Photography: Day 7 | RAKK on?

When I took this shot, I was minutes away from sleeping since I have work in the evening.

I wasn't out and about this day since I was working on deliverables. Fortunately I was able to get that task done, but I got tired and wasn't able to get my daily shot down yet. I looked at the keyboard and it caught my attention, and played with the color of the LED and stuck with purple.



About the shot:

Shot in the room in a hazy afternoon, with a Huawei P9 on Manual mode.
EXIF data: 1/60s, ISO 1600, 2.2/F @ 27mm. Shot on 1/7/2019 - 2:51PM.


Edited in Snapseed.

Photography: Day 4 | Hunting for something interesting

I usually start and look for interesting subject or lighting on the beginning of the day. I usually hunt as soon as I step out of the office in the morning. I tried a few shots but not getting what I want. So I went and picked up my wife, and straight home and tried again.

Thus I got this cat looking up, I just hope that the light was more interesting, for now I'll go with this image.

About the photo: 

Shot outdoors under a shade on a sunny day, with a Huawei P9 on Manual mode.
EXIF data: 1/60s, ISO 100, 2.2/F @ 27mm. Shot on 1/3/2019 - 8:22AM.


Edited in Snapseed.

Photography: Day 3 | An attempt for a portrait session

It is now, January 3, 2019 around 7am. I'd like to try to write before I get my photo shot. I know it seems weird but, I'd like to write this post and see how I'll construct my write up after the actual shot. Writing the intro shouldn't hurt since this is just a place holder sort of speak...

I spoken with my office mate to accompany me to help me shoot her as subject to help me practice. I have a rough idea what I'll be shooting but I'll have to see how the shooting conditions will be and time constrains.

...Continuing the write up it is now, January 3, 2019, 00:46AM.

So we went out to Metrowalk, a place filled with bars and restaurants that open before or after lunch.  We opted to shoot there since there's minimal people to interfere what we were doing.  I was very happy with the output even though our shooting time was short, we were still able to get a lot of images.

I shot with 2 cameras, 1st on my Huawei P9, 2nd on Sony A7r Mark III. I want to utilize both cameras that I had that time to its fullest during the session.

I hope I can get productive output same as this day.

About the photo: 

Shot outdoors under a shade on a cloudy day, with a Huawei P9 on Manual mode.
EXIF data: 1/60s, ISO 200, 2.2/F @ 27mm. Shot on 1/3/2019 - 8:22AM.

Edited in Snapseed.

Photography: Day 2 | Shall we go out for a walk

I was unable to report to work because my son has been sick since new year's eve. With the help of long hours of rest, and some meds my son felt a better. My wife and son were sound asleep around 5:00 am, so I went out for a walk to practice.

Some might say that it is too early to shoot, but if you're waiting for the first sight of sunrise, I may be cutting in close. But since I live on a hill, getting a clear view of the sky and some foliage. I shot most of that with another camera which will be featured in another post(wink wink).

I was very lucky to get back to my favorite practice spot, when no one was around. I love shooting alone.

I doubt that I'll be alone the following day since I'll have to report to work and think of something. We'll see how that shot comes...

About this photo:

Shot outdoors during sunrise, with a Huawei P9 on Manual mode.
EXIF data: 1/1250s, ISO 3200, 2.2/F @ 27mm. Shot on 1/2/2019 - 7:19AM.

Edited in Snapseed.

Photography: Day 1| How the 1st day of 2019

How did I spend my new year's eve? Simple, I was at work.

Here's another year and the temptation of starting another Project 365. Where you take a photo each day all through out the year.

I was able to complete Project 365 back in 2013(I think) but failed to start it up again, in the previous years after a year of rest.

So, here I am again trying to see where I'm at with my photography and will keep it up to date as much as I can(I hope).

About the photo:

Shot at a dark hallway at work, with a Huawei P9 on Manual mode.
EXIF data: 1/17s, ISO 3200, 2.2/F @ 27mm. Shot on 1/1/2019 - 2:57AM.
Edited in Snapseed.

Sony Philippines’ Wedding Workshop Series take over Manila, Cebu, and Davao

(Manila Philippines, August 2018) – Sony’s Wedding Workshop Series had a successful run which took place in key cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao. A total of 590 in attendance, Sony Philippines gathered novice and professional wedding photographers and videographers.

Sony Philippines tackled useful tips for Destination Weddings photography, Beauty and Elegance, and shooting beyond ambient lighting. Through these efforts, the participants were able to get a better picture of different wedding photography techniques that were designed to build and strengthen their skills; enabled to help them mold their passion and improve their business.

Ryan Ortega, Jiggie Alejandrino and Jay Palmares during the Wedding Workshop in Davao.

Preview: Ser Jacob's Christening

Last May 5, 2018 a friend asked me to capture a milestone for his 1st born son, Jacob.  Always a joy and a pleasure to be part of a family milestone.

Looking forward to post processing images taken and will be uploading more later.

I'd have to apologize since I haven't been writing or blogging about photography. I'll do my best to post something every so often.

Photography: #VantagePoint

A few weeks ago, me and my wife were invited to attend an event in The Privato Hotel. Which is in a post found on this link.  The event was quite an experience but this is not about that. This is about going around, exploring and finding gems along the way.

My wife is very familiar when I find views, or some photo opportunities, she allows me to do what I want to do which is, take a photo  of whatever I find interesting. After the event I went around and hunted for something interesting, lo and behold I was able to see a view of Makati City from a terrace/smoking area of the hotel.

With that mentioned, I'll stop, and pull out the camera from my bag. And check to see which lens do I have mounted. Unfortunately I all I have with me are my Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. So the shot that I got is pretty wide.

Thinking about the L16, which has 3 focal lengths in a compact body, which 28mm, 50mm and 150mm. Imagine having that on a compact camera. That would be a great weight lifted off of your camera bag if you have the L16.

Until then, I'll keep shooting with my big and heavy DSLRs. No mirror-less camera for me yet, and definitely no smart phones until I find a light and portable camera that I can carry where ever I go and can hold it's own against my camera/s.

Photography: Project Print 365 February: Struggles and Mistakes

Shooting every day wasn't really that hard, except for a few times where I almost forgot to do it. Last time that I did the project, laziness has been a constant enemy of mine. Although, there were pangs of laziness a few weeks ago, but I won over it and kept at it.

I was thinking of a theme to do every month, February came in too fast and ended too soon for me to think or execute for a theme or I may have thought of doing a theme for the month but wasn't able to get whatever it is in my head.

My struggle was getting the right post processing done, or more like choose the right one, I thought that I could complete the month doing 1 specific post process but I didn't get enough time to do all of the images. So I went back to what I typically do.

My mistake was exporting, files that came out too soft and looks out of focus. But enough of that, next month however, I have a theme and will continue to work on the project.

So far I have printed up to day 59 of 365. We'll see how this rolls.

PHOTOGRAPHY: #VantagePoint Antipolo Cathedral

As mentioned in an earlier post, I have been a happy resident of Antipolo City for years now. Everybody who lives in the city knows the Antipolo Cathedral, since this has been a hub or center for public transport vehicles coming from the Metro or else where.

Historically, the said church has been there since 1632, has incurred damages throughoout the years of historical events(revolts/wars) and natural phenomenon(earthquake), but was re-erected time and again.

The church eventually became a cathedral and national shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Pilgrims, travelers, and devotees flock to the church from all over the country to pray for safe voyage.

When I went around to practice and shoot, as usual lugging around 2 cameras inside of  a shoulder bag that weighs at least 2 pounds. Typically I bring 2 Canon DSLRS(a crop sensor camera and full frame sensor camera), 2 prime lenses and a telephoto lens that I rarely use. So when I think of all of those, when I can go for a smaller camera that can match what I currently have. I'm quite curious when the Light L16 comes out, Would like to get a feel for the camera, since it is rumored to be very light and compact with a revolutionary folded optics, that allows the design team to put more optics and sensor. Specs say that the camera has 16 individual 13MP sensors.

Until then, I'll keep shooting with my big and heavy DSLRs. No mirror-less camera for me yet, and definitely no smart phones until I find a light and portable camera that I can carry where ever I go and can hold it's own against my camera/s.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Why Project Print 365

Back in 2014 I worked and completed project 365. What is project 365? Its a year long project that requires you to shoot daily and produce one image.  It helped a lot and people saw some improvement.

The project helped me improved, in getting the desired exposure, composition(sometimes), post processing and uploading in a timely manner. Often times I find myself dissatisfied with my outputs, but I lived with it and rolled with the punches and found that I completed the project to my surprise.

This 2017, I'll be working on project print 365. This time I'll be completing the process as I would be printing out my work every end of the month(once I have proper funds to do so).  So each day I'll be shooting, and will choose 1 image for print.

Although I won't be posting every single image everyday,(sorry guys) I'll  go for a monthly post on what I've done, the challenges, theme and what not. Will probably upload a few shots on the post and in the Facebook page, but that'll be it.

So far I have completed January, which produced 31 prints. So let's see how this goes....

PHOTOGRAPHY: #VantagePoint My Favorite Spot

EXIF: 18mm | f/16 | 1/100 sec | ISO 100
Shot February 3, 2017  - 07:38AM | Canon 500d/t1i

I have lived in Antipolo since December 1987 and steadily grew to love it.  The municipality is part of a province called Rizal, which is also part of a bigger region CALABARZON.  My parents bought a lot in a humble subdivision in Antipolo and near our place is hill; infamously, called "2nd floor".

2nd floor has a peak, surrounded by weeds, some patches of trees, and 2 houses. Surrounding the peak is a view of the mountains of Antipolo to the east and on the opposite side is the cityscape of Quezon City, Pasig City, Mandaluyong, Makati City, and Laguna Lake.

This has been a place for me to practice taking photos, gather my thoughts, and search myself. In short my-sanctuary. I've been here numerous times, bringing with me, different camera equipment.

Most of the time, I would bring my Canon 500D(my first DSLR), sometimes I would bring my Canon 6D and on some rare instances with a Nikon D7000, which is my brother-in-law's camera.

Photography: It Doesn't End Once You Have it Uploaded

Dear Fellow Photo Enthusiasts,

Photography today seems to be just data. You shoot or capture a scene, the camera captures light with its sensor, camera writes an image file on your SD/CF card, then file gets transferred from camera to computer.  If an image is good enough to be shared, via email/social media posts, web gallery or compiled in a video that may or may not be uploaded to the Internet.  After that where does your images or files end up?

Photography doesn't end once you have an image uploaded in the Internet or saved on your hard drive.  I really think it is our responsibility to have our images printed out, as this is where the final output for an image should go.  Back in the days of film, people had to bring their film rolls to developing houses/studio to get their prints and get a visual of what they have taken.  I really think that it would justify the image if it is print worthy then it must be a sight to be hold.  Hang it in a frame or put it in an album or better yet have a compilation of images in one photo/picture book.  I highly recommend PictureBooks.  I had a few photo books done by them and I quite happy with their work. Recently, I encountered Wonder Photo Shop. and this has been the my go to place when it comes to prints. Their prints are very good and thick

I make it a point to give a print to one of my clients even if they only asked for raw files.  It gives my clients something tangible, to view without using any device, and they can prop it up a table or hang it on a wall.  Either way, it makes me and my client happy.

Prints or real photographs and photo books are my main output.  To date I have printed out 2 photo books, printed out numerous rolls of film(in the days of the old), printed out lots of digital images, given away most of my clients a print in a frame.

When are you going to have yours printed out?

OPPO F1s: Capturing Philippines

Sea Dive Resort 

One of our few destinations when me and my wife got married, was Coron Palawan. This was way back in Oct 2012, we only had 5 days to cram all the sights, and what not from such a magical place.

1st day was a day of hiking Mt Tapyas. Ica was not much of a fan of walking/hiking however we got to the top  believe it or not! The view from the peak was breath taking and seeing Coron from the the top of Mt. Tapyas was one of those special moments. The light was right and scene was really something else.

Me and Ica almost on the peak of Mt. Tapyas

I couldn't pass not taking a shot from the peak of this mountain and so I did.

For me, as a photo enthusiast and frustrated traveler I would love to get my hands on a lightweight camera that would allow me to get the shots down in one go, then upload immediately. Back in 2012, that wasn't the case. I lugged a backpack with my DSLR(Canon 500d, Canon EF-S 18-50mm II lens, Sigma 70-300mm DG APO Macro lens and some accessories that I can't recall).

Ica with the giraffes in Calauit Island

My favorite shot of Calauit Island Zebras.

And of course, Coron won't be as memorable as it would be if it not the beaches as my wife is a frustrated beach bum. Each beach that we visited held such splendor and pristine quality to it. I like the way the locals knows that they have to take care of the land and the ecosystem and they educate us travelers to do so as well.

Yes, I know that having DSLR gives you all photographic capabilities that you're looking for, but let's say you want a small compact versatile tool that doesn't need a back pack to lug it around? I think a smart phone can be a powerful tool too. You just have to know the limitations of the device's camera and probably a little knowledge in photography would be helpful. Example, let's say you have an OPPO F1s, you have front and back cameras. Front has 16MP while back camera has 13MP it's safe to say that unit has a bigger resolution size than my 500d(referring to the front camera). Aperture for the camera's f/2.0 and back has 2.2 which means gives you more low light coverage and blurred background for portrait effect.  But I think a good feature for the F1s would be Selfie Panorama. I'm not a fan of groupie where in the guy who holds the camera is bigger than the other people in the group. This feature would make group shots in the right scale and perspective(IMHO).

According to Chase Jarvis, "The best camera is the one with you." In the end it all boils down to the camera that you have, and whatever it may be grab it and use it. Snap away and if you love the photo post it and if possible print it as well.

Keepers are always worth printing.

Events + Music: Eastwood City Beer Festival Kick Off Party

Paul: I treat Eastwood as one of the best places to hang out, listen to music, get some grub and have a drink. October is here and Eastwood City welcomes the month as it launches Beer Festival! I was lucky that I didn't have work so I got to enjoy great music from local bands like: Ang Bandang Shirley, Autotelic and Jensen and the Flips!

What I like about their Beer Festival set up is that it's very chill, the tables and chairs allow you to eat good food, enjoy cold beer and listen to awesome live music. There were also fun activities like beer pong and games, the event was hosted by Julz Savard. 

It was also the Friday where Autotelic just got off launching their anticipated album "Papunta Pabalik", ica and I even went to Astroplus in the morning to get a copy, unfortunately there wasn't any available yet. We're currently enjoying it onSpotify but will definitely pick up a physical copy. Ica will definitely be writing a review. 

REMEMBER that there are DJ sets every Friday at Fuente Cirlce + participating establishments in Eastwood will be offering awesome deals throughout October! 

It was great to get to spend Friday night like this, just a chill night with beer and music. I also got the chance to meet some cool cats, who were big fans of the bands and that's always interesting. 

Thanks Eastwood! #EastwoodBeerFest 

Click here for more photos.

Photography: Carlo & Arianne's Wedding

It's been a roller coaster September for #TeamPCheng but we still got to shoot a wedding even if there were some unforeseen incidents that occurred before (my grandmother's passing) and along the way (getting hit by a truck) but we still managed to go through it.

I was commissioned to cover my friend, Carlo whom I use to skate with. Yes we were one of those kids that rode our skateboards on the streets, of Antipolo. I was honored and pressured at the same time, but was able to complete the task, even though the car was hit by a truck along the way to the wedding.

Despite the pouring rain, the wedding was as beautiful as ever, with family and friends surrounding the bride and the groom on their special day. 

Again, congratulations to Carlo and Arianne, will make it up to you next time! 

Lifestyle: A revamped Satchmi has a Bigger Space and Comfort Food!

It all started with the love for the good old days-which later grew into a special nook, much like Ariel's cavern, holding countless wonders from records to film photography, beautiful pens to go with exquisite paper. Small potted plants and yes, even cozy socks. 

Known for their good music and rich coffee the Satchmi Store has long been part of Metro lists and spots for places to visit and to hangout in (the fast wifi is definitely a plus). 

Of course a premiere hang out place would soon be in need of food to sustain its loyal patrons. 

Boasting of a wide array of scrumptious food for you to discover, Satchmi has also literally and physically grown, expanding in size to cater to the curious and the many music lovers such as myself, who spend hours among their beautiful displays and vintage items. 

The larger space will also prove beneficial during events, which, if the past was any indication has always brought large crowds of audiences hungry for good local music.

Speaking of hungry- we were fortunate enough to have been able to try their new menu during their launch yesterday (July 12, 2016) and their unique and distinct image translates to their new comfort food as well. 

With the help of Chef Him Uy de Baron and Chef JJ Yulo, Satchmi meets the world of gastronomy and finally included homemade food to their menu that include tasty sandwiches, from a Satchmi BLT to the favorite Reuben Sandwich; hearty soups like the Lasagna Soup, and Cheesesteak Soup; yummy bruschettas like the Satchmi Capreese, as well as the Avocado with Salmon Toast: and of course, these are best paired with the best cups of coffee by the friendly baristas. 

In case you haven't seen it yet, Satchmi has also curated a line of film cameras, films and accessories under Film Folk (@filmfolk_ on Instagram). Coffee equipment, CDs from Satchmi's favorite local artists, more art and music paraphernalias are also available at the store.

Truly, these "Curators of Functional Luxuries" are making their mark and bringing a taste of the good old days in this fast-paced digital world. With this new milestone in their growing foothold they really do bring good food for your tummy and good music for your soul. 

The newly expanded Satchmi Store will be open to the public on July 14, 2016. 

Click HERE for MORE photos!  

Photography: Shooting at Ronac Art Center and 14Four Cafe

The infamous spiral staircase of Ronac Art Center

Back in the day, I could only dream of shooting in beautiful locations like, Ronac Art Center and 14 Four Cafe. And now  I got to take them on in one week, a day apart from each other - no less, with work in between to boot!

We Are Family. Team Aviso at the quaint 14 Four Cafe. 

I was lucky to be tapped and chosen by friends to shoot their engagement (Ronac Art Center) and a wedding (14 Four Cafe).  Although, I came from work(from the evening shift) on both occasions, I still got the shots down,

It's a good thing that Ronac Art Center is just a bus ride away from work. The PCheng mobile (Hon-Chan to others) was coding on a Tuesday, so had to take the bus.

144 Cafe is a quaint cafe near our home, which features a variety of art pieces and beautiful furniture. We've been wanting to visit the cafe for some time now and are fortunate enough to have been asked to cover a wedding here.

Needless to say both venues were as beautiful as I expected.

Here's to more photoshoots and life events in beautiful locations! 

Click HERE for MORE Photos!

Photography: EMPOWERED - NATION BUILDER PHOTO CONTEST

CAPTURE AN INSPIRING PHOTO AND WIN CASH PRIZE! 

We are inviting you to join  EMPOWERED : NATION BUILDER PHOTO CONTEST hosted by HORSEPOWER.PH and in partnership with Pinoy Photography Organization.

 ​

How to join : 

Check out Horsepower's website for the complete mechanics : 

http://horsepower.ph/empowered-nation-builder-photo-contest/

PRIZES : 

P10,000 cash plus gift items - Grand Winner 

P 5,000 cash plus gift items - 1st Runner-Up 

P 3,000 cash plus gift items - 2nd Runner-Up. 

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION : May 20, 2016

For updates, you may visit Horspower's Facebook Page  and Redwizard's Facebook Page

PJ's Christening and First Birthday

While we love shooting and covering events in our hometown of Antipolo, driving to Manila is always a refreshing change, especially when we get to cover a lifetime event at the University of Santo Thomas church no less!

Which is why we were thrilled to cover Pj's Christening and First Birthday party.  Aside from Pj, being a totally cute baby, it was overwhelming to see this little bundle of joy be surrounded by family and friends who love him dearly.

Needless to say the kid has some awesome Baptism photos he can bring to school one day!

After his Christening, the reception was also his first birthday celebration and he left his white baptism clothes and appeared in a full F1 Racer getup! To match his 'Cars' theme of course!

Perfect for a little boy's first birthday party! Kudos to Mommy Pebbles for taking care of all the little details! :)

Thank you for having PCheng Photography cover these milestones in your life Pj! :)

Click here for more photos!