful photograph. And those eyes, wow! So sharp and so arresting.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

FP: "Airistic" Portraiture

Our featured Photographer for this week is FPC's first Photographer of the Month (PoM, Jan 2007). Well, that doesn't bring you much of a surprise; we all know who he is! And he proves to be a repeat contender for February. If indicators are trustworthy, he's going to bag the title again this February! What with two winning entries to the Club's photo contests?!

That obvious matter having been said, let us dig deeper into the person of this prolific newbie, Airic (or Eric) Espenida, known in flickr as Ryuji23.












flick
r name:
Ryuji23
Real Name: Eric Espenida
Lives in: Angono Rizal
Day Job: Web Quality Assurance Merchandiser/Freelance IT Specialist
Current Gear: Nikon D70s; Nikkor 50mm lens
Dream Gear: Nikon D200 / Nikkor18 - 200mm VR/SB800 flash
Favorite Photo Subject: Portraiture
Favorite Photographers: Manny Librodo, Ross Capili, Daniel Go
Photographic Ambition: Build my own studio, become either Wedding, Events or Fashion Photographer

A JOURNEY INTO HIS PERSON
1. Him and His Family

FPC: How many siblings are you in the family?
Ryuji: I have one older brother so that makes me the youngest in the family.

FPC: Has the place where you grew up anything to do with your passion for Photography?
Ryuji: I grew up in Makati City for the past 20 years. In my childhood days I preferred sketching cartoon characters (I made my on comic books when I was a kid) or loitering around the neighborhood just to observe the environment (church, old houses, buildings, houses etc.). But I didn’t think of taking pictures back then because my parents didn’t want me to use our old film camera just because I didn’t have any idea how to used it.

I lost my sketching hobby when I was in grade 6 when I shifted my attention to basketball. I joined the school's varsity team when I was in high school. I was more a sports- & computer games-minded until I graduated in college, with the degree of B.S. Computer Science, from Adamson University.

My interest in art was somewhat revived when we moved to Angono Rizal a few years back. Knowing the place as the "Art Capital" of the Philippines, I saw most of the works of our famous national artist in galleries and dreamed that someday I could also have my own. However, I haven’t think photography would be my medium then; which I do right now! Hehehe hmmm... But I guess I would engage in art in general rather than photography only.

FPC: What does you family say about your passion?
Ryuji: “It’s an EXPENSIVE hobby!” my folks asked me why I chose photography. I told them that this is one way for me to travel and meet people. Then my dad said, “For as long as you still have an extra for our expenses at home, I think that will not be a problem.” Luckily, I still have my monthly salary left for my hobby! Hehehe But all of them are supportive, especially my dad.


2. His Photography

FPC: When did you take up Photography and what was your inspiration?
Ryuji: I took up Photography only last August 2006; Don (shutterglass) introduced me to this field after he returned from the US where he bought his Nikon D50. I was amazed with its [physical form]; but I still can’t afford to buy one. Luckily, Canon S3 IS is a little bit cheaper so for two months I saved enough cash to purchase my first camera last November 2006.

It was a memorable story because when we bought it in Hidalgo, it was almost closing time and we just ask the store owner to wait for us for a little while because where coming from the office. I’m pretty much happy to have my own digital camera, and I just can’t stop taking photos without thinking about composition; mostly candid.

Then we attended the “Thursday shoot @ OWG.” This is where I met mr. Ross Capili and I was inspired by all the works on his gallery. This is where I also learned to incorporate composition to my photos. Aside from that I also saw the works of Manuel Librodo and I was really astonished about how he composes those portrait images. That’s when I decided to focus more on portraiture and to take those frontal shots.

After two months using Canon S3 IS, I shifted to Nikon and bought a Nikon D70s from Chewy, I bought my 50mm lens from kuya Perry. If I liked my S3 IS before, I’m much happier when I got my D70s. It helps me a lot with my shots.

FPC: As a beginner, how did you accumulate your knowledge about Photography and about taking pictures?
Ryuji: With regards to Photography, I’m not into reading books or articles regarding techniques on how to compose a photo (I often fell asleep when I read! hehe.. Unless its all about computer or FHM hehehe). I'd rather visit ones picture gallery and view all of the artist's works. I prefer looking at the picture itself and study its composition.

I think this technique, helps one understand the composition and then create his own version based on what's learned from the particular images. Some might say you’ll just copying ones idea but hey! A picture is worth a thousand words, every one has a different interpretation on a single picture.

FPC: What kind of subjects inspire you most to take pictures?
Ryuji: Woman with veil or a person showing emotions.

FPC: When is a photo “good” to you?
Ryuji: I think every photo has "good" attributes. It's up to the person how will they interpret its meaning. But primarily, I like close up portrait of a lady showing her emotions.

FPC: Are you a technical person, one that pays greater attention to technical details, or are you a compositional photog?
Ryuji: Now, I’m more of a Compositional photographer. I like to maximize what is available. I’m also of the spontaneous type because there are certain shot that’s hard to plan or complicated to compose--that certain moment you’ll just have to wait, and when that right moment comes, you know that it will turn out a good photograph.

FPC: What or who are your influences in Photography?
Ryuji: Manuel Librodo, Ross Capili, Don Garchitorena, Ronnie Ragonton, Daniel Go, JC

FPC: What are your personal rules for taking photographs?
Ryuji: Just be natural, always show your emotions and be enthusiastic on everything that you do.

FPC: Do you look up to someone as your mentor, or exemplar, in Photography?
Ryuji: I consider kuya Ron as my mentor because he knows much stuff regarding Nikon and how to maximize a Nikon gear.

Manuel Librodo, Ross Capili & Daniel Go: These guys are very good in composing a shot, I often look at there works and study how did they do it.

Like I said, every person has a different interpretation on ones image, so I think getting a few ideas on these people and combine it to create your own wont harm any one :)

FPC: How do you see yourself as a photographer, say, in the next 2 years?
Ryuji: Within the next two years, I think It will still be pretty much the same, learning the basic of capturing an image takes only 2 hours, but mastering it will take years.

FPC: Any plans about going pro? What kind of pro?
Ryuji: Yes, but it still a long way for me. Wedding, Events, Fashion. Either of the 3 or all of them! Hehehe


3. About FPC

FPC: How did you join FPC?
Ryuji: Don Introduced me to FPC, I was encourage when I saw the FPC T-Shirt, so cool!

FPC: What is your first impression of FPC? What is your impression of it now?
Ryuji: Back then it was Just an ordinary Photo club. Now I realize, it's more than a forum. It's like a one big family, group, organization, where there’s no discrimination whatsoever. Everybody shares the same purpose and that is to click those shutter 1000x! Hehehe

FPC: What do you think makes the Club click?
Ryuji: The Bonding, the Camaraderie, and helping each other to learn more or improve more in photography.

FPC: What can you say about the FPC events? The discussion threads? And the administration?
Ryuji: I really enjoy the events! Traveling with the group, have a chance to meet models, having fun on an outdoor shoot, having a nice discussion on the thread, and most of all spending 8 hours a day just looking for those members who post their photos in the groups gallery [Pool]! Hehehe

FPC: Do you envision FPC to be anything in the future?
Ryuji: A well established group, very well known not only in the Philippines but in the World.

FPC: What do you like best about FPC?
Ryuji: The outdoor shoot events of course! Hehe

FPC: You are FPC’s first Photographer of the Month (PoM). Does that put any pressure on you?
Ryuji: Honestly none, because I still consider myself a newbie and there still a big room for me to learn. I am very happy to be the PoM. This inspires me to keep on learning and think new composition but there's still a long way for me and I still got nothing to prove.

FPC: It looks like you are again a contender for the February PoM. That is commendable. Are you trying to prove something?
Ryuji: Really?! Wow! Nope, like what I’ve said it still a long way for me, all I want to do for now is to keep shooting, keep joining the event and never stop taking notes from the PROs.

FPC: Do you see any improvements that FPC should make in any of its activities or programs? What are your recommendations, if any?
Ryuji: I think more photo shoot. I also hope if there are major events like the Hot air Balloon Festival, motor show, concerts, etc. The FPC group should be there and be one of those groups that will officially cover those events.

I hope we can be accredited and recognize this year as one stable photo groups in the Philippines.

FPC: What is your message to other FPC members?
Ryuji: Just keep on Shooting! Always join the Photo Events in FPC and have fun meeting new people or members of these group!

We are one group, We are F.P.C.!

- end -

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

PoW! 20th Week

Laughter on the grass from a pretty lass
Echoing among the trees and the grass.
A beautiful lady in the garden, modeling,
Evokes the "oohs" and "oohs", multiplying.
Like an iron wrought of a huge machine,
These circles are mysterious as seen.
As mysterious as the house in the garden
Among the trees and plants 'tis hidden.

Here are this week's FPC's PoW!s, in no order of preference:

Keies 6775
"Keies 6775"
by: Darwin Andres
Nikon D50, 1/2000, f/1.8, 50mm

Editor's Comment: Stunning Capture and moment, Stunning Model and Stunning Colors. Deserves a Thumbs up. Great Job. I love this photo.

ooooooOoooooo
"ooooooOoooooo"
by: laz'andre
No Exifs Available

Editor's Comment: This photo fascinates me. The circles seemingly arranged at random causes the viewers eyes to look around the picture and never grow tired at looking at them. I believe it is some kind of an ironworks but I'm not really sure what it is. Is it a louver, a decorative grille or a gate? It doesn't matter. Not knowing what it is adds to this photos sense of mystery and wonder.

house at the japanese garden
"House at the Japanese garden"
by: usclabdog
No Exifs Available

Editor's Comment: This landscape photo by Rem is stimulating. Not just because of the treatment, which made it simple boiling down the colors to just a faint hue of blue, but also, ironically, in the process made this blend of manmade structure and nature mysterious, even more enchanting than maybe, its color version.

Rem shows us that there is more than one way to simplify a photo, and desaturation is one of them, especially when there are lots of elements within the frame. The colors of a spectacular sunrise and sunsets may immediately catch attention, but to present a rather ordinary photo aesthetically different and provocative is a greater challenge.

Friday, March 09, 2007

FPC February Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the FPC February Monthly Contest - "RED" Theme.

We would also like to to congratulate all the people who have submitted their entries. All of you are winners.

"The Entries"

Here are the top 3 winners.

3rd Place Winner

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
"Red Shroud"
by: Ryuji23

About the Photo: This is a spontaneous concept, actually we haven’t plan any layout, we just placed the veil covering most of her upper portion but to the point that her face would still be visible to have a sudden mysterious appearance of the subject.

Naming the Image the “Red Shroud” pertains that the final output of the image looks like a mysterious lady covering her body with a shroud.


2nd Place Winner

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
"Lady in Red"
by: Squareroot

About the Photo: I chose this photo for the contest because there was something about the model's eye, parang inaakit ka niya, come here! :P Without her doing anything. I was choosing between this photo and the one I took in the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. I chose the first because I like the mood of the light and the posture of the model.

1st Place Winner

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

About the Photo:"Red Bashing" is the product of two weeks of brain-wracking. I self-imposed a deadline for myself that I should shoot the best idea I have in mind before the last week of the month begins. I avoided the usual images that abound in February, like the red hearts and red roses, red gifts and red signs. Yes, even the ubiquitous and macabre "blood idea!" For example, I also thought a hand bloodied by clenching a red rose by its thorn.

A red veil is, by now, a common idea (the veil, specifically) but nevertheless I bought one. I haven't shoot a model in a red veil anyway. I got one with embroidered flowers which are striking when shown against the forehead or the cheek of a model. I bought a card because it has a red Ace of Hearts (but we never got to use it). I also bought a red screen plate mat through which I shot a model (but the effect was unsatisfactory).

Passing by the bookstore one day to buy rubber stamp pad, I saw TIME magazine with its signature red border. I thought maybe I could build on that red frame spark but not copying that as is. A red heart border is gravitating to that which I was avoiding... a simple red rectangular frame with an angry model inside is simplistic... what to do with red... think, think think!

Then, chiiing!, what if I shot that angry model with a fist through the red velvet paper?! That was my best idea, so I shot it. We shot it last. My companion Ryuji and my wife Abby shot also the model through the bashed frame--just the face framed and also one in which she was holding a camera. Of course, I did not let them copy-shoot my composition! Haha! Ryuji shot a model inside the veil which I held by its ends to flatten it by the face area so that the facial features show through. And he won 3rd place! :D

Cheers! :D

Thursday, March 08, 2007

PoW! 19th Week

A town lost in time sends a feeling of desolation,
Sending us centuries back to a different nation.
We wonder, "Where did everybody go?" Gone!
To fix that leaky faucet, we will not find even one.

Suspended in space that droplet seem to me,
And that reflection on the water is a sight to see.
Unlike the sourly face of an Admin named JE,
Who seem to cringe beside a woman-wannabe!

If he should give JE a kiss, oh my! That beer!
It just might land on his forehead! Oh deeear!
Or what of that man with the paint on his face?
Kissing a "fool" clown, makes children grimace!

Here are this week's FPC's PoW!s, in no order of preference:

Bodie Ghost Town
"Bodie Ghost Town"
by: Waves
No Exifs Available


Description: An original ghost town from the late 1800's, Bodie stands today in a state of "arrested decay". Once a bustling mining town with families, miners, robbers, storeowners, gunfighters and prostitutes, Bodie is now lost down a dusty 13 mile long road, off of state highway 395.

"There's a story about a little girl whose family moved from San Francisco to Bodie. Depending on who tells you, or where you read it, she wrote either: "Good, by God, I'm going to Bodie" or "Goodbye God, I'm going to Bodie". Once you get through this site, you'll have to decide for yourself."

*We reached this ghost town at sundown and man, was I scared! It was creepy walking into old houses with all the furnitures still set up like the way they were, but covered with dusts and cobwebs just like it is in the movies. It almost seemed like the people who once inhabited this town just up and left. But although it was a bit creepy, I think we got there at the perfect time - sundown. It seems to be the best time to capture this little ghost town - the wonderful warm colors of the decayed buildings was perfect.

Editor's Comment: Such wonderful colors for a ghost town. A very nice composition. It really made me feel the 1800's feeling of this place. Great Job.

R1H20_2
"H2O"
by: Daniel Y. Go
Sony DSC-R1, 1/400. f/7.1, 71.5mm, ISO200

Description: Had a chance to play with a Sony R1 for a very short time. I hate the EVF and LCD as it is really slow and dark, in fact the Canon S2is' EVF and LCD is faster than the R1, but the R1 produces great image quality. Too bad they didn't put an optical viewfinder in it.

Editor's Comment: I like the reflections and this is not an easy shot. It is well composed

Da Model and Da Charing
"Da Model and Da Charing"
by: Boso
No Exifs Available

Description: FPC's "The Model" with an admirer during a beer drinking contest which FPC's Ronrag "The Master" won.

Editor's Comment: He was a wise man who invented beer. --Plato
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. --Benjamin Franklin
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.--Humphrey Bogart
I drink to make other people interesting. --George Jean Nathan
All right, brain, I don't like you and you don't like me - so let's just do this and I'll get back to killing you with beer. --Homer Simpson
===================================================
Let The Good Times Roll!!!

a clown's kiss
"A Clown's Kiss"
by: mtxtremist
No Exifs Available

Editor's Comment: One from the archive to lighten up our days, but not to taint our teeth yellow!

This portrait simply has the ability to grab your attention, first by the colors in the thumbnail, then when you click to view the photo page, it draws you to the texture of the faces and to the gesture of a kiss to the beaming "yellow" smile.

Linus have captured very common humor figures and yet, with the right combination of color, texture, and gesture, it became unusual enough to grab our attention and make our eyes feast on the elements that fill the whole of the frame.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

A Photographer and a Mother

Who is our featured photographer?

She is a person who can see pure heart. she believes what she think is right (not basing on other's opinions) and stand up for it all the way. She loves like there's no tomorrow, a loving person and always making your day full of laughter. She radiates warmth to everyone she knows and shows compassion to others always... she is a believer and through her camera, she documents all the things caught her attention to show her appreciation to the Creator of how beautiful the world He created for all of us and share whatever she has to everyone... in one word, i can say, she is a very true friend/sister.

She is a live wire, one who never runs out of excitement and energy. That's why all of her photographer friends really enjoy her company during photoshoots. I fondly call her "Atchi Jen" (ate in chinese) not only because she is years and years older than me (ok wag magalit ha?) but because she treats me like a younger brother- out there to look after her friend's best interest.

She's a very passionate and talented photographer and a very down to earth person, you can easily get to know her in a instant when you meet her thats why everyone knows her as atchie (sister) jen.


When you're down & want to be cheered up, then, she's the right person She's someone who you can always count on to, someone who values friendship so much, someone who you can talk to anything under the sun & of course she's someone who will give you good advices in life .... she's my 2nd MOM

FPC: Please tell us your full name and then your flickr screen name.
LG: Jenniefer Go Yu, flickr screen name is Lady Guinevere

FPC: Why Lady_Guinevere for a screename? Can you please tell us the story behind it?
LG: Well the story behind my screen name is actually a boring one. Guinevere is a variation of Jenniefer (three e's). Nothing to do with the King Arthur, Sir Lancelot thing (it sure would've added more spice to our life though! Hahaha).

FPC: Where do you live at the moment?
LG: San Rafael Village, Balut, Tondo.

FPC: What is your current occupation?
LG: Full time housewife & mom

FPC: What is your current gear? (camera body/bodies, lenses and flash guns only)
LG: Canon 400D, Canon A430, Olympus720sw, Olympus C211 & SonyDCR-PC105. lenses are CANON EF24-105mm L IS USM, Sigma 70-300mm APO DG MACRO, CANON EF100mm MACRO and one flash 580EX, infrared sender(for studio use in place of a flash)...

FPC: What’s your favorite photographic subject or subjects?
LG: kids and animals.

hey, no more pictures!!!
"Hey, No more Pictures!!!"

and capturing moments like this is indeed thrilling for me = )

jaws???
"Jaws???"

FPC: Any favorite photographer in particular?
LG: everybody's a favorite = )

FPC: Tell us about your dream gear.
LG: My dream gear is a 5D and a 70-200mm L IS USM plus another 580ex.

FPC: What’s your photographic ambition?
LG: Photographic ambition???? be a featured photographer in National Geographics. hahaha

FPC: When I informed you that we have chosen you to be our featured photographer, You reacted "wow, hihihi knilig naman ako...." , Bakit ka kinilig? :D
LG: As commonly known, I am no professional photographer, nor am I educated in photography, as some of my peers here in FPC are. It really made me feel "kilig-to-the-bones" to be chosen as one of your featured photographers, an honor indeed to be included among those whom I think are good photographers. For me, to be told that I am worthy of being featured, is an honor indeed, an achievement, another feather in my cap.

don't be afraid
"Don't be Afraid"


FPC: How did you know about FPC? Who invited you to join?
LG: I've been invited to FPC by Robert (rareimages), thus making me aware of this group.

FPC: Is photography to you just a hobby or you would like it to be your business as well in the future?
LG: Photography is just a hobby. It helps me take my mind off things that are troubling me. As a business... who would not want it to, right? But for now, I am content to let this just be a hobby...

to have and to hold...
"To have and to hold"

FPC: Your Son, What's his name again? Seems like his getting addicted to this hobby also. What would you like him to do with this Hobby for his future?
LG: His name is Jurrick, our eldest son. Well it is not only him who is addicted to photography, even his dad and siblings are. About what I want him to do with this hobby of his, I believe he should follow his heart. My role as a parent is to guide him and to constantly remind him that no matter how good you are as a photographer, you still need education.

FPC: How did you get "addicted" to photography?
LG: A year ago, I joined www.bncxe.org/forum.php, and one of the sub-forums I always visit is the "Dark Room" where members discuss everything related to photography, and post pictures. Seeing the beautiful pictures posted by the members, I started sharing our pictures and along the way I got to know Ogie, Ahia Daniel, Gelbert, Michz, and a whole lot more. Yup, there's a lot if us there posting pictures and a lot of who are able and willing to share tips and tricks in Photography and Photoshop.

I became close and fast friends with all of them. The closest was Ogie who almost everyday together with ahia Daniel & Kuya Nelman, encouraged me and showered me with praises, boosting my morale and fueling my addiction. (In short, BI "bad-influence hahaha). From then on, after meeting each other in different EB's, we would post pics and admire and share stories.

my love is like a rose
"My love is like a rose"

One day, I woke up feeling dissatisfied with the limitations of my P&S cameras (as per Ogie's prediction). I dreamed of having a DLSR just like Ogie has, but since his was way too expensive, I ended up with a 350D instead :D And if I remember correctly, it was my ahia Daniel who encouraged me to get a Flickr account. Addicted? Nah! I'm more addicted to sharing what I see and sharing them with my friends. Taking pictures is one of my ways of expressing myself. And as we all know, photographs preserve the moment =D (kodak moment!) bow!

And yup! May I, through this, thank all those who have touched my life including my heart? Thank you Ahia Daniel & Ogie Douggie for the constant encouragement when I was just beginning in this hobby of mine. Thank you Karen, you know what for. To JC,Lenard, LJ, kuya Jun & Allen, specially to Bubu, part of my emotional maturity I owe to you guys, so thank you also. Thank you Pat (my sounding board), Kuya Ron (because of your unconditional friendship), Robert & Abby (for being good to me) and Andrew (just because). To FPC, for thinking I am worth featuring, my heartfelt gratitude.

the wedding kiss
"The Wedding Kiss"

Oops! Special mention pala si Eds, syoti, so many many thanks for your patience in explaining "aperture" at "shutterspeed," etc. At last, now I know what they are = ) And to those I failed to mention, you know who you are ;P I'm sorry because Pat might change his mind if I made the list longer!

And last but not the least, to the person who I owe all this to, Daddy (my King Arthur), thank you!!! Now I am a featured photographer!!! You always say I am playful. Now, I think you can say that I am really serious!

and guys, please do visit www.bncxe.org/forum.php , this is my mother forum, my very first online family and where my hobby started.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

PoW! 18th Week

A tattooed body is worth the photo opportunity.
But is that a work of tasteful art or just frivolity?
Well, that for you to judge with your sensibility.

What of hiking to the ocean with a trek stick?
Can't go up 'cause you're feeling a bit weak?
Lend me that! I will climb whatever you pick!

Are these athletes? 'Cause they don't look like.
Except for the uniforms that tell they be might.
In a moment of drama, they're a sight quite!

Here are this week's FPC's PoW!s, in no order of preference:

Trekking Pole
"Trekking Pole"
by: Ronald Ibay
Canon PowerShot A80, 1/1600, f/8, 7.8mm

Editor's Comment: This photo reminds me of some video game cover. The silhouette of the Trekking Pole looked more like a sword, but its not. The dark effect of the whole picture is wonderful with the sunset perfectly expose in the background. And a great feat for the photographer, shooting this photo in the summit of Mount Apo. great work.

SAN RAMON
"San Ramon"
by: Manu Antigua
Canon EOS 400D Digital, 1/50, f/2, 50mm, ISO400

Editor's Comment: A portrait is a painting, photograph, or other artistic representation of a person or object. . . . The intent is to show the basic appearance of the person or object, and occasionally some artistic insight into his or her personality (if a person).
- source: Wikipedia

This picture absolutely exemplifies that description. Although the artist's face is not entirely shown, his eyes reveal who he is. I especially like the creative use of his left arm to show his work and truly identify his personality, what he is and what he does.

Pribhdas and Te
"Pribhdas and Te"
by: xtoid
Nikon D200, 1/200. f/2.8, 135mm, ISO1600

Editor's Comment: I subscribe to the words of the first commenter on this photo who said: "A very intense and intimate photograph... A photo usually not found at a sports event." The timely capture of the intensity of the expressions of these athletes freezes them in a seemingly moment of "bonding."---with the hands of the man putting a towel on the back of the man with a downcast heavy face is comforting his comrade in, maybe, an event of defeat.

The delicacy of the touch and intimacy of the gesture belies the apparent stony characters of these athletes as exuded by their countenances. Although a sports event, the aura of this photo evokes, not a feeling of surging adrenalin, but instead, a feeling of submission and comfort.

free 'sweet' hugs
"Free 'Sweet' Hugs"
by: kalandrakas
Exifs Not Available

Editor's Comment: amidst the stress we have, the problems we encounter, the complications we experience, a simple hug even from a total stranger can make all the difference.

it is actually ironic that in the age of high tech gadgets, portable computers and cellphones.. more and more people actually disconnects themselves physically from the society. this is the inspiration behind the Free Hugs Campaign.

now go on and give someone a HUG and brighten up their day.