Mystery and Drama

NATATANGING LARAWANG PINOY CONTEST NO. 22 - Mystery and Drama
Winner: Frozenjester



Meet JP Alcaraz aka frozenjester of Meycauayan, Bulacan. JP is currently in Singapore working as a video editor in a production house

Hi photography journey started a little more than a year ago (Sep 2007 to be exact). “ I think most OFWs will agree with me when I say that you need to have something else to occupy your time aside from work in order to keep your sanity, being so far away from home *Hikbi*”, JP added.

The winning shot was taken at a beach in Zambales. This was during the time when he was at the peak of his addiction shooting sunsets. Fortunately, when he was looking for a foreground for the sunset, he saw Mang Jerry (the fisherman) who happened to be waiting for the sun to go down so he can go out into the open sea and catch fish. JP added, “I don't remember being inspired when I shot this, I just felt intrigued by the scene it created so I thought I'd capture it. Good thing I did because if not, I'd not be having this article.”

Like most amateurs, he started from scratch and learned the ropes by reading materials on the net. “If you ask me, the internet is such a goldmine when it comes to learning everything there is to know in photograpy. But then again, nothing beats going out in a group to shoot, comparing notes and swapping techniques along the way”, JP added.

“Ok I have to admit, nothing in my body of work is absolutely original. What I do is sort of "cut and paste" a little bit of techniques from diferent photographers and try to come up with my own signature, so to speak. I have this big dream that there will come a time when I can create enough of this signature so that when someone takes a look at my photo, they'll instantly recognize that it was me who did it.”

His work as a video editor and graphic artist helped him keep abreast with all the latest techniques in composing a good shot. He feels fortunate that his work allows him to be exposed on videos and footage created by professionals.

His most memorable experience in Photography was during a road trip to Pagudpud with his close friends, who are working abroad as well but are at home the same time as he is. “Having a shoot with a group is special enough, but shooting with your best buddies is something else altogether. All of us were just starting out in our common hobby, so everyone is learning from everybody while having the time of our lives in doing so. This so far, is my most memorable experience, which I hope will be trumped by another experience with the same group of friends in the near future.” JP added.


When asked what are your gadgets and what software that he is using to post process your works? “I started out with a Nikon D40 with an 18-55mm kit lens. Then I sold this (which is one of my regrets) and upgraded to a D200. Since then I have added a couple of lenses to my collection - Nikon 50mm F/1.8, macro 60mm F/2.8, 18-135mm F/3.5, 70-300mm VR F/3.5, Tokina 11-24 F/2.8. For my post processsing needs, I use Photoshop CS3.” - JP

For JP, post processing should only be done to help you reach the feel that you want to achieve in a photo because if you go too far, like compositing or something too drastic, he felt you defeat the purpose of shooting.

He always wanted to dabble in photo-journalism. However, Singapore doesn't offer much in this department, it is too orderly for its own good. “So if there's a major rally going on there, EDSA 5 or something similar, just let me know and I'll be on the next plane to Manila.” JP jokingly added.

When ask what will be the best advice you would give to a beginner / amateurs photographers? JP says “I think, at this point, I am in no position to give advices for I am also an amateur and still have loads to learn about the beautiful art of photography. So I'll just echo to them what I always hear from those people I look up to, which is - Just keep on shooting, no matter what. With enough patience and enthusiasm, you'll learn so much in no time. Of course, remember the first rule in photography: read
your camera manual first.”


3 of his most favorite images from his stream

Klang Klang

She's always my favorite subject. Photo was taken in La Luz, Batangas. A memorable photo also because it won my first competition here in Flickr.You can check it out here.


Home

This photo was taken in Batam, Indonesia, it was my first time then in Indonesia. This is also my most viewed, most favorited and most commented in my photostream.


The dragon has landed

I would consider this photo as my first successful macro shot. I always wondered how they capture macro shots until I did one. This has been my highest-ranking photo in Flickr
Explore - 72nd position on July 26, 2008.

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Thanks to Light Stalker for this article