When It Feels So Right...

It sure feels great to see how you've progressed over time especially when you really worked hard on it.

and the journey goes on..

I am someone who believes in hard work, determination and discipline. This is what my mom taught me at an early age when she started exposing me into arts and music. Dad (being an architecture major) taught me calligraphy (the art of writing characters) and exposed me into drawings. Mom on the other hand allowed me to freely explore my world and exposed me to learn music as early as 9yrs old. Different art forms, different disciplines. I learned the value of patience, how practice really makes perfect and never give up! I have learned how having proper discipline can make you really stand out among others. I learned on how to be meticulous and analyze every detail and know the things I need to know.These are the valuable lessons I've learned due to my exposure to the arts so I don't agree when others say that art and music are useless subjects. In fact, I would advice you all to expose your kids to these activities not just for the exposure but for their character's development as well.

Anyway, it's been almost a year now since I started learning photography. Believe me, never in my wildest dreams have I imagined myself to be into this art. I was always contented with music that I never thought about trying other things. I may say I sort of boxed myself and limited myself to the things which I was comfortable with. Well, the universe really works in mysterious ways. If it's bound to happen, then it really will no matter how you try to twist stories or events.
Now that I'm at my 10th month in photography,  honestly, I am very much proud of the progress I have made. I'm not claiming to be a pro or what 'coz I know that I still have a lot to learn but I do believe I have the right to express my views. Hopefully this will also inspire my other contemporaries as well.

expanding my horizons

Think and Feel---

First of all, I think about my shot, what I want and how I'd like to present it.  Whenever I take still photos, I think ahead and visualize the actual shot in my head. It may sound weird but yes, that's what I do. Probably that's the reason why I'm good at composed shots~~~ it's because of the concept that I have already visualized in advance. An artist is a visionary. We are the ones who paint the future. When it comes to candids, I also have to think ahead and sort of tell my brain to look out for the expressions which I wanna capture.  It really requires a lot of thinking. I've always believed that artists have bionic brains so you really have to have the brains for it, not just the heart.

I'm sure you've heard about "gut feeling" or "instinct." After I've decided what my subject is and how I wanna present it, the next thing is all about waiting for that precise moment.  For some, they call it the pulse, but for me, instinct. Most of the time I shoot by instinct. There are times where I  tell people, "ok don't move!" then I get my cam right away and click! I know it sounds weird but it really happens. I dunno how to explain it! I just know it. It feels soooo right! Every cell of my body tells me so, and when this happens, I respond. For portraits perhaps a sudden change of vibe/aura and for still life, the perfect light, setting and background. I may describe these moments as miraculous I believe for these only happen once and I'm very blessed to have captured them. Beyond the rules and technicalities... I know beauty when I see it. Plain and simple.

Here are some examples...

 I was simply at awe during this time... this is a rare scenery so I had to capture it

 I was drawn to the serenity of this site.. a perfect description of my longing to have peace of mind.

 I got curious with the amount of footprints which I witnessed. I knew I had to capture this before the wind blows.

It may look boring for others but very symbolic for me... how would you interpret this?

 still remains to be one of my all-time favorite photos... I am deeply drawn to the feeling it conveys.

This is just magnificent. I love everything about it. I see it as a work of art.

 When it comes to food, I capture it in a way like how I wanna eat it. I select an angle where I feel the food looks most delectable.... When my tummy starts to growl.. then it's time to click on the shutter! hehehe

Don't you feel you just wanna put it in your mouth now?

an array of cakes.... this site reminds me of my childhood

Don't you just wanna put your finger  in it and lick that icing? I feel like a kid again!

 It just felt so right.. I was at the right place at the right time.

 Paula here had no idea on how to pose until I saw her making this gesture then I told her to freeze

 A candid shot at the airport.. it felt so right again!

 They were just fooling around during this shot when I saw this moment... for me it looks artistic. I love the light which touches her face

 Awwww... this is a very emotional candid shot. Definitely worth a thousand words. A picture of what I want my future to be... a simple happy life beside the one I love.

 I know I was supposed to join them during the prayer but when I saw this site, I just had to capture it. gut feeling again. The result: A solemn genuine moment

I asked them to whisper to ones ear and this is what I got.. a genuine smile, a romantic moment

I'm pretty good at breaking rules. My point here is that, the face is not the only part which tells a story.

The story behind my fondness with half faced portraits... I feel that the person becomes more interesting with this composition. It's like I as the photographer introduces you to her, then it's up to you to make an effort to truly know her. There is this mystery factor which you need to unravel. It reflects a lot about myself. I may look as though my life's an open book, but there are so many things which I don't disclose.

always keeping both feet on the ground...

I'm glad that I'm able to apply my background in art with every picture. I tend to be very emotional with my shots. yeah! I'm an emo photographer! hahaha I have to be.. because I have to use my emotions in order to send the message across to you. I'd like you to feel my shots and see how I view the world around me. My aim is to reveal truth in the most artistic way possible. I'd like to show you how beautiful the world is and how lucky you are to be alive. I'm so thankful for the gifts I have. I'm thankful that God made me an artist. No matter what people say about artists as being just a bunch of penny less mortals, I'd still wouldn't choose any other life. This is who I am and I accept it with all humility.