My Photography Journey; Knowing my Subject

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I have just read an online article about photographers being generalists or specialists. I am no expert, but I think there’s nothing wrong with being either.

I say this, because, I am now aware that I have started as a generalist. I’ve had the desire to photograph almost anything and everything; from the golden and blue hour subjects to moving objects or derelict buildings. But in so doing, I have learnt a lot.

Until I realised what definitely interests me.

Every time I sat still on a corner in a public place, my attention got drawn to how humans interacted with one another and with their surroundings. I was usually at a distance and could not hear anything. So, their facial expressions and gesticulations left me guessing. I found these fascinating and decided to capture the enigma with my camera.

My niche was born. Street Photography. I’ve got a lot to learn about this genre. Is this the path to becoming a specialist?

It is surely where my interest is heightened. For now.

We shall wait and see.

Every Snapshot has a Story

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On Every Road Trip

On every road trip
you and I take
the eye catches
one beautiful place.

That city of old
it’s simple but gold.
A village in a country
seemingly full of naivete.

Must stop and watch
A breathtaking sunset
Or sit upon the hood
And marvel at the stars.

One may yearn to stay
The heart says nay
For there is home
Not so far away.

No worries just yet
Just steer and stop
At your heart’s desire
To bask and admire

One beautiful place
the eye catches
on every roadtrip
You and I take.

A Photography Journey: Finding My Place

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Definitely, an ongoing exciting journey.

My interest in photography has developed over time. It took awhile before my photo collections found their categorical place on my social media accounts.

I call myself an amateur photographer. I don’t use any sophisticated gadget but my mobile phone camera. Still, I take pride in what I was able to put together; my snapshots, my edits, my own perspectives.

Below is one of my photos on Instagram.

https://instagram.com/p/Bh2NZbVA53T/

I recall a verbal English proficiency exam years ago when I was randomly asked about photography. The question took me by surprise.  My reply was simple. Basic. “Photography starts with the use of a camera as the foremost tool for taking important images. These images are embedded with memories of a lifetime. Photography has made it possible for these precious memories to be printed-off and be filed in a photo album.”

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A travel snapshot shared on Google+

Photography became a passion when I was able to travel more, even halfway around the globe. I could not simply ignore the scenic views and the magnificent panorama that I thought I would never have the chance to see with my own eyes! I needed to document every experience and my camera made that possible.

I was cynical when the DSLR cameras first came out as they were huge and heavy. It was kind of unsettling because, for someone like me who isn’t tech savvy, they looked complex to use. All I wanted was to take photos with less fuss and fiddle.

However, times indeed, change. Social  media sharing became rampant. I, too, was caught in it. Who wasn’t?

The mobile phone companies smartly embraced this change and the smartphone invasion became unstoppable. Of course, I jumped into the bandwagon and thank heavens I did! I ditched my other camera(not totally, I still use it from time to time) for the more convenient, truly handy and user-friendly mobile phone.

The ease of taking photographs with my smartphone has immensely kindled the hobby more. Also, with the advent and continued availability of free, easy-to-apply photo editing applications, photography has never been more fun to explore. I, for one, can say that the innovation of the mobile phone camera has made the art of photography more accessible to a lot of amateur enthusiasts like you and me. So, let’s keep it up and click away!

Here’s what inspires me:

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Do visit my photos on Instagram

My photo collections on Google+

This journey continues:

I Got Blocked!

Let’s Hope She’s Not the Last

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Apo Whang-od continues to catch the attention of not only the locals but the international community as well. She may not even be aware that her extraordinary story has reached way beyond borders.

She leads a simple life in a remote area of the Philippines and her story now extends to her roots, the Butbut tribe of Buscalan.

Many visitors found the long journey to see and experience her hand-tattooing skills totally worthwhile.