It used to be that photos were made using film. And this film needs to be developed using chemicals and is done by those who know the tricks inside a dark room. That was how pictures were “post processed” or “developed” back then. Gone are those days. Today, it’s all digital photography. Post processing and tweaking, improving, deleting, adding, photo editing or enhancing photos are done by those who know certain programs like Photoshop or Lightroom.
Model: Gummi Fiona (Click to zoom)
The first photoshoot that I ever joined encouraged me to get back once again and learn more about a built-in program in my laptop which at first I did not really took notice of. Now, I’m trying to learn more about photography and photo editing once again. It’s called Photoshop Elements 9. In this photo above (right), the model’s face is in full color while the rest of the photo is in black and white. The second photo is the original one and is in full color which I also tweaked increasing its color’s intensity. How about that? The marvels of digital photography!
Responding to a call to help raise funds for the Typhoon Yolanda victims, my wife and I joined a “photoshoot for a cause” organized by a friend at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. We spent the whole afternoon learning from professional photographers who freely shared their knowledge and skills in photography. There were several models and professional hair and make-up artists who were there too. I did enjoy observing what was going on eager to learn. This was my first time ever to join a photoshoot event where I was also involved as a newby “photog”—I learned that term, “photog” (short for photographer) yesterday haha!
Model: K De Leon Zummel (Click to zoom)
I brought along my Panasonic Lumix GF-1 camera (a micro four-thirds camera) with my three lenses: an old 50mm Nikon lens which I had since the 80s, a 14-45mm Panasonic zoom lens and a 30mm Sigma fixed lens. I kept on changing lenses trying to figure out which was the best lens to use in each situation and I’m glad to see that one of the pros kept on changing lenses too. He gave me some tips about which lens to use in each situation. It was a time of fun and learning. The sad part is that after looking at all my shots at home, I can only select a very few which I feel are really good shots. Oh dear haha! The whole afternoon and nothing to show for it. I need to learn more on how to really take good shots. Oh well, until the next photoshoot.
I did have a hard time focusing the old Nikon lens since it had no auto-focus capability—an old camera lens. It was not a waste of time though. We gained new friends who are also lovers of photography as an art expression just like me. I did learn new things about photography, about models and about make-up artists. And we were able to join a worthy cause to help victims of the Typhoon Yolanda calamity. It was a great day!
I am really grieved that Philippine partisan politics is very much alive even in the midst of a great disaster like this recent one brought about by Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon ever recorded in history. According to Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, the secretary of the Dept. of National Defense, a barangay captain did not give relief goods to his constituents who did not vote for him during the recently-held barangay elections. This is really quite frustrating for me to hear — that is, if this is true of course. If it were really true, then it’s a sad state of affairs.
Partisan Politics
Even in social media and mass media in general (radio, TV and print), it would seem to me that commentaries or posts are tainted with political overtones. There are accusations and blame hurled on each side of whatever political leaning one may have. There is a great and bitter divide in this country. There seems to be no unity. There is only chaos and confusion. Each side blaming each other.
A Ray of Hope
On a positive note, I am glad to see that some government officials have admitted to some inadequacies in their handling of the relief goods distribution. It’s also good to hear that some accepted the criticisms positively. I am also glad to note that on this 7th day after the typhoon, both the government and private sectors are beginning to get more organized and mobilized to bring the relief goods to the intended recipients. As the saying goes, “in unity, there is strength.” “United we stand, divided we fall.” May we all be united in Jesus Christ.
On our way home to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga last night, we were greeted by huge Christmas lanterns as we entered the city. It’s the beginning of the Christmas season in Pampanga! This city is reputed to be the Christmas capital of the Philippines.
Due to the pork barrel scam, a lot of government officials and others in the private sector are in the hot seat right now and are in the eyes of the public already guilty of graft and corruption. That’s just how it is. Aided by media, people can easily judge and condemn others without due process. Are these people guilty or not? Hopefully, we’ll soon find out who are really guilty and who are not and hopefully, may justice really prevail “without fear or favor.”
Is Honesty Still Important?
This reminds me of what the psalmist said in Psalm 15. He asked, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” (Psalm 15:1) In other words—if I may take the liberty of interpreting and applying this hymn or song into our modern times—the psalmist was asking, “Lord, who is worthy to enter your kingdom of heaven and live with you for all eternity?”
And the psalmist answered his own question by saying that this kind of person has this kind of attitude and character: “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent” (Psalm 15:2-5).
These are men and women of integrity. They are not corrupt and will not accept bribes. They have pure hearts willing to serve God and their fellowmen. They fully trust their lives to God no matter what.
The psalmist assures people with integrity that they will have their place in God’s kingdom by concluding, “Whoever does these things will never be shaken” (Psalm 15:5). Their reward is assured. They will be in God’s kingdom. The Lord will gladly welcome them with open arms.
With so many corrupt people in government, we really need more people with integrity to lead our people and our country today.
