The Expert Beginner: a free photography talk

December 5, 2011 by witsandnuts

It’s been almost a year since I attended the basic and food photography workshops conducted by the maestro. And guess what, he’s back in Abu Dhabi (although we occasionally meet him here for random gatherings and we expect to see him more since he tied the knot with one of my very good friends; I remember the giddy me when he had dinner in our house and saw this ‘gonna make you thirsty’ photo I took during a workshop hanging at the dining area) and he will conduct a free photography talk on seven (7) easy steps to creating a better photograph.

Please do come and don’t miss the experience this coming Friday, 9th December 2011, in Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. It will start at 9:30 AM. We hope to make it on the latter part since we’ll be proceeding there from St. Joseph Church (little J is attending the catechism class every Friday). Admission is free, just present your 2011 Paskuhan ticket. (Click here to read about last year’s Christmas bazaar/paskuhan in Philippine Embassy.)

Blog anniversary and birthday giveaway

July 4, 2011 by witsandnuts

(A thousand photos were taken but only a few made it to the special prints. Are we on the same boat?)

Hello everyone!

I know I’ve been quiet lately and I thank those who continuously drop by to say hi in your own ways. For those who asked, no, I was not traveling (yet) but I’m so consumed by responsibilities on and off-work. But all in all, I’m doing good. Since my favorite month has arrived, let’s talk about growing up and gratitude. I’m holding a blog anniversary and birthday giveaway as I’m traversing my 4th year of blogging; nonetheless it still feels like that first day when I blogged as if no one was reading. At the same time, I’m turning 32 over a week from now and it (always) feels like I’m in my early 20s and that life has just begun.

In the several years of blogging and awe-inspiring discoveries in life, I’ve taken a lot of photos and accumulated a multifold of memories wherein no photo was involved. With all the camera clicks, one of the simple things that I’ve been meaning to do for a long time is to finalize/submit the photobooks I’ve started (some are meant to be given as presents). And I thought it is an agreeable idea to share two (2) Photobook Philippines’ vouchers worth P4,000 each. In principle, I would like to imagine sharing a scene with two charming readers (either miles away or not) doing the photobook layout and customizing the other details at our own paces (with the use of the free software). And there’s no rush, we have until February 28, 2012 to redeem the vouchers. So, we can be meticulous at this point!

How to join the giveaway?

Simple rule: let’s have fun and get to know each other better!

1. Please leave a comment on this post and share with me/us your birthday (feel free to include your birth year and other trivial details about any of your birthday celebrations or the day that you were born).
2. Given a chance, which photos are you going to include in the personalized photobook? Why?

Two winners are going to be selected based on the response provided. The contest is open to everyone until 17th July. The winners shall be announced on 19th July.

Antulang: A Photo Journey from March 4 to 6, 2011

February 10, 2011 by witsandnuts

I’ve been to Dumaguete in 2004 and given a chance, I’d like to revisit this lovely capital city of Negros Oriental. As I write this, I think of the inato and other delectable yummies, the serenity and spank combined in its many attractions, our wandering inside the Silliman University, the beach, and more. I wish I took plenty of photos that time because when I rechecked my limited captures, they were mostly about me and my workmates. That probably was the chapter in my life when I was more concerned about me being framed in the shot and not of the views. Recently, I learned that Jay Alonzo, our maestro in basic and food photography workshops will champion a ‘photo journey’ in Antulang Beach Resort from March 4 to 6, 2011.

Photography + Travel + Food + Great Photography Teacher + Company of Photo Enthusiasts + ? = Promising Photo Journey!

? = you!

Why a photo journey? This workshop is not only a travel photography because it will try to bring out the photographer in you. It will teach you how to to create photos that speak of your emotions, your idea, your story. It’s not just about image making…it’s the moment. Jay Alonzo will teach the participants to come up with images that need not much, if none at all, post processing and cropping images. If only I were in Manila or vacationing in Manila soon, I will definitely join in!

For those who wish to join (and for the undecided, I know you will give in *winks*), kindly take note of these details:

Level: Recommended for beginners and intermediate photographers

Requirements
* Any digital camera but preferably a digital SLR (for DSLR users, kindly bring all the lenses that you have)
* Tripod
* Extra camera batteries/battery charger
* Adequate number/capacity of memory cards for your camera

Photo Journey Workshop Fee: P9,500 (5% discount on registration placed before February 20, 2011). For Negros Oriental residents, P7,000

Photo journey inclusions:
Breakfast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Morning, and afternoon snacks/refreshments for Saturday & Sunday
Dinner from Friday till Sunday
3 nights twin sharing a deluxe cabana
Sunset cruise to Tambobo Bay
Roundtrip transfers (for grouped arrivals/departures in PAL or Cebu Pacific flights, which arrive and leave 15 minutes apart)
*Airfare and lunch are personal account of participants

For bookings, kindly contact Ms. Claire Serillo from Antulang Beach Resort, Acme Traders Compound, Bagacay, Dumaguete City 6200 Tel: +63 (35) 422-2600 / 225-8899, Telefax: +63 (35) 422-2461, Mobile: +63 920-947-6373, Email: info@antulang.com

Note: This is not a paid post. I believe in this photo journey and its organizers. Since I can’t join in because I’m miles away, the best that I can do is to share this great message to those who will possibly benefit from it.

Food photography workshop

January 17, 2011 by witsandnuts

(More than pleased that I was able to capture the cocktail in this look, i.e. before the fruits emerged after few minutes it was served.)

If you are a regular to this blog, you probably can tell that majority of my photo subjects are food-oriented. I think that this topic has particularly sustained my interest in blogging. While I am no expert in taking food photos, I am happy whenever my snapshots succeed in making any reader mouthwatered and hungry (*grins*). At times, my own posts make me crazy-hungry. Unarmed with technical know-how, I only had one rule whenever I capture food photos whatever camera I do use: to capture it the way I want to remember it. Until I’ve joined in the food photography workshop conducted by Jay Alonzo last weekend.

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