Saturday, November 18, 2006
THE WORKSHOP
My workshop in practical digital photography started today and I couldn’t have asked for a better place for it to be held — in Intramuros; a couple of blocks away from the gates of Fort Santiago. Last I went to school here was when I was in high school at Mapua Institute of Technology. This workshop is a whole day affair held in three-and-a-half Saturdays. It is being conducted by two renowned local photographers, Ador Paminyuan and Ed Yap.
I didn’t realize how little I know of photography until today. Although I’ve been involved in its creative aspect, I knew zilch about most of its scientific elements (i.e., exposure, aperture, shutter speed, lenses and etc.). You see, I’ve been spoiled rotten by the auto mode feature since its inception more than 25 years ago — starting with Minolta’s Maxxum and Canon’s T70 programmable 35mm film cameras.
And with today’s new generation of digital point & shoot and SLR cameras, it is even more enticing to just let the camera do the entire configuration when shooting photographs. However, with their innovative features, manual settings become a welcome challenge as well, especially for those who intend to explore and nurture their artistic spirit. And to become proficient with a digital camera, taking some classes is a good start. It’s like opening the window to allow a new breeze inside the room.
If I do well on this one, as a reward, I will treat myself to another series of seminars in February presented by Photoworld Manila; the biggest photography event in Southeast Asia. For 2007, its trade fair will be held in Glorietta, while the seminars will be at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM); both venues are in Makati City.
posted by Señor Enrique at 9:08 PM
21 Comments:
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abet said... Eric,
Tulad ng inaasahan napakagandang mga larawan na naman mula sa iyo. Keep it up!!!
p.s.
sa wakas hindi ako huli ngayon-
ipanema said...
Are those products of your first day? Very good. So, we will expect more beautiful photos from you, ok? Ah, the beauty of being at the receiving end. :)
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Señor Enrique said...
Hi Basey (or Abet)! Ikaw din nga dapat mag-post lagi ng iyong mga larawan. Ang gaganda nga ng mga kuha mo sa Bohol, eh.
Pinost ko itong entry kagabi tapos tulog na ako; pago na kasi :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Ipanema. These photos I had taken a few weeks ago. The frst class was more on introducing to the fundamental elements of photography. We were then given assignments to apply some of which. However, on the next class, we will be doing outdoor photo shoot in the area.
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said... I need to go to that school Senor because I don't have time to learn it by myslef. I've been too enamoured and mystified by high megapixels only to find out that it is not horsepower and only matters the most when you crop pictures. I got some serious learning to do.
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Sidney said...
Eric, I guess you are a natural born talent. To be honest, you already amazed me with your little point and shoot camera. The results are stunning. You have a keen eye and all your pictures are well composed. You don't just shoot your way around but you know what you are doing. I am sure that those workshops will help you go to the next level.
I will tell you a heresy. The actual cameras are so good that you will see me shooting a lot in auto mode or semi-auto mode. Especially if I don't want to achieve special effects. In my kind of photography I don't have much time to think a lot about the technical aspects. Speed and composition are more important. And to my surprise my camera is almost as smart as me to choose the right speed and aparture settings.
I know many pro-photographers would kill me for saying that. But soon everybody will be able to do wonderful pictures the eyes shut.-
said...
Eric, it's good that you could attend those workshops in Philippines. Well, there are many things in the world of photography and to be honest, I am still learning, everyday. Haha.
You can also check out forums and post your pictures there; and the pros will give comments on it thus enabling you to learn more if criticisms or wonderful comments are made.
(:
And I like the composition of the first picture! Have a blessed Sunday!-
Señor Enrique said...
For someone inclined to things technical like you, BW, I bet that you'll really enjoy taking such classes, as well as start practicing and applying these scientific info in no time.
BTW, the other reason I had signed up is from a personal interest we had once discussed in the comment box of your entry a month lor so ago -- to keep learning (or force my brain to take on new information). I believe in so doing, I will become not so much as a "Mr. Know-it-all," but rather someone more understanding of things that come his way. (I'm the oldest geezer in the class, by the way ... hahaha!).-
Señor Enrique said...
I have to share this with you Sidney:
As my final question/comment at the end of the class yesterday, I told Sir Ador that I plan on taking pics at a concert and will be using a flash unit (not the built-in one) for the first time. Aware of my limited technical know-how, he simply suggested to switch the camera's exposure mode from "Auto" to "P" (programmed auto) and to set the camera's metering system to Matrix Metering; a simple two-step process that I need not go to my camera's menu to configure. That's all. I'll show you.
He then said the next classes will discuss basic lighting and flash units at length.
I, too, have a good enough time shooting photos in auto mode, Sidney. In fact, there are shoots which it is better to have it auto so I can concentrate more on capturing the shots (like in parades or walking tours); however, lately, I've been coming across certain subjects which I was compelled to experiment with, but had no idea how to manually set up the needed elements.
So taking classes, I'm sure, will provide me with that option; hence make me enjoy even more this awesome dSLR that I have :)
Moreover, whenever we get together to enjoy lunch in Binondo, I would at least have some interesting things to share with you; and by sharing what I've learned with others, I further reinforce in mind what I had learned.-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Kyels!
Yes, there is a lot to learn in this field and so many masters to learn from.
I am a member of PiPho (PinoyPhotographer.org). They have interesting forums (I learned about this workshop I'm attending through them).
I was also told to check out this artsy book by another photography instructor (he recommends it to his students). Its title is "Humble Masterpieces: Everyday Marvels of Design" by Paola Antonelli.-
RAV Jr said...
Wow, it seems there is no quenching for your thirst to learn!!! totally invading the wold of photography huh? hehe... nice shots Senior... =) When do you think are you planning to have your one-man-exhibit? one year, two years from now? I should attend that exhibit... =D
Dops-
Sidney said...
I agree with you Eric. To know exactly how things work and go beyond the "auto" mode makes thing much more interesting and indeed very helpful. I have no doubt that following those tutorials will help you achieve better results.
That is why I am a fan of Jeff's blog. He always experiments with new things.
I agree with Mr. Ador about "P" (programmed auto) and to set the camera's metering system to Matrix Metering. But it only works if there is still enough light.
I do that quite frequently but the price you pay for this is "noise" (and often blurred pictures)
You get this high noise because the camera will sets itself to a very high ISO.
You might also need a tripod which is something I dislike because you need to carry it and the set up take too much time for candid pictures (+less flexibility).
This method definitely doesn't work when it is too dark. Then you do a better job with a flash.
So tonight I wouldn't leave my flash at home...
But maybe I should join you in those lessons after all.-
Señor Enrique said...
A one man exhibit, DOPS? You are much too kind, my friend ... hehehe. But if ever I do have one, you'll most definitely be on the VIP list. :)
I had just posted some pics from the concert last night, Sidney, and there sure were lots of exasperating moments with lighting.
There were times I wanted to just use the existing lights but I needed knowledge of manual settings for that. Anyway, we'll talk more about it soon.-
said...
I enjoy your posts, which compels me to write.
At one time, I looked forward to Photoworld. Being a professional photographer, I was disappointed by the lack of organization and professionalism of the event organizers. There is also a lack of content.
You're better off spending that money with other photography schools in Manila.-
Señor Enrique said...
Actually, Anonymous, I was going over their schedule of topics/speakers and what struck me was the amount in a given day. I also realized that there's only about two or three I'm really interested at.
So you do have a point. I may be better off in finding a more focused workshop in those areas that interest me.
Many thanks for your input!-
said...
ei Eric,
now you're being drawn to the strong magnet of passion called photography :)
We went to the orchids show near QC hall last monday; good thing i was on leave
and took lots of pictures with my point-and-shoot than my dslr...my photo buddies
were there too who cnfirmed the day only
it's was sullen day good wor waling but not for taking pictures of even quezon memorial
regards-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Paetechie (Tito)! Yes, I'm seriously into learning this craft now :) I really want to know the camera and hope that it'll help me take better photographs.
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wysgal said...
Nice to hear you're enjoying the workshop, I've long been meaning to take up a formal digital photography class. When I currently shoot digital I do so with the "I'll just edit it in Photoshop" mindset.
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Señor Enrique said...
Hi Wysgval! What matters most is that you're having a good time with your style of photography, though Photoshop is no easy feat. What's bad is when we just leave our cameras in the drawer without using them. So, I say ... Have fun!
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said...
hello senor enrique,
nice photogrphs...i just want to ask you if the worshop is still ongoing? because my cousin is afine arts student and she want to learn photography...thanks in advance...
God Bless-
Señor Enrique said...
Yes, the classes are still ongoing, Anonymous, Call their office at 524-7576 or 528-0371.
Good luck!
