Pictures Lasts Forever

First of all let us define the difference between a picture and a photograph. I was able to find the following definitions from my favorite photography magazine:  i-mag magazine

i-mag magazine always have a page in their every issue that defines the terms Photograph, Image, Print and Picture. It's a very useful section especially for photography enthusiasts. 

A different review on i-mag soon...


A photograph is basically anything that comes out of our cameras. Whether the medium is film, digital sensor or sensitized paper for pinhole cameras. If it is made according to the primary definition which is "drawing with light", it is a photograph.

A picture on the other hand is a print of a photograph.

After all the digital advancements and all the present modernization on photography, I still go back to the old -fashioned way of having a hard copy for every fine shot taken. These are photographs taken from late 2009 to present, finally, I was able to have them printed.

Family pictures from various events, landscapes, some portraits and even our wackiest pictures. Going digital placed my mind off a bit from printing. The photo albums I have piled up in just a few months. Thanks to that Photo Contest, it gave me the initiative to have what's needed to be printed out. 

One important task I've done was having my favorite picture of my boys printed and placed in a picture frame. Now, it's right on my computer desk and beside my shelly souvenir . Even the Kodak people who printed it out for me liked this photo. They asked me to tell the story behind the picture. To complete this blog, I will also share it with you.

This was taken in Nasugbu Batangas last October 2009.  Just to ease out the hardships we went through the day and the week after the typhoon and a month after we recovered from typhoon Ondoy. We just thought that a trip out of town would change things a bit. And it really helped because we witnessed one of the most amazing sunsets ever. Nobody else was at the beach except us with the calm waves of the ocean and the cool breeze. I stood by the shore with my tripod and waited for the right moment... and here it is in this picture presented in this blog. It's just being at the right place and time. This trip wasn't even planned.

All of this printing made me think of buying Canon's Photo Printer. It will probably cost the same. With a photo printer at home, anytime, you'll have a hard copy of your favorite photo in your hands. I've been contemplating on it for a very long time. I mean, I am also saving up for a brand new lens and other camera accessories.  Buying everything all together is not really a good idea.

Scenario:  It's been 2 years since I bought my dslr, it's about time that I also upgrade my gear and now, a photo printer which is also going to be useful on preserving memories. So what will it be? to Canon Selphy or not?

Pictures Of Me but Without My Camera

Weird for a blog title right? A bit confusing too. Here's why. I seldom get photographs from certain events since most of the time for the past 2 years, I was the one working behind the camera. If not that, I always volunteer to take the picture. Then at the end of everything, I only get like one or 2 photos of myself. Sometimes, I get blurry or not so good- looking shots. On a recent wedding we celebrated with some friends, I  opted not to bring my camera or anything at all (not even a clutch bag). It was the night when I thought that I should just go with the flow.

Everything turned to be a huge success on my part. I mean, having no bag around was already an achievement for the night. The whole evening was fun, my hands are free. My right hand holding my Margarita and my left hand holding my husband. Above it all, I know that most friends from our circle will bring their cameras that's why I totally felt that it's time to take a rest from taking photographs.

Half of me felt incomplete though,  like something important was missing. Well, my camera was not with me...  I bring my camera (dslr or digicam) almost everyday, anywhere I go. Then, half felt normal in a sense that I was able to celebrate "the usual way". I have all the time to talk, meet and greet new people, enjoy some cocktails and simply have a cool evening.

Receiving photographs from other people and getting tagged from various albums brought so much excitement. For the very first time I wasn't doing the tag, for the very first time I ended the celebration with me still looking fresh, for the very first time, I was able to cherish every moment of it.
Photobooth: fotoloco

For the last 2 photographs, I would like to thank Jon San Pedro, a very good colleague and close friend of ours. For this opportunity: I would like to send my warm wishes to Ria and Rowny. It is actually us who should be thanking you guys for sharing this special event in your life and as a rare opportunity  for me.

Photography Where Do I Stand After 2 Years

1. Learning  never stops

Some people asked if I will be upgrading to another camera. Yes, I will be upgrading but not yet. One reason why I want to enroll for Photography lessons is because I want to become knowledgeable of the things that works around in this field.

I want to go through the process. Study, Learn, Experience and get Certified. From there, it's going to be managed well. They say it's the eye and the imagination working. True. I strongly believe in that. Because for the past 2 years I have been using the cheapest gadgets you'll find in the market today, and I'm proud to say that my work has been getting credits. They may not be great, but seeing the fruits of my imagination in a picture  is something. Using a basic kit will put you to the test. 

• Maximize the user manual, the cds that came with the kit. 
• Everything is going to be useful and always take your time. 
• Don't pressure yourself with what's hot and what's not. 
• Join forums, buy readings (magazines, books), subscribe to Photography lessons online,
• Don't be shy to ask fellow enthusiast
• Learn from criticisms
• Look beyond the usual and
• Practice, practice, practice.

2. Photography is not yet a passion for me. I define passion as something that our hearts truly desire. Something that  we wouldn't miss in a day not talking about it or even not thinking about it. Passion is something that makes us feel complete. 

Dictionary meaning: Boundless enthusiasm

As for me, I stop when I don't feel like it. I know it contradicts the whole fact that I want to take lessons. (which will lead you to point #3 if you'll read further) I'm still  in the process of making discoveries. Photography is not going anywhere. And as time goes by, even a non- professional knows that new tips and tricks will just add and add and add, it will never die out.

I discovered my interest for taking pictures 5 years ago when I already have my own family. The idea : is loving to capture moments and milestones.

Just last Sunday, my Dad gave me a new backdrop for my portraits. Actually with that sweet gesture, it made me realize that I've  pulled-off from taking pictures for a very long time.  That's why I'm blogging about it right now, it made me think again.

3. Only time can tell

I used to have the luxury of time. Now, I still have the time but very limited. I'm kinda stuck in the middle right now. I thought that I will be able to achieve a goal this summer. Too bad, I wasn't able to... I was looking forward to summer because I was hoping to enroll in Basic to Advance Photography.

With one event, everything changed. After Typhoon Ondoy's wrath, my husband and I immediately grabbed the opportunity to transfer to a safer location. That sudden move made a deep impact to our line of priorities and goals.

The turn of events from moving out to moving in, adjusting my son's travel to and from school, following up refund of deposits made, and to add the heat summer has brought us, at the end of the day, all I want to do is to go straight to our room and rest with the Ac on full blast.With these activities, I was even caught unaware that in a few weeks, it's time to enroll Franky for school again. Where do I stand now? when is the best time to study Photography? As a mother, I always give way for my family's sake. You know what, time will tell. As of now, all I wanna do is concentrate on my family first. I want to open myself to whatever life has in store for me. "In Life's own time, not mine"  Besides, even if I'm old I can still take pictures. I just want to take it step by step and make sure that I will not miss a thing  with Motherhood, which is very important It works best for me this way.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners.

Playing Dress Up With My Favorite Toy

Photography is a very expensive hobby. A good lens may cost as much as buying a new and upgraded DSLR, & I wanted one for my birthday and for Christmas.

But since I still lack knowledge and the proper skills, somebody advised me to take lessons and join workshops first so I can improve.

Taking pictures has always been just a hobby for me. Later on, I saw both the serious and lighter side of it. It's not just a hobby that can open one door. It opens all doors and windows in the field. The wide range of opportunities in store... so why not get into it 100% right?

I will get to gain a lot. Like discovering new things, make new friends, enhancing creativity and imagination, learning from other people. At the same time, I already have the heart for it and I enjoy doing it, which settles everything by the way.
Finally, after contemplating for months, I decided to take Photography lessons before totally upgrading to a more specified set of tools for my photographic experience. Basic to Advanced. After finishing my Basic Photography workshop, that's the time I plan to get a good set of lenses and a speedlight of course. Immediately, I can proceed to Advanced Photography.

Thinking on how I will go about it kept my mind blocked from blogging. My mind was totally blank for the past weeks.

Anyway, yesterday I bought myself a new lens. Something that I can use so that my old one can rest.

50mm f/1.8II ( and for about 5 minutes I was imaging myself holding a Canon 50 mm f/1.2 L USM)

I'm after the aperture for this one. It's small, lighter and gives sharper images. It's a fixed lens, so I will be adjusting if we talk about range. I also bought a set of diffusers and a filter.

Orange diffuser

The whole week, I have been figuring out whether I should buy a super- duper nice lens, I ended up toying around. Meaning, adding a little color to the kit I presently have.

Blue Diffuser

A translucent diffuser was also included which softens flash light for a consistent tone. With one of the smallest DSLR at hand, a colorful set of diffusers and a cute new lens, my camera literally looks like a toy right now.

Undecided--- Taking Lessons On Photography This Coming Summer

As we all know that I am bound to create a portrait studio. One of my main concerns before doing this is to be able to understand the concepts behind this field and the must-haves on setting up a studio. During the recent International Book Fair held at the SM Convention Center, my dad was able to talk to an old friend (now, a professional photographer). Of course, they talked about the old times. My dad shared with him that I was interested with what he does. So, the prof photographer suggested that I take lessons in a famous school for aspiring photographers in Intramuros Manila ( which I've heard from some friends too). I really wanted to enroll, but I was thinking that it might be expensive. What did you know, its very affordable. It will take sessions on various fields on photography to get certified.

Certified, meaning, you can now "at least" have the right to have your own studio, work for and with a group of professionals. I cannot say as a "professional photographer" because I understand that there are levels to work your way up to become a "true professional".

Nothing can be safer by getting certified first before working on projects. I'm out to make a big investment to equip myself with the proper tools. Proper knowledge should go with it too.

Since I am fully not available this year (with my son going to school) I'm praying that when summer comes, hopefully, my schedule is going to be more flexible. Enrolling in this program is my Dad's recommendation, I want it too. Then he will help me with the rest. It's a very easy thing to finish, especially for a person who really wants to learn. It's the availability of time that makes it complicated.

Photo Here, Photo There, Photos Everywhere

Let me clear that I am doing this as a hobby. As promised here is the entry from my picturesque weekend. The photo shoot was a sudden activity. Saturday morning, I went to my hometown to do some things for my mom. Went to DFA'a satellite office with them to help them get their passports. While waiting, my sister and I talked about headshots, facebook, multiply and the likes. I got excited and asked if they want to take pictures that very same day too. And so we went on with the plan called my cousin Soqui. We ordered a bucket from KFC, enjoyed a fantastic dinner and talked about stuff. It was like a slumber party. My cousin Jordon, who is a make-up artist was suppose to join us too. But he had an activity prior to our invitation, so we ended up doing our own faces.

My Mom actually lent us her new set of make-ups. I really didn't have anything. So thanks mommy!

Photo shoots for me is a fun activity. Its playing around with the camera. Only, the camera is bigger and has better features. We coached each other on the poses and copied some from a magazine. It was very fulfilling to be able to get great pictures. If not great, shots beyond the usual.

In our guestroom, I turned on the AC and I assembled my set (as if I have the real photo set-up) just some lamps, and my reliable black back-drop. Black makes the subject stand out that's why I love it. But don't worry, I do have intentions of using lighter backgrounds, natural light and more props. I started with my sister Ella.
As we all know, she's my favorite subject. There were daring shots. I'm talking about half-naked pictures (see my FB if you're my contact). It turned out nice, but since blogspot is an open network, I decided not post everything.

-My sister Les-

She was the hardest to capture. She has braces! She's not really the only one, we both don't know how to strike a pose.

 It will take hundreds of test shots for us to be able to nail a pose and a smile. Over-all, the pretty girl with braces was able to find her forte.

And finally, SOQUI. We all knew her from my last set of portraits.
If you noticed everyone was wearing their t-shirts. We totally forgot to change to our intended clothing. But I liked the color of Soqui's shirt. Its the face not the shirt. There was something I didn't like that night though... I got fewer shots compared to the first batches. I was really tired from a full day of activites. While shooting the last person, my eyes got all watery and blurry, I couldn't see clearly through the viewfinder. It was really bad. I could have gotten more. I apologize to my sister Les, for not being able to give my 100%. With this empty space that made me feel incomplete, I asked my dad to accompany me to go on location for another shoot. I will take my time, have fun, and be 100% ready.

It still brought a great feeling. I was able to bond with my cousin and sisters, we enjoyed laughing making-fun of each other's poses. It was awesome. And thank you to my blogmates who gave such wonderful comments on Facebook (you know who you are).

HE Painted Over Our Weekend

My picturesque weekend started last Friday. My husband took me and Franky out to the Mall of Asia. Originally, we're suppose to check the Science Discovery Center. But when we got there, the majestic sunset and the Manila Bay caught our attention instead. Well, the sun went down already... but that didn't ruin our afternoon. Looking at the people by the bay, made us appreciate family, nature and what a looonggg weekend is about.
The clouds above was naturally painted with red and orange... My husband took most of the pictures. He said: God just finished a new wonder...

I looked up and it was very beautiful. Then, I looked around, families everywhere enjoying the fantastic day. It was heart-warming seeing Filipinos have a good time.

Photographers from all over came to shoot the sunset...little they notice the sky above them.
Later that evening, as we were strolling and looking at some guitar shops, we heard a loud bang. My guess was right. Its fireworks time!

It was amazing.
I didn't get nice shots, or at least clear ones. I ran all the way from the guitar shop to the bay area.I was everywhere and my camera too.

My picture-full weekend didn't end with fireworks though...
PORTRAITS will be posted soon.
Smiley Face

Have a lovely week!

Self-Awareness

I am officially going to start posting affirmations every Monday. Defeating that Monday blues, let my weekly affirmation help brighten you up as you begin a new journey every week. Posting affirmations helped me cope greatly throughout my week. Battling- off stress and unnecessary emotions that tends to keep a person down. Last week, I was down with colds and flu. I can't barely talk. With this, I was still doing everything by myself from taking my son to and from school, chores, trying my very best to prepare good food, and keeping a light disposition. I've become aware on new things as a mother. Even if you're sick, you just can't sit and watch, or lay down and let the day pass without doing anything for the family. It makes us "as the light of the family" feel incomplete. On the other hand, resting and taking care of oneself is also essential in order to provide a healthy day. Being fully aware of our needs as an individual, helps maintain a good relationship with the family and it makes you glow.

Aside from family life, there are more things that inspire me everyday. 3 other reasons that makes me whole as a person.

Being a food lover. Kitchen has always been part of the family tree. Coming from a clan of Kapampangans, I learned to love the kitchen through my Mother and Grandmother. Cooking is an easy thing to do, almost everyone can cook. We become unique, with the flavors we make and the recipes we concoct.

The only passion I keep for myself right now is creating notes online. It makes my mind stay active and for the past 2 years, it slowly brought out a new person. I never knew that I'll be able to create stories and various articles. I was never a writer at heart, I never even liked reading books. I was just an ordinary girl next door.

I keep blogging as a form of outlet. As of the moment, I take time and on a slower pace, making room for one more hobby.

Photography. I am now loving it. As a contributing factor on being self-aware, I am opening myself fully to this new interest. I still don't have the time though. For now, all I can do is to equip myself with readings and join forums online to be more knowlegeable. I am very particular with Potraiture. As I was going through some readings in National Bookstore, I was happy to find out that I am moving on the right path.

Portrait photography is just so fascinating. I get to study the face of the subject, develop a close relationship with the person, and become more creative that will help enhance my skills. This book gave justice why I needed a DSLR.

SLRs gives more professional results and because of its cost, size, and speed of use, it is the choice of many. You can change lenses for different effects. Ultimately, you have greater creative control. I don't have the skills yet (how I wish I do) and the proper knowledge. I only own a basic camera kit. And I'm not saying I am good at it. But that doesn't also mean its not possible to be able to take great shots.

my sister ella (taken at the La Mesa Ecopark)

This is an opportunity for me to grow and develop more as a person. Thinking on justifying the right gadget or not, it brought me second thoughts on committing on this field. Scared to fit in the world of Photography. Another realization though, if it is really your heart's desire, just go for it! Regardless of what people might think. Take criticism as a healthy option. By the way, constructive criticism and unsolicited advices are truly different from each other. Don't listen to those who gives discouraging words. People tend to act as if "they know it all" just because they were there first, they had it first or because they studied about it. We become experts through constant learning. And learning is gained 'til forever.

Later, I plan to enroll and study Photography. I think that's the best time to invest on a new cam.

0o0o

When you look back at your life, will you remember the journey?Conscious living is about taking the time for yourself to think about and choose the life you want. It is about understanding and changing any negative thoughts, patterns and behaviours we may have.-source-

SoQuI

On Monochrome

Last Saturday I was out with my cousin. We went out for a movie and dinner. Later, I invited her to my place to hang-out and asked her if she could model for me. Its been a long since I took pictures.
I posted her album on my multiply. One thing I didn't share over there is the photoshoot set up we had.

The whole time we were on the floor! Soqui seated on the black backdrop. Table lamp as our lighting source, basic cam kit and on MF. I love taking dramatic shots... I find it artistic. The model gets to emote and at the same time it will not require make-up. The facial expression gives life to the photo.

It was a great pleasure SoQuI! There's a lot of lessons to learn in Photography... And my heart is calling out for photo workshops and group photo sessions. A friend just invited me to join her group every Saturday. I got very excited of course. But with my son going to school and without a helper around, it would be difficult to squeeze it in my schedule. Anyway, there's some good news set to come for this hobby soon.