This was my first experience at photoshooting models. It was my first experience to join a photoshoot organized by a group of photographers for the benefit of the typhoon Yolanda victims. I was glad I joined. Models and make-up artists also joined this photoshoot for a cause. I learned a lot by just being exposed to fellow photography enthusiasts who are more experienced and more knowledgeable than me.
Model: Gummi Fiona (Click to zoom)
For these particular shots, it was a challenge to get a really good shot because I was using an old f1.8 50mm Nikon lens which I attached to my Panasonic Lumix GF1 camera body. The 50mm Nikon lens was a kit lens for my old Nikon EM film camera back in the 70s. Since it had no electronic connections, I had to focus manually and it was a challenge because the model does move once in a while and I was shooting without a tripod. I was glad I was able to get some good shots. It was a great learning experience.
This is actually just an ordinary photo of my daughter which I took sometime in 2012. I tried to enhance the quality of the image and I’m still learning a lot. In this photo, I’m also trying to learn how to make headshots based on what I have learned from professional photographers on YouTube. I’m not sure if I’m successful in portraying the character of the person here but I hope it does show somewhat from looking at the picture.
My daughter loves to make digital drawings and she is an Animation student. By showing her artist’s cap, I’m trying to convey that it is what she loves doing the most. She is actually in her college uniform and so I included her shoulder to show the white blouse. I’m trying to convey her character here. Hmmm… portrait photography.
As I was driving at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on our way home from Manila to Pampanga with my family, my daughter who is on vacation from work suddenly said, “Let’s go to Barasoain Church.” She actually saw a road sign indicating that this tourist spot was just nearby at the next exit. My daughter is kind of the adventurous type and loves history and so we exited NLEX and entered the historic city of Malolos in Bulacan. So spontaneous haha! Well, my daughter is on vacation so I gave in to her wishes quickly. I wanted her to enjoy her vacation.
Barasoain Church and the Malolos Constitution
Well, no regrets because it was great to visit one of the old churches built some centuries ago during the Spanish times. It was our first time to visit the place and we were sure glad we did. No regrets. It was great to learn something about Philippine history. There are actually many centuries-old churches that can be found throughout the Philippines. The Spanish friars must have made it their main preoccupation to build beautiful churches using sometimes forced labor among the common people. Anyway, this church was unique because of its historical significance in the history of the Philippines. It was here that the first Philippine Constitution was created. It was called the “Malolos Constitution.” The first congress session was held here.
I did hear and learn about these things during my high school days but visiting the place itself made me appreciate our Philippine history much better. It’s good to visit historical places once in a while if the time permits.
My wife and daughter took some shots inside and outside the church. There was one man who was amusing and somewhat annoying at the same time. He seemed to be a “caretaker” of the church and he kept following us. We were somewhat annoyed because he always showed up in our pictures haha! Photobomber! Anyway, I guess it was his way of being a “tourist guide” haha! And maybe he was also just making sure we would behave in the church as good visitors ought to be. We had fun and it was great we did that side trip to Barasoain Church.
Here’s an old photo of my wife’s niece which I shot sometime in 1999 or 2000 in some mall in Metro Manila. That is, if I’m not mistaken. For this old and faded photo, I tried to restore it somewhat to make it look good and turned it into a black and white photo.
Learning Post Processing
I guess I still have to learn more about photo editing and retouching. Somehow, there are photos that are really difficult to restore to its original pristine condition. I plan to learn more about restoring old photos and make it look good again as if it is new.
As it is right now, I know a bit about Photoshop, Photoshop Elements as well Lightroom. I guess it does help that I have an art background. I studied architecture during my college days and worked for about 10 years in the field of architecture before I ended up as a church pastor haha! I still love photography though as an art expression up to this time.
These Photoshop programs are helpful tools for those who are into digital photography. They can help enhance photos to make it look good. They call it “post processing.” During the film days before digital photography, “post processing” was done in the dark room where the film is developed and maybe retouching is done as well. Nowadays, anybody who has the interest can shoot photos and do their own “post processing” to improve the shots they have taken right in their own personal computers, tablets or smartphones using some apps.
Or, you can hire someone who knows how to edit and retouch old photos for you.
30-year-old 50mm Nikon lens mounted on a GF1 camera
Photoshoot By Chance
My wife and I were invited to become sponsors in a wedding in Cagayan de Oro for a couple whom we have known since they were little kids. Both parents of this couple on both sides are my friends. We lived in Don Carlos, Bukidnon for one year and then in Cagayan de Oro during the late 80s and early 90s for about five years so I got to know both families and their children and we became close friends. And as usual, wherever I go, I usually bring my camera for an opportunity to photoshoot.
Just before the wedding, I had the chance to have a photoshoot with a really pretty girl. I also happen to have known this pretty girl since she was a baby and even before she was born in her mother’s womb. She happens to be the daughter of a couple who also became my close friends through the years as we lived in Mindanao.
30-year-old 50mm Nikon lens mounted on a GF1 camera
Photoshoot Using a Mirrorless Camera
So, just a few minutes before the wedding started, I asked her if she would be willing for me to take some quick shots of her and she gladly obliged. As usual, I used my micro 4/3 GF1 Lumix camera with a 14-45mm kit lens. I also used my more than 30-year old 50mm Nikon lens attached to my GF1 camera which somehow still fascinates me that it still gives really sharp photos. That is, if you get it right as you focus manually. It has no modern electronic parts. All for the love of photography as an art expression haha!
GF1 camera with 14-45mm micro 4/3 kit lens.
Well, although the photoshoot was hurriedly done — the wedding was about to start — but I’m happy that I was able to get some pretty good shots of her. I would say, that I need to learn more how to take better shots but nonetheless, I’m enjoying my hobby and I’m having fun along the way. Thanks to Aya!
