Sept 05 '08

Cream Silk Scholarship Program Ad
Model: Abbie dela Rama

A few months ago, there was a billboard in EDSA that caught my attention. It was a Page Jeans photograph of 4 people posted near the MRT Santolan Station. Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with the brand up uptil I saw their billboard. (That's a good thing.)

Fast forward to the first week of September and I get a call from my 'favorite' PR agency to photograph a model for a Cream Silk ad. I packed my stuff and drove with my lightsman, Benjie to the shoot location - a cozy office somewhere in Makati.  We were introduced to Con-con, an amazing make-up artist, Jasmine of Fabtrix, and a petite kid sitting silently on a chair, busily texting. She was Abbie, the model for the ad.



Abbie was sharing to us her insane schedule for the day. She had just gone home from a taping with GMA-7's Dyesebel in Manila, went home to Bulacan, took a 30-minute nap, and rushed to Makati for our shoot. That's the average model's day I think. Wow! Amidst that I often hear of women desiring to become models. Haha. I later found out that she was finishing her undergraduate thesis, juggling her modeling career in between her academics. (Btw, Con-con did an excellent job on minimizing Abbie's eyebags.)

The week after the shoot, I viewed Abbie's online site and found a familiar photograph in her album. I'm sure you already guessed it by now. It was the Page Jeans billboard. Voila!

What a day! =)

For more photos, click HERE.

June 07 & 27 '08
somewhere in Bulacan and The Greenery

Roi Francisco is back! Yehey! *clap-clap-clap* Now you might be asking, "how is that related to the subject of prenup"? Roi is back to shooting weddings. Although of course, he needs to finish his thesis first before he can completely come back to the fold. But for this weekend, Churoi is back. Hehe.

We will be shooting the wedding of Noriel and Cherryl this Saturday. So I thought I'd show you guys how this lovely couple looks like.

Here are some photos. You can find more photos HERE.

Lounging around while on ocular at Bulacan.

We looked at a prospective venue for their trash-the-dress (TTD) session (coming in a few weeks after their wedding). And we instantly liked this place. Can't reveal to you the details for now, up until we finish the TTD. Please pray that the weeks after would be sunny. Even the slightest rain produces drastic effects on the water level in the river system in this place.

On the walkway at The Greenery in Bulacan.


Same place. We hit some portraits inside the main hall while waiting for the rain to stop. Come to think of it, It was a good thing it rained. Had it not, we probably would not have the puddles needed for the reflection photo below.


Another indoor shot while waiting for the rain.


A signature shot from me. =)


Portrait at the miniature train, which was cut short by the rain. Too bad.


And finally, the crew behind the photos with the lovely couple.

L-R: Jaja (Che's friend; Mine also =) ; Prod for the day), Che, Noriel, some guy who joined in for picture taking out of nowhere, and Benj (newest addition to the team). Benj is now our official lighting specialist (the glorified term for the lightsman). He has been lighting our weddings for a couple of times now and undoubtedly, he's getting better and better at it. Kudos to Benj!

Lighting is still courtesy of Nikon CLS. Tune in for more photos in the future as we have recently acquired pocket wizards. PWs are the coolest! Nikon CLS + PWs are the bomb! Canon + PWs are ok. Hehe. ;p

Eric's Despedida
Sept 12 '08
Platinum, Makati

Eric, a good friend of mine from Stratworks will be working in Cambodia. In the tradition of leaving the country, he had a despedida videoke party with his officemates (some of whom had also become my friends) and I was invited (or I invited myself, hehe).

If you had been with me for a long time, you'll notice that I really enjoy taking candid photographs.

Here are a few from Eric's party.

Eric and Char's reaction at the latter's entrance. Sorry, I can't discuss the details of this photo here. Hehe.


Martha and Sam - the videoke duo, horsing around.


Ross laughing at Nix's joke (not shown in photo).


Click HERE for more photographs of the party.

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Comm Res Get Together with Cass
Sept 13 '08
CBTL, Greenbelt, Makati

Cass visited from Cebu. Here are some photos.

Vky and Mina laughing it out.


The beautiful people.


Click HERE for more photographs of the get together.

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"The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box." -- Henri Cartier Bresson, speaking on candid photography

April 30 to May 06 '08
Palawan

Finally! After months of sitting down editing the last of the Palawan photographs on and off, I have finished. I intentional left out the landscapes and miscellanous photos for this last entry, knowing they are better appreciated if not mixed with other pictures of a different theme.

Understand that I traveled along with my family which explains the choice of subjects shot in this album. A lot of factors come into play for this, but was generally  controlled by our itinerary. Needless to say, my primary objective is to spend quality time with my family. Picture-taking falls in after. Ja was there to strictly remind me about that arrangement. =)

I mentioned this earlier in a different blog entry. I do not profess to be a landscape photographer. Given the choice, I would much rather be known and commended as a church photographer. The downfall of young photographers and hobbyists is to box themselves into a certain speciality early into this craft. I strongly disagree with this foolish practice and encourage my close photographer-friends to work on a variety of themes every time circumstance permits. There is much to learn and enjoy in every field of photography. Every photographer although required by his contractors to excel in his field, needs to also be adept with other fields, if not for the pure joy of it, but for the possibilities of branching out in the future.

I photograph a variety of themes, although not all of them are shown online; church activities, weddings, birthdays, corporate events, people, food, conceptual projects, macro stuff, architecture & interiors, landscapes, etc (except nude, because I am a christian).

So, before I begin to bore you all, here are select photographs. I have noted the settings for photographers to appreciate them.

Children, Antipolohan Beach
1/250s f/7.1 ISO100 170mm SB800 Remote SU4 triggered w/ on-cam flash


Reflection of Coconut Trees, Panacan, Narra
1/40s f/11.0 ISO100 15mm


Raincloud, Honda Bay
1/500s f/11.0 ISO100 35mm


Dogs Running, Snake Island, Honda Bay
1/640s f/5.6 ISO100 200mm


Underground River Coast
1/40s f/11.0 ISO100 17mm


Most of the pictures in the album were photographed with a Nikon D200 (as if the camera body mattered alot, hehe). Lenses used would range from the Tokina 12-24, Nikkor 17-55 2.8, or the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR. I didn't get to use my back up Nikon D70 but still enjoy using this cam for other occasions from time to time. The tripod used is a Manfrotto 190XProB with a Giottos MH3300-621 ballhead. Once in a while I would use a circular polarizer and/or a graduated neutral density filter only if the shot requires it.

For more photographs, click HERE.

For related entries on the Palawan vacation, click on the respective dates below:

Days 1-2
Day 3
Day 4
Days 5-7

Hello once again!

I just got down from cold and wet Baguio to document the G12 Conference. Before the events I photographed pile up in my hdd, let me share to you a few church and G12 conferences I've shot over the past months.

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G12 Pastor's Conference
May 29 08
Faith Fellowship

Ptr. Rich preaching.


Ptr. Rich during worship time.


A session of ministering for the couples.


For more photos of the G12 Pastor's Conference, click HERE.

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DMI Ignite Conference
Aug 25 08
DMI Life Center


Worship time.


Mars leads her group for their cheer during the team building.


For more photos of the Ignite Conference, click HERE.

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G12 Conference, Baguio
Aug 27 08
Baguio Convention Center

A time of worship.


Drummer during worship time.


Honey bees!


Morning view from the Manor hotel.


For more photos of the G12 Conference in Baguio, click HERE.

Aug 03 '08

These are select photos from Dan's last Sunday service with his church (Destiny Ministries) before his departure on the afternoon. Make sure to click on the link below for more photos and find out what a christian church really looks like. I'd have to warn you though, as the album contains a lot of people hugging, crying, and laughing. If this is the kind of church environment you want, leave me a message so I can invite you. =)

The male church leaders serenade Dan with a medley, a long and wacky medley.


Dan laughs at the Jollibee meal given to him in conjunction with a line of the medley sung. The meal contained a 1pc burger steak with half rice. Half rice is the pastor's nutritional (read as "diet") mandate for growing cell leaders. =)


The church's going-away present for Dan - an Apple Ipod Video.


Ate Zha leads the church in praying for Dan.


A lot of the G12 leaders cry during the prayer, including EJ, the worship leader.


Hugs after the prayer.


Kim, one of the church leaders couldn't contain her tears as she hugs Dan. A line of people wait for their turn to say goodbye to Dan (not in photo).


Jill gives Dan a going-away present, to which they laugh at when Dan saw the title - 10 Great Dates Before You Say I Do.


Thanks to Julie Boyonas and Mic Caldo for the taking the rest of the photos. Nikon rocks! =)

For more photos, click HERE.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 27 '08
Amici, Tomas Morato

Dinner of the SOD oldies with Kuya Dan.

For more photos, click HERE.

Thanks to Di, Luanne, and Julie for the photos. For the videos, go to EJ's Multiply Site.





Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 24 08
CBTL, Trinoma

For more photos, click HERE.

Kuya Dan while teaching in the cell.


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You place medicine in front of a sick man
He looks at the meds, and sees it with his bare eyes
He reaches out to touch and feel it and knows it is real by the sensation it produces in his hands
He shakes the bottle to hear the tablets jiggle inside the plastic canister
He opens the lid and smells the distinct scent of what is inside
Undoubtedly, the medicine is before him

Yet after all that, he does not believe that it would cure him
Despite all the lesions on his skin, his bitter heart thinks he is healthy
So he turns away and runs
He runs as far as he can

And when he does
He either signs his last will unknowingly
Or is intent in his own destruction

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I suppose it's time for some personal testimony.

This is the last cell meeting with Kuya Dan. It was a sad day.

Sometimes, I do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell.

I grew up in a cell all my life. From the Sunday school as a child, to the Sunday school for teens, to the bible studies for adults, and finally to the cell when I transferred church. The cell is where I progressed immensely. It is where I was mentored, taught, given responsibilities, encouraged, prayed for, blessed, given the opportunity to bless others, corrected of my character, defended (especially in the spirit), and most of all... humbled.

Pride was the last bastion I had to overcome to fully understand the weight, pain, and joys of becoming a cell leader. It pains the cell leader to experience a disciple who disdains the cell, thinking that he can cure himself alone, or worse, desire his own downfall.

Before joining Destiny Ministries, I was a member of an Alliance church. The Alliance is a member of the CAMACOP (Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines). It has its roots as far back as AB Simpson and AW Tozer. The Alliance group of churches was among the oldest and abundant evangelical denomination in the globe and in this country.

As a youth, I was full of zeal and excitement to serve, and later on I became a leader. I held the highest leadership position a young man could have in our denomination, in the foremost city. I became the youth president of the Metro Manila churches and oversaw more than 60 youth organizations of the Alliance churches in the city. I held that position for its full term, never quitting despite criticisms, despite low attendance, despite little encouragement or support. And best of all, I did my best to bring the fire to the youth.

When I finally decided to transfer church and join Destiny Ministries, I was placed in a cell. Later on, Kuya Dan became my cell leader. I was 5 years the senior of Dan; I had more leadership experience than my cell leader; I was a christian longer than him; and I was taking my post graduate degree in a Seminary at that time; I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was eleven, long before my cell leader, Kuya Dan became a christian in college. And so I battled with submission.

But I was full of pride. So I didn't religiously attend Dan's cell. I would attend only when I felt it. I would not respond to his text invites to attend the cell. I got bored at the lessons taught in the meetings, and said to myself that they were milk and were for kids, when what I needed was meat.

I was too proud of my roots as a christian. The same way some disciples would resist the leadership of their cell leader, I did not submit to Kuya Dan. And the more I did, the more I got delayed from reaching my destiny.

Sometimes, I do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell.

I had just begun my own cell when Kuya Dan announced that he had to leave for the US. Before he left, he told the cell that someone from among his disciples would have to replace him. We all felt sad at his announcement. I grew fond of Kuya Dan and learned to value his leadership. We parted ways after that meeting and I walked back to the Destiny center. While walking the Lord asked me what my goal was for my cell. I told Him it was to win more young professionals for the Him. And then He asked me, "What if Dan picks someone else to take his place instead of you?" I told Him, I would feel bad at first, but I would still win more young professionals for You. And then the Lord said, "You would replace Dan in his position."

The Lord had told me even before Kuya Dan or our Pastor (Kuya Carlo) informed me days after. At that moment when I was walking, my eyes were opened to the gravity of the responsibility being handed to me. I was teary-eyed as I prayed for wisdom to lead Kuya Dan's cell.

And then I told God, "Lord, even if I am not chosen to replace Kuya Dan, my heart's desire remains, I would still win men for You." At that point, the position became of no value to me. What remained was the task to be done.

And so from a proud man, God had humbled me. As weeks pass by that I assume the post given to me, all the more I am humbled.

Sometimes, I still do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell, when all the cell leader desires is for that man to triumph against his sins, advance and become a man with the character of Christ, and reach his God-given destiny.

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Geeky Stuff:
Nikon D70 + Nikkor 60 2.8 AF-D micro
ISO1600, shutter speeds 1/20s - 1/6s =)

Geeky Note:
Bringing only a fixed focal length lens stretches your imagination and hones your photographic skill. The objective is making the pictures look as if they were taken at different focal lengths. The lens' lack of zoom instead of becoming a crutch, becomes a tool for creativity.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 26 08
Biak-na-Bato National Park
San Miguel, Bulacan

We had a cell outing for Kuya Dan's despedida and as a bonding activity of the cell before his departure.

For those who are not in my church loop. Kuya Dan is my cell leader of 2+ number of years. He produced a dramatic influence in my christian life, something which I could not have attained from another mentor.

For more photos, click HERE.

Left to Right: Kuya Dan (crouching), Mike, Arjie (adopted cellmate for the day, hehe), Edwin, Manong (from the local community), Val, July, Randy, Mic, and Paynor.


Lessons learned from that day:

• The best chicharon still comes from Bulacan.
• Masarap kumain sa bahay nina Randy.
• Ang kasambahay ni Edwin, puwede na magtayo ng Binalot resto.
  
• Matibay pala ang Canon 350D, lalo na pag nadulas kasama nito. Hehe. Joke lang Val.
• Tandaan ang slippers brand ni Dan. Huwag bilhin yun. Madulas. Hehe.
• Mag-ingat sa flash flood. Pack-up agad at umalis sa ilog pag madilim na ang langit. Hala.
• P30 ang ligo. Yung iba, sinulit. Hehehe. Joke lang. =)
• Make cell bonding a regular part of your cell activity.

Hey Dan, if you ever you get to read this: The cell misses you. May God's glory be reflected in you in your stay there at Maryland. I'll take care of the sheep muna, and work for their progress and multiplication. I can hear the women clamoring for more Godly men in the background. Hehe. Pressure-pressure. =)

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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May 10 08
Windmills & Rainforest, QC
Primary photographer: The Real Studio

I'm skipping another wedding in order to post photos from this wedding. So don't be alarmed when the next wedding post is from an earlier date. =)

Today's post is about encouraging hobbyists to think out of the box, always challenging oneself to do things differently, and being excited with new approaches to photographing the same items. Remember, the key word here is - Out of the box. Think out of the box.

For more photographs click HERE.

I was shooting a wedding this Friday, and someone who saw the photo of the shoe I just did asked why I had so much interest in shoes (almost to a point of fetish). Actually, the average wedding photographer likes to shoot the bride's shoes. So it's nothing extraordinary really. Another reason is because I live in Marikina and have more interest in the built of shoes in general. Since men's shoes seem redundant, women's shoes are more interesting to photograph. Although wedding after wedding, the shoes do change, it takes a great deal of effort to come up with a different shoe shot everytime and prevent oneself from repeating, or re-hashing an old idea. I'm glad this idea is new. =)


Shooting along with the videographer who made the video light pass through the space between the wedding items.


The classic photographic approach to shooting the bouquet, upright with shallow depth of field.


The bride in the elevator.


Rochelle's mother cries during her daughter's message to her.


Leander's father, who is out of the country, calls to greet his son and daughter-in-law and cracks a joke, to which the couple give off a hearty laugh.


A portrait to cap off the evening.


Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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