How about a career as a paparazzi?

On our way back to Cebu, we've spotted Angelica Panganiban at the Tagbilaran port, must have been shooting for a movie. I immediately took out my long lens and started experimenting, waiting for her to smile (not easy, believe me). I thought it will only be a quick shot. Looking at the result, I think I should also consider a job as a paparazzi.

Feeling Thirsty?

I don't think so, hungry perhaps. I am always attempting to try food photography everytime we go out and have a really nice meal but I am always starved (every single time or at least the time the food was served). Pleasing the tummy becomes more of a priority more than the evidence of a fancy meal. So as a result, since the drinks are always served first, it is consistently the only ones that have souvenir shots.

Metamorphosis

Change as they say is inevitable. Oftentimes associated with uncertainty and it scares us. What we do not know is that what underlies all these changes happens in the end; it is always something positive to look forward to... something beautiful. That's what a butterfly's life span signifies and from time to time, i think it's good to be reminded.

Philippine Tarsier

If there's one thing about Bohol that I soooo wanted to see, it is definitely the Philippine Tarsier. The beach is only second in the list. A check on my wish list was granted before 2010 ends.

Cebu

The best things in life are free or so as they say. When my friend told me that the airfare’s going to be her treat for us on her birthday, I instantly said ‘Yes’.

Our first stop was Cebu and here's what happened:

We bought a kilo of Lansones.

Found a spot where a decent photo can be taken.

Went to visit the church, and got jailed?

Attempted to buy souvenirs.

Found a tree…

To apparently sit underneath…

Decided to be a little adventurous and tried the local transportation.

Got lost in the city.

Looked forward to an evening ride at the edge coaster at the top of that building.

Decided that caffeine might help add up energy to survive the rest of the day’s city tour, perhaps somebody ordered the wrong kind, went crazy.

Posed like FPJ, I totally have no idea how I’d learned this.

Attempted to offer a prayer, but did wrong, must have watched and observed first before embarrassing yourself in front of the Buddha?

Attempted to take a shot that they won’t know.

And finally, realized that McArthur can’t be found in Mactan Shrine... hahahaha!

Capones

Indeed, a fantastic place! I instantly fell in love with Capones the moment I laid my foot on the rocks. Capones definitely made it to the top 10 most picture perfect places I’ve been to (never been to Batanes and out of the country, so I guess my opinion could be acceptable for my current state).

Enjoy!

Anawangin

After our Cagbalete Trip, we’ve decided to head north this time and visit the much talked about Island and indeed it was. The time we arrived (even until we left) the place was packed. There are people everywhere and the nice view were overpowered by the clutter of people. Perhaps not a good sight to take souvenir photos. What can I do? It’s summer. Flights to Boracay, Bohol and all the nice beaches were all booked at that time and since, we’re up for some cheap deal and great adventures, we pushed the plans to happen. I did enjoy my trip (of course, with the company of my friends) but it just didn’t turn out to be what I have expected.

Below photos are the most decent ones I got for the trip, hope these gets a passing mark. I didn’t take many photos because I was then hyped with socializing and dipping in the water. Apparently, I’m exaggerating. After a bit of chat with everyone, I slept, then slept and then slept. Why am I so tired? 

and of course, SELF-PORTRAIT... one of the perks of using UWA.

Cagbalete Island

This year’s summer, I’ve desperately wanted to go to the beach. The first for this year’s set to be at Cagbalete Island in the province of Quezon. My friend have been blabbering so much about this hidden paradise for two years now for some reason the scheduled trip was always pushed out.

Here’s a glimpse of its beauty:

Terry and Eve

I admit that I was a little bit hesitant to do this shoot driven primarily by my awareness of all the hassles while preparing and during the day itself (add the fact that it was held on a holiday, January 1, 2010). I’ve seen how experts do it and at that time I was doing this shoot I was not very confident without their presence. It felt like this time around I am all on my own; no one to ask around what should be the appropriate settings and the dos and don’ts. Here’s some learning that I was able to absorb:

•  Expect that as a photographer, you will want every opportunity for a good shot. You can’t let your energy drop. It is recommended to bring a handy snack and water all the time. Even if the food is served early, you may not want to miss a well-captured moment.
• Arrive earlier than expected. You would need to shoot the preparation and the details. Family emotions are also very evident no matter how busy everyone else is. Plus, it takes a while to build a connection between the wedding clients and the photographer.
• Always shoot with at least 3 buddies around. Some good perspectives are captured by other’s eye and later you may benchmark on their style too. Best if you can tag along another one who would assist you and watch for your stuff when you roam around and shoot.
• Always consider the other shooter/photographer (not the official ones of course), have the decency to “not block” when you’ve seen one already on his core of taking a good shot. And can somebody not borrow your camera when you’re already hyped and in the mood?
• If you can afford a graphic artist that would match your post-processing preferences, do so. The post-wedding must-do’s are the ones that are too tedious to do. At least for me, I hated the after-event. Well, hate it more then you’d scare clients away. I guess that, for me, is also something I need to improve.

Even if I was reluctant at first, I also would like to admit that this was worth trying. Truly, I learned a lot. To the newlyweds, Terry and Eve! Congratulations!