1st Coffee and Camera Club (Baguio City) Photo Exhibit

On October 10, 2015, The Coffee and Camera Club held its first photography exhibit at the Baguio City Museum. The exhibit featured photography works of Baguio City-based photographers like Rey Abellada, Wynne Cat-ag, Gary Kier, John Pahigon, Rachelle Regalado, and Gerald Sayaan. Visitors and photography enthusiasts enjoyed the framed artworks, pansit, and of course, as the club's name suggests, coffee and camera (sharing experiences and future plans).

I was touched by the warm welcome the group showed unto me when I arrived. But what made it even better is that the group also advocates for goodwill and camaraderie among Baguio-based photographers regardless of their medium and style.

And one of the pioneers in Baguio photography graced the occasion, Mr. Ric Maniquis!

Going around the gallery, I found one of Gary Kier's photos, the Baguio Eurasian Tree Sparrow (left, nearest photo)

Also, among my favorites were the Batek 1 and the Batek 2 of Gerald Sayaan.

As well as Gerald's City Scape.

The conference. A short meeting where future plans were talked about.

The exhibit will run until the 31st of October. Check out and indulge in the culture and heritage of the Cordilleras through these magnificent artworks.

Night Time or Low Light Mobile Photography Tips

Most mobile photographers are having trouble capturing images in low light scenes. Unlike DSLR cameras, most mobile device cameras only offer limited settings to users. Some phone or tablet cameras, especially the old ones, don't have built-in flash and most don't have settings for adjusting ISO, shutter speed and aperture (or f-stop), making low light mobile photography very challenging. The lack of these settings are primarily because mobile cameras are built to work automatically.

The Rose Garden at Night

(Mobile Photography)

Rose Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio City

On this night time or low light mobile photography series, we will learn applicable tips on how to help you take nice images in low light scenes. We will discuss three important topics necessary for a great low light photo, Clarity, Exposure, and Composition, with different tips for each. The suggestions you'd be reading are based on experience and it's up to you to find what works -- and discover things yourself.

The smartphone camera I'm currently using allows me to adjust ISO settings only in Normal mode but offers little help in shooting in low light. I prefer shooting on HDR mode because it automatically sets itself for longer exposure and raises ISO values to its maximum. Although it is true that high ISO means getting noisier images, noisy/grainy photos are always better than no photos at all.

The first and the most important tip yet is know your camera.


Click here to jump to Clarity - taking clearer pictures in low light. (Coming Soon)

Click here to jump to Exposure - getting better image exposure in low light. (Coming Soon)

Click here to jump to Composition - practical tips for better image composition in low light. (Coming Soon)

My Attempt at Candid Photography or Street Photography (but which is which?)

I am not quite sure about the difference of candid photography vs. street photography. However, this page may give you at least a clearer distinction.

After reading various blogs from different photographers, I am prone to therefore believe that candid photography has the element of spontaneity. In this case, the photographer aims to capture the feel and the emotion without orchestrating (as much as possible) any part of the composition. However, since the subject might not be aware that they're being shot, it may tend to become voyeuristic.

On the other hand, street photography has the element of documentation, where a photographer aims to tell a story and tries to answer the viewer's 4W and 1H (what, when, where, why, and how). Street photography is not about taking random shots in public. Instead, it evokes the photographer's artistic sense considering the important elements of an image like the light (exposure), focus, angle, space, pattern, emotion of the subject/s, etc.

Personally, I prioritize capturing the story of the image than how it looks (being an eye candy). The precise moment when you felt strong about the scene will never happen twice. It's always better to shoot now or regret later.


While I was on a moving bus and luckily I have my camera phone in my hand, I captured this rare scene.

Overtime

(Mobile Photography)

This was taken in Mangaldan, Pangasinan while on a bus. I was headed to Dagupan City from Baguio City.

I also love going to public markets to take pictures because it is where you get to blend in with the crowd and where interesting scenes happen. In order to avoid altering one's pattern, consciousness, or behavior, I prefer using my camera phone. Aside from being very handy, camera phones are less intrusive and less intimidating. The images I captured have undergone minor enhancements using a photo editing software.

 

Preparing the Goods

(Mobile Photography)

Sunday is the market day in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan.

I am also struck by this scene. For me, this reminds me to be grateful and thankful for all the blessings that I receive.

Spaghetti Delight

(Mobile Photography)

To be honest, sometimes I get tired of shooting landscape and still life. In my personal experience, if a picture says a thousand words, nothing could tell a story more vividly than having people as your subject.

Take pictures responsibly.

Note: Last modified 2nd of September, 2015

Visiting the Baguio Lourdes Grotto - Things to Do in Baguio City

The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is located in Dominican Hill, Baguio City. The shrine was constructed to commemorate the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, a young French girl in the town of Lourdes, France in 1858. The Grotto is a favorite destination for devotees to practice their faith and to celebrate special Catholic events.

The entrance to the Grotto

(Mobile Photography)

On your way up to the Grotto, you can find stalls selling souvenirs, snacks and refreshments. Since I felt thirsty after an exhausting climb, I bought myself a bottle of water.

 Stalls near the Grotto

(Mobile Photography)

I also found this head sculpture of Philippus II of Spain, who the Philippines was named after.

King Philip II of Spain

(Mobilie Photography)

After the short stopover, I continued climbing up. Now, I found this big statue of Jesus Christ, The Risen Lord.

The Risen Lord

(Mobile Photography)

A few steps away from The Risen Lord, you will see a chapel. The Kapilya nina Jesus at Maria (Chapel of Jesus and Mary).

Kapilya nina Jesus at Maria

(Mobile Photography)

Finally, I reached the Grotto. It was an exhilarating experience! I felt that the uphill climb through the stairs was all worth it.

The Lourdes Grotto

(Mobile Photography)

Tota Pulchra es, Maria in Latin means "You are completely beautiful, Maria". It is a line in an old Catholic prayer, Tota Pulchra Es, which speaks of the Immaculate Conception.

Finally, if you're asking me how many steps I counted? I counted 296 from where I stood while taking this picture.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto grounds

(Mobile Photography)

Visiting the Lourdes Grotto is one of the excellent things to do in Baguio City.

Visiting the Mirador Jesuit Villa - Things to Do in Baguio City

For the first time, I was able to set foot on Mirador Jesuit Villa. I used to think that the place is forbidden to strangers. But when I reached the top of Mirador Hill, it's as if I was in a magical land.

You know you're on the right track if you see this.

(Mobile Photography)

The place is well-kept and truly a place for meditation. Unlike in Baguio's central business district, being here even just for a while allows you to relax your mind. The atmosphere is conducive to say a little prayer. At least for me, being here reminds me of how beautiful the world is.

 

There are a lot of beautiful things to see here.

(Mobile Photography)

One of the villa's outdoor highlights is the Knidos Labyrinth. This circular maze is based on the Knidos design, a variation of the classic seven-circuit or Cretan type. The labyrinth symbolizes one's life journey and is a tool to prepare oneself for prayer.

 

 Knidos Labyrinth

(Mobile Photography)

Another interesting thing to see here is this sculpture of Jesus and a man (who I think is Adam). I don't know if there's a title for this artistic work.

A featured outdoor sculpture at the Jesuit Mirador Villa

(Mobile Photography)

Just when I thought I was alone, there is a group who seems to be having a retreat activity. If you're thinking of things to do while you're in Baguio, having a retreat and recollection can be a good suggestion.

A group doing a retreat activity

(Mobile Photography)

When inside the compound, please avoid rowdy behavior and making too much noise because it may disturb people who might be praying and it may disrupt the sanctity of the place. Catching unnecessary attention is not a smart thing to do as they might ask you to leave the place. Also, be aware of specific places that are restricted. Most importantly, keep the place tidy; dispose any trash properly.

Definitely, visiting the Lourdes Grotto and Mirador Jesuit Villa is one of the best things to do in Baguio City.