The Power of Composition

I have only touched a droplet in the vastness of photography, but I write in humility as I do not claim to know it all. I write for the following individuals. To my eldest sister, who is new into photography, so that at least, it may be obvious that she has a brother who knows how to shoot. So that she can be credible when saying that to all and let her shooting do the talking. She just started photography when I got my Nikon D90, she now has Nikky, my former camera Nikon D60. To my youngest sister, who perhaps know a few if not all of these already. To my friend Lucille, who has been my make-up artist, creative art director, hair stylist and more, I wish you goodluck in photography. To Ms. Nini, who constantly appreciates my type of work and for her enthusiasm in this art and to all those who want to learn with me.

Composition, this is what makes the photograph other than lighting which is also important. Composition makes or breaks the photo as this is our tool of showing what is our subject, what do we want our viewer to feel, to see, to reflect on, this is the very meaning of our photo. So, there have been a lot of rules written about this but I would only take on a photo of mine and discussm what are the rules of composition that I have applied to it.

Take a look at this photo.



By inspection, the rule of thirds is there and what else? If I have been a newbie, it is all that I can mention. Well, there are four that I can name I have applied in my composition.

1. The rule of thirds.



The rule of thirds, this is dividing your frame three times vertically and horizontally then placing your subject in any of the four intersections. In this case, I placed my subjects at the upper left intersection.

2. Use multiple layers. I used 3 layers here, one is the grass, 2nd are the plants with orange flowers in them and 3rd are the trees at the background. Notice how I edited this picture using selective coloring, I intentionally retained the colors of the orange flowers for the viewer to distinguish at first sight, the 2nd layer.



3. Framing. Framing your subjects creates an added impact. It makes them easily identified and leads the eyes of the viewer right thru it. Again, this is another reason why I decided to retain the colors of the orange flowers, to highlight my frame, thus framing my subjects very well.



4. Recognize and include the S-curves. I never knew such rule existed, but I'm happy I had the enate ability to add them to my shot. Thanks to my friend and mentor IJ Molina (yejya.multiply.com) for teaching me this. I hope you are now very well from your dog bite.



Those s-curves can take any form. They are pleasing to the eyes and they can make the photo catchy. S-curves can be in forms of curving roads/pathways, body contours, and land contours.


The four are the only ones I know. I have anticipated a few questions that maybe asked in this blog like why did I chose to do selective coloring instead of showing those greens? The answer would be simple, I wanted all attention and focus on my subjects. I wanted my layers to be very obvious and I wanted my viewers to feel that the people included in this frame are happy people and are happier than their surroundings.

Rules in photography are not exactly rules because they are not absolutely. The can be broken but breaking them means you have mastered them already. So when do you break them? I won't answer that because it is too much spoon feeding. Practice and master the rules of composition then you'll eventually know when to break them.

Keep on shooting!

Cheers,
Jay

When the Photographer changes his style

So I write again. I have been busy shoot after shoot and book an xdeal model after model recently. Today, I write solely because I want a record of what is recently on my life and my photography as well. As it have been known, I have been more of a landscape photographer rather than a portrait/fashion photographer but this is no longer correct. In my first year of photography, there is so much that I see in nature that I have not seen in my life, so many things that seemed like it's my first time to see them again and capturing them passionately and so I became a shutterbug.

Things have changed now, I have travelled from Australia and back and in other parts of the country, I still took a lot of pictures but not quite getting what I wanted from them. The only photos that really stun me now or suites my tastes in my own craft is portraiture, fashion, concept and photojournalism. Is this really how it is to be an artist?



Perhaps, seeing the above photo brings out something deep inside you. A sense of emptiness, isolation and depression. Isn't it nice to capture something that brings out the deepest of the things words cannot express. It is only felt by the viewer. I am but a messenger, a photographer looking for a shot which brings out who he is and what he feels deep inside. But for the record, I am not at all depressed, perhaps, half empty if I may say. I am waiting for God, to fill me up from it.

Sometimes, I can't help but shed tears titling my photos like the below. Feeling the wind, makes me want to cry as I imagine, it's only in the wind now that I can feel my mom, the stars, the sky, the clouds and all those that I couldn't touch. I am even teary eyed writing this. I don't even know why I write this because I am sure my sister will read this and stir out some emotions from her as well. Don't you worry about me, I am fine and perhaps this is the artist in me.



There are times as well that I wish for love that I have never found or love that I have lost. I don't really have much words for it, but thank you Lord God for the photography as an expression.




I'm really not sure on what made me shift, I can only think that my not so distant past, where in I was shattered, broken and wounded in the sickness and demise of the person I have so much treasured and loved so much. Is it because, the expression of my emotions was not enough during those times? Is it because I held on to my tears for my mom, my sisters, my aunt and my father? Is it because I know life much more than I did before? Or is it just me being cheesy? As this word becomes popular in our country?

Whatever the reason may be, I will continue my quest for portraits here and there. I will continue to capture man's heart by his emotions through my own emotions.
Less of landscapes now, more of people in portraits.




Your third month of death Ma, is still a pain, I love you and I miss you so much.

Forever be missing you,
JayBoy as you fondly call me.

First Photography Anniversary, no longer a first take!

Tomorrow, August 23, 2009 will mark my First Year Anniversary of my photography. A year where a lot has transpired, a lot have been learned, a lot of shutter released, a lot of money spent and a lot has been post processed. As I write this, I remember that not so long ago, I used to blog a lot about my Photographic Escapades and thoughts but a lot has happened to my life and I needed to focus on them. Never that I wished that storms will come to us that made me broken and literally shattered. Yes, the storms aftermaths are still there but I say enough this time and share about good things in my life, like my photography, a passion that drives my heart, an itch in my index finger to squeeze that shutter release and the sharpness in my eyes to capture the light on the subject that makes it all different.

August 23, 2008 when I braved for the first time the streets of Hidalgo in Quiapo, Manila to get that precious Nikon D60 at Mayer's photo. Together with my sister Noreen, we got my first DSLR, Nikky. It has been a long hard road to learning since then but I am very thankful that my learning curve is so steep that I never thought I could achieve in such a short span of time. In this anniversary, I would like to thank all those who have one way or another influenced my artistic side, my passion, photography.

Firstly, thanks to Bubut, my officemate and former project mate for sharing me her knowledge in photography. For letting me know http://digital-photography-school.com/ where all of my basic photography knowledge came from. For letting me know, the Kawayan Cove - Photography Seminar by Anton Diaz of http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com.

Anton Diaz shared his thoughts and gave tips on how to make photographs in Kawayan Cove. All of these were free and was sponsored by the Kawayan Cove management. I learned a lot in this one-day tour, enjoyed taking photos and loved my flip-flop freebie of a Havaianas.

The Kawayan Cove's Bamboo Beach Club was superb but I only managed to take mediocre shots during this time.

Even so, I see them as mediocre shots these days, they inspired me to keep on shooting. So I never stopped. I was always eager to shoot and was running out of subjects. It was good that me and my friends had a trip to Bacolod City, the city of smiles. The place was so good and there was a lot to photograph. I enjoyed the Sugarcane harvesters and wish to go back there someday to give justice to what I call mediocre shots nowadays.

I was blessed with a lovely sky that I was able to make stunning photos of Bacolod.

I ended last year with a bang by my first wedding coverage. My friend Chad never expected that I can shoot that well. He was so stunned he told me, I could have done their pre-nup which they had none. In fact, Chad was just kind enough to let me take photographs of their wedding but later on I proved that my "kapal-muks" (overly confident) was worth it.

I met some notable friends in multiply in the group e-stambay or kolokoys. We had good laughs and photowalks before 2008 ended and during the 1st quarter of 2009. Later on, I laid low up until now I am inactive due to my mom getting sick and passing away last June. I must say they were not only there for me during the good laughs but they also went an extra mile for me by visiting us in my mom's wake. Thank you kolokoys! I'm proud to be one. To Janis, Pot, Chat, Echel, Direk and all the others! I never regret having known you.

Gosh, I weigh a few pounds more than I was in the photo above! LOL!

The first quarter of the year was memorable as well, as it kicked off with a bang as I met my fellow flickristasindios during my first ever photowalk in Quiapo-Binondo, Manila.

January was capped by Photoworld Asia 2009 in Glorietta where I enjoyed my first ever try in Portraiture. Micah Atanacio, the model for Canon was superb! In it spawned my creativity and that there are no limits in how one can make a good portrait. The Photoworld Asia in Manila was a superb start for the month of February as well.

February was good as well as I met a few good friends in multiply too. All of them are good-hearted too with special mention to Mian, a good self-less friend who goes out of her way to help others most especially friends.

March was fun as well but it ended up as the start of the biggest storm in my life. My mom was diagnosed of Stage 4 gastric cancer. It has taken me a while to shoot again as it pains me even what I shot was so beautiful, the emotional part of me was getting the better part of me as everything I see was sad and lonely. My love in agony series seems to be unending.

Even when was Barbie Almalbis was so pretty and have a very good singing voice, my pain wouldn't just go away.

I needed to be strong and so I prayed.

I needed guidance and so I prayed.

I needed to be brave and so I prayed.

And most of all, I needed a miracle for my mother. Until now, it pains me. Tears I try so hard for them not to fall as my sister watches. Day in and day out I prayed. I cried in public. I literally cried, sobbed and fell to my knees in Greenbelt Chapel amidst many people. In Sanctuario San Antonio, the same happened again.

My mom passed away June 23, and tomorrow August 23, will be her 2nd month and my 1st year photography anniversary. She being sick and after her interment was like a dagger piercing my heart, squeezing it and dropping chili/citrus on it. Painful but nevertheless, God did not fail to answer my prayers. Mom may not be with us now but she died a comfortable death and she was prepared for it. Thanks God for giving her the grace of a Holy Death. Indeed, He knows what's best and always take care of those He love.

I thank thee again Dearest God, as this photo is titled: "Life with all its troubles, I need you."

Blessings were there even in the midst of anxiety and pain. Ironic but I need only to trust in God's perfect plan. During my shattered days, I got my visa approved. Last July, during my broken days, I got blessed with a trip to Australia to have it activated. Most importantly, at my mom's 40th day of death, I felt she was at peace and joined the saints in heaven. Thank you and I praise you O God!

The history of my life unfolds in my photography. Emotions are kept in them and sealed with faith that God alone can make all things perfect. Little by little I move on. Things are easier than done and the aftermath of my life's storm is taking its toll but there is no point giving up as God as my good shepherd, there is nothing I lack. I need to be brave again, be strong, patient and wise, so help me God.

I tried going back on track in Photography, had a few portraiture shoots and it was fun to be back again. Limiting myself in what I have is a challenge as well. Staying competitive and keeping that learning curve sharp is a goal attainable thru determination, passion and lots of imagination. Today, I'm trying to learn to be a strobist. It is fun and challenging. I love it! Controlling the subject's lighting is awesome! Strobist is the way to be!

Now I have to sleep! Happy First Year Photography Anniversary to me!

Cheers and God bless,

Jay

KixPix Imaging: Wedding Packages

Package 1: Unlimited Digital Photos
Images Stored in DVD.
Package Price: 8,000 Php


Package 2: Unlimited Digital Photos with Prints
Images Stored in DVD
100 pcs 5R prints
Package Price: 13,500 Php



Package 3: Unlimited Digital Photos plus Pre-Nuptial
Images Stored in DVD.
Package Price: TBA

Package 4: Unlimited Digital Photos plus Pre-nuptial with Prints
Images Stored in DVD
120 pcs 5R prints
Package Price: TBA

For Inquiries, send me a Personal Message or contact me at the following:
Jay Francis Romero
engr_yaj@yahoo.com
0917 827 3046 (No textmates please.)

For my wedding/complete portfolio, visit http://www.yaj10.multiply.com/photos

Photographers may range from 1-4 individuals depending on the need.
Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

For the Love of Photography

I end my day with the best thing I love to do. This is my latest posted photo title. I titled it as such for it is what I have felt and able to rationalize what the bird must have felt during this moment. This was taken a few hours ago in SM MOA. Flying and fishing, is what I think this bird loves the best to do.

I was in Corregidor earlier for a trip but to be very accurate, only for photos. It was a very fulfilling day of photoshoot. The island is really a treasure of our country aside from its pretty site, it is an island that is full of history. After Corrigidor, my friend Richard hitched me to MOA. Running low in budget as I was I didn’t want to take a cab as CCP was a place of almost no public utility vehicles except for Taxis. I wanted to go straight home and rest after a time of sunburn, docking, walking, running, climbing from shooting here and there. Yes, it was tiring to have a trip in the island probably due to the warm weather that we have now. Yet, when I was about to go down in MOA, Rich suggested to snipe at the Ice Rink then when I’m done, it will be time for the sunset. The idea gave me a smile, Oh yeah! That is brilliant. So I did just that. Sniping at the Rink but I was early for the sunset. So I had the 2nd degree sunburn in the baywalk along MOA. I can’t believe I am so tan right now! Nevertheless, all of these have not stopped me from doing what I love to do the best. Shooting..or Photography to be accurate. This time, I have discovered that one of the hardest things to shoot are the birds. They have really caught my eye and I wanted all the details I could get from them but it was not easy. I have to shoot 20 to 50 only to get 2 or 3 stunning shots. I went home with aching feet, legs, shoulder, right arm, right fingers, and right eye. All were caused by Nikky. For us, there is such thing as rant when we don’t like what we do, but when it thrills you, no one can stop you. Will the global financial crisis stop me from upgrading our gear? I doubt it if there’s no big reason for it. Will my aching arms and feet stop me from getting the best angle for one single photo? Again it is a no. Will your aching shoulders, stop me from bringing 1 flash, 1 camera, 3 lenses, 6 batteries , lens hood and a diffuser to maximize the use of my DSLR? It is an unending no my friends for I am happy with what I do. I am fulfilled every time I squeeze that shutter release with my index finger. I am delighted for every breath taking photo that I have made. All for the love of Photography! If you, my fellow photographer, haven’t felt yet, numbness and pain from your fingers to shoulder blade in your shooting arm, then, I guess you have not shot enough.

When do I stop? I stop only when God asks me to. I stop only in my dire need to stop. But today, I am firm..there’s no stopping. But I hope to have a budget for a new external hard drive. Darn these hard drives, they get easily full when you shoot raw! LOL!

My day has really ended with the best thing I love to do..Unlike the bird, my best love is photography. Before I end, I am thinking, of all the pains of being a photographer, do our DSLR ever rant? Well, in my case, if Nikky can just speak, she would have long told me, "Jay, you love me yet you overuse and abuse me". All I can say is thank you Nikky and thank you Nikon for being at the heart of my images.

Thank you O God for photography and your perfect creation! 

Always your One Shot, One Kill Photographer,
Jay

Canon or Nikon, is it really a big deal?

I'm not writing to wage war on which is the better camera. I only want to set the record straight of all outstanding debacles on this two rival camera makers. I am a part of a lot of photogroups in multiply and same issue comes up. In my flickr group, flickristasindios, there was also one! I can't help but just laugh out this unsettled debate. Funny, how the thread in indios went..does canon have a blender? LOL! does nikon have a printer? does canon have a microscope? LOL! Really a never ending war! hahahaha.

I'm not saying I was not a part of all this chaos, though, I would like to admit, I have grown up. As I mature in this photographic exploits of mine, I realized, does it really matter? We all love our camera, and we all have reasons why we have such as our chosen gear to love. I love photography, no doubt about it but what awakened my sleeping passion for it was my friend Jo. I have chosen nikon because of her, inspired her great photos and d40x which she gladly have me use before along with her expensive lens. Sadly, she is sick and can hardly shoot nowadays. I hope and pray you get well soon dear. How about you? Why did you choose such? Was it just because of technology? The latest model? Whatever your camera is, make good use of it. It doesn't matter if it is a Canon or a Nikon, what matters is if you know how to use it. Maximizing its potential thru your mastery of its metering, focusing, exposure and focus locks, exposure modes, light meter, histogram and so on. Not all who have cutting edge equipment can justify its cost by their work. There are a lot who uses a d40 or a 450d who have better photos than that of 50d/d90 users. Well, of course with the exception of the newbies as your first 10,000 shots are believed to be your worst.

For all those planning to get a DSLR, posting a thread "Canon or Nikon" is not advisable. It creates an unharmonious relationships between photographers. Decide for yourself, it's time to grow up and make every decision of yours count. Accept it if you made the wrong choice or not. But the bottomline is, everything is not about the camera.

Lastly, I still want a Nikon no matter what. This will be my next acquisition if I can tolerate it, I just don't know when! Perhaps, May! Bonus time!!!



I take it from Tirong, my fellow flickristasindios.."wala akong pakialam sa camera mo." Haha. So long folks!

Cheers,
Jay

Let There Be Peace On Earth - Vince Gill

A correspondence with Parish Kohanim

Yes, I sent a mail to him to ask for a free login and password to his site. I got it now and not only he is a great photographer but a very nice person and full of wisdom as well. I hope you get inspired too.

Cheers,
Jay

Parish wrote:

Luckily, we all do our crafts differently,that's the fun part to observe how others see the same world that we live in. We all have our unique visions and that kind of diversity make photography more interesting. You do beautiful work and your passion is evident in your photos. Reach out for the heavens and fly high. God bless, Parish

On Jan 16, 2009, at 5:17 AM, Jay Francis Romero wrote:

Thank you Parish, I hope to see you too. Perhaps when I come to the USA or come back here in the country. Truly, what you believe in is inspirational. I will stay in touch and hopefully be good in our craft as you are or if not, a little closer. Cheers! God bless.

On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 5:36 AM, Parish Kohanim <pk@parishkohanim.com> wrote:
Hello Jay,
Happy New Year! Thanks for your lovely e-mail and your very kind words on your blog about my work and philosophy. I'm really honored and moved by your writing! I'm sorry that I did not get to meet you while I was in the Philippines last August. I found the people from the Philippines very kind,gracious and very happy people. This fond memory will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was highly inspired! I'm really glad that you got the message of being passionate about life and all of it's wonderful offerings. We're so fortunate to be able to see with our expanded vision through our craft. Thanks again. Please stay in touch. God bless, Parish

Here's the info:
Log-in: **************
Password: ***********


On Jan 9, 2009, at 3:22 AM, Jay Francis Romero wrote:

Hi Parish,

I am Jay Francis Romero from the Philippines and I am an aspiring photographer but still a hobbyist right now. I heard of your works and I am entirely in awe of them most specially your principles regarding your work. I guess I am a big fan of yours. I actually wrote a blog regarding you. http://yaj10.multiply.com/journal/item/36/Parish_Kohanim_Consciously_reject_trends_and_follow_your_own_vision.?replies_read=12

You inspire me and I hope to see more of your works. Please grant me the login to your site.

Thank you in advance and more power to you.

Kindest Regards,
Jay

I Still Havent Found What Im Looking For - David Cook