True enough, unforgettable and award-winning photographs are proofs of beauty captured by the lens. From black and whites, still life, portraiture, architecture, landscapes, nudes, sports, photo journalism, underwater photography, glamour and fashion, the perspective of the "eye" is unlimited.
The "eye" behind the lens and the resulting image gives the viewer a point of inspiration, a moment of thought, an emotion, or even a void of emptiness. Such is the power of pictures.
In the local scene, we have more than a handful "masters of the lens" who personify a specific genre of photography. They also personify the essence, style and feel of what constitutes Filipino "eye." With countless polaroids, endless film strips and hundreds of thousands of exposures, it takes a lot of discipline and dedication to master and develop this magical "eye" that looks into and gives power to the lens.
Local masters include Jun de Leon, Bien Bautista, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Neil Oshima and Bob Razon, to name a few. Several have won international awards or produced books of their collective works. Most masters’ subjects range from stills, people, fashion, athletes, makeup, underwear, jewelry, costumes and underwater photography. Collectively, these have raised awareness of the visual medium of artistic expression which needs more attention. It is a sign that a growing industry is shaping up and moving forward. There is a need to support photography as an art form for it to progress and be updated with the times.
The promise of photography today is bright. Universities, colleges, museums and photography clubs and organizations offer and continue to hold courses, electives and seminars that cater to those interested in the field. Photography has transcended the age-old dark room. The emergence of technological advancements has also helped make this possible. Digital manipulation is a product of the constant evolution in the field. Moreover, photography has diversified. The countless number of "subjects" to photograph has resulted in different specializations under the lens. The growing publishing industry is also instrumental in boosting aspiring and potential masters to pursue their passion.
Today, there’s a new breed of young photographers in Manila. They represent the now generation and what we see in their images are reflections of the current times. From fashion to beauty, food, weddings, and more, their visions remind us that the future of art in photography still lives on. As they play with their shutters, manipulate their apertures, and change their lenses, these creators of new ideas offer perspectives that define personal individuality.
Mark Nicdao, Victor Consunji, Jake Versoza, Sarah Black, Paolo Pineda, Kai Huang, Pat Dy and Joan Bitagcol offer new windows of photographic narratives.
Whether you agree with me or not, at the end of the day, photography is really just all a matter of perspective.
PAT DY, 28
What is your definition of photography?
To express a certain feeling, either a captured or composed moment in a given point in time in stills.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, Gilles Bensimmon, Hiro, Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh.
What is your personal photographic style?
Fashion, beauty, wedding photography. Always looking for an edge, difference in perspective. That will still complement my subjects’ figures and shapes.
Describe and define your artistic work.
An artistic work for me would be something unconventional, unorthodox, unheard of, but it will still capture the hearts and minds of people who would see it for the first time and leave a lasting impression and inspiration to them.
VICTOR CONSUNJI, 26
What is your definition of photography?
Photography is simply one person’s personal decision to freeze time.
There is no right or wrong, only the challenge to the person holding the camera to capture that moment and the light to express ideas, emotions, or intent. We are all photographers.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Jean-Baptiste Mondino, Horst P. Horst, Anton Corbijn.
What is your photographic style?
I like expressing perfection in my subjects. I love the idea that in one frame, with perfect play of light, shadow, composition and pose, I can bring forward all that is stunning and amazing in my subjects, whether that be physical beauty, attitude or simply inner confidence.
Describe and define your artistic work.
I like to believe that I can express attitudes, define personality, project beauty and create moments. In this sense, I like my photos to communicate elements of perfection in the subject, and to reflect dynamic elegance.
JOAN BITAGCOL, 25
What is your definition of photography?
It is a means of communication and expression of feelings.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Paolo Roversi, Ellen von Unwerth, Craig McDean.
What is your personal photographic style?
I’m still exploring but very particular about mood/feel of the photograph more than its technicalities.
What are your sources of inspiration?
People, fashion, culture, dance, film.
Favorite subjects to photograph?
Portraits of emotions.
JAKE VERZOSA, 24
What is your definition of photography?
Random thoughts on the world viewed from a peephole.
Who is your favorite international photographer?
David Lachapelle.
What is your personal photographic style?
Beauty over everything else.
Describe and define your artistic work.
I visualize the final output of the image even before shooting it. Taking a photograph is as important as processing it. I try to incorporate what I’ve learned in the darkroom with a fully digital work flow.
MARK REGALA NICDAO, 23
What is your definition of photography?
It is a form of communication where you use light as a medium, the camera as your paint brush and the exposure as your stroke. A picture is a painting. Painting is an intuition. Intuition will lead you in the right direction.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Richard Avedon, Michael Thompson, Man Ray, Phillip Lorca Di-Corcia, Jean-Baptiste Mondino and Peter Lindbergh.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Art history, and my copywriting class.
Describe and define your artistic work.
The "moment’ to be taken starts when faking and being conscious ends.
PAOLO PINEDA, 23
What is your definition of photography?
Drawing of light and painting of shadows.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Sante D’ Orazio, Annie Leibovitz, Herb Ritts and Mario Testino.
What is your personal photographic style?
(As of now) very cinematic, trying to work cinematic equipment, too!
Describe and define your artistic work.
My photos speak for themselves. My artistic work merely captures a moment – whether of style, an emotion, a statement, a sentiment or simply the fragility of a subject. I am inspired by Sante D’ Orazio whose best work is capturing candid shots that try to crumble the mantle of hypocrisy and staged photos, encapsulating backstage sweat and tears of unreachable personalities. My work stimulates a feeling of being skeptical and sentimental all at the same time.
SARA BLACK, 23
What is your definition of photography?
Photography is making tangible one’s vision and imagination.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Victor Skrebneski and Philippe Halsmann for their honesty.
What is your personal photographic style?
It can shift from simple and pure to dramatic and intense depending on my mood and the way I feel about the person to be shot.
Describe and define your artistic work.
I’d like to believe that I can capture the integrity of the subject in the photo while stamping myself all over it. I want my photographs to speak truths.
KAI HUANG
What is your definition of photography?
It’s a time capsule for reasons.
Who are your favorite international photographers?
Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon and Patrick Demarchelier.
What is your personal photographic style?
I want my photos to leave a mark on the viewers by showing them more than just a picture.
Favorite subjects to photograph?
Beautiful women, great food and sexy cars or can also be great women, sexy food and beautiful cars.
Describe and define your artistic work.
My photographs are my opinions on life.
(email the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)