ArtVid 4: Ronald Tamfalan

Ronald Tamfalan paints his thoughts in the 4th series of ArtVid

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Caera and the story behind her photography

   Caera Grace Lastimosa Agduma or simply Caera is a survivor in her own right. In her 24 years of existence she managed to overcome her dark past and became a messenger of the words of God. She is one of the rising photographers in SOCCSKSARGEN. She is improving and evolving as a photographer and nothing can stop her in expressing her ideas in a positive way. 

   Caera recounts the days when she lost herself. As I describe her, she is a good girl gone badly because of what she experienced in her family. “I rebelled to my parents before,” Caera said. “I neglected my studies, I smoked marijuana, I partied a lot and did many other things that a rebel youngster would do.”

   When I heard all of these, I was a bit surprised because I can’t imagine how she was able to overcome all of it. “That time, Harry Potter and witchcraft were my form of escapism,” as she remembered. “Before, I cannot face the reality so I secluded myself and went into my world.” 

   It’s a spiral of negativity that’s hard to untangle. But thru God’s help, she excluded them out. “All of the said negativities in my life were all gone when I reconnected with God,” she pointed out. "It was a life changing opportunity when I joined the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) last year in Antipolo City."

   “YWAM is a miraculous experience. I thought I could not make it because I did not have money for my (daily) expenses. God helped me through channeling it to my friends and acquaintances.” 

   One of the things that she cannot forget in her YWAM experience was the Mangyan child named Alvin. Alvin inspired her in so many ways. “His innocence really amazed me. When we were in their community, he asked so many questions, he was curious of so many things and he’s fun to be with. His innocence made me realized so many things not just for myself but also for other people.” Through that experience she learned how to face the reality and her creativity started to evolve which eventually lead her to photography. 

   She started in photography using only her camera phone. She fondly took photos and posted it online. Luckily, it gained popularity and became an inspiration. Until one day, her mom got a Canon 600D camera because of work related tasks. She took the opportunity to use it and learn the art of photography. Her first mentor was her boyfriend, Edward James Sinforoso who taught her the basics of photography and the rest were history. 

   What’s remarkable about Caera as photographer is that she is more into actual practice than theory. She knows the basic in photography but she’s not really dwelling into its theory. “It hinder creativity,” as she said. Kitty Gallannaugh, Fade Longboy, Edward (her bf) and his father are her inspirations. 

   Caera’s photography is more into Bohemian/Gypsy style with a touch of vintage and a little twist of eccentricity. “I see things in a different way. In little things I can create a story.”

   She only started photography last February but continuously gaining a lot of followers. Her Facebook page now has thousands of likes (and still counting). Caera was also the brainchild of the first “shoot out” in Koronadal City which gathered many participants. Because of its popularity, some photographers replicated this idea. 

   At first, Caera only borrowed camera from her friends until she was able to buy her own. It was when she saw a post (online) by one of her friends who sells his camera (Nikon D700). Out of frustration, she made a shout out (on Facebook) pertaining to it which was noticed by one of her clients who helped her acquire the camera. “God is really great,” she said. “I prayed to Him and asked for it, and He gave it.”

   Her works is based on creations of God. She uses photography to share the words of God. “I live by faith and I express it through photography”. Furthermore, most of her works have the touch of nature with lovely colors.

   “Photography is part of my life. If you’re observant, it reflects my life, my mood and my state of mind.”

   There was a time Caera experienced being bullied because of her photography, but she made that experiences as her motivation to improve her works. Instead of dwelling into it she focused on its positive side. “Through this experience, I discovered who really my friends are. I also learned to forgive,”she said.

   “I really admire individuals who only competes with himself/herself and not with others,” she said. Caera admires those who only do their best and not joining the rat race. 

   “Don’t mind the camera,” as she said.“Try to find your (inner) creativity. Your eyes serves as your lens to the beauty of the world. Share your vision and be an inspiration.”

originally posted in southcotabatonews.com 

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If I have him

   He is rare. He is one of a kind. He is one in a million. It seems that his kind is becoming extinct. His philosophy is worth practicing. His eyes have a similar vision of the Creator. His photos are timeless. He is George Tapan.

   I did not hesitate to attend his mini seminar last September 11, 2014 at Sydney Hotel, GenSan. I want to hear his thoughts about photography and the art behind it. Although I did not attend his three day photography workshop (organized by Louie Pacardo), I am still thankful to attend his first activity. 

   In his seminar, he talked about the brief history of photography. How camera invented and how photographs changed the history of humanity. He shared about his winning photograph in the National Geographic photo contest. He also discussed the elements of a good photograph. The (mini) seminar also has an open forum where the participants asked freely their questions regarding photography.

One of his travel photography books

   “Let’s capture the Philippines in a beautiful way, “as he said, pointing out the importance of photography in capturing the beauty of the Philippines. And because he is a travel photographer, he believes in the power of photography in promoting the Philippines as a paradise to the foreign and local tourists. His collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine Airlines and his five travel photography books prove his dedication in helping the Philippines to be the top tourist destination in the world. 

   “A great photographer has a passion, dedication as well as patience in capturing a moment,” he said. “It is not like a fast food (restaurant) where you can order your food in a minute. Photography is patience. Wait for the right moment to capture a great photo. Don’t stop if you don’t get the right angle.”

Mr. Tapan's first camera

   His father is also a photographer. He got his first camera in 1965 while he took his first photo in 1969. He is self-taught photographer. He learned photography from reading/scanning his collection of National Geographic Magazines. He also learned thru research, travel and experimentation. “You have to research if you want a great photo,” as he explained. “You have to travel to have an inspiration. Learn the culture of the place you visited. Plan your shots and be creative”. 

Mr. Tapan's first photograph 

   I really admire his photographs. If you look at it, it seems so alive. It’s like I’m in the photo with him when he took it. His photos stimulate your mind. It’s magic. “All photos must have soul. Try to capture the soul of the picture. Photography has a purpose, it should be shared.”

   This man is not a brand conscious. If he likes to use a Nikon or any camera just to have his desired photo, he will use it. “Try to experiment with your equipment,” as he suggested. “Thru experimentation you will learn a lot from it.” 

Mr. Tapan discussed about different camera lenses.

   He is not fond of using flash and (adobe) photoshop. He is more into natural looking photographs. If it is dark, he uses flash light instead of camera flash. Moreover, he thinks and analyzes his subject before he photographed it. “You should consider whether your subject is appropriate in a situation or moment you want to shoot,” he said. “For example, if you want to capture a woman who wears a bikini in the beautiful waterfalls, you should think whether the woman in bikini could be a distraction to the beautiful waterfalls. In short, think the right concept for your photo.” 

   “Dream big,” as he advised. “Your photographs are not intended for Facebook only.” Mr. Tapan pointed out that photographers should not depend on uploading their works on Facebook. “Photography is not all about yes and likes on Facebook. If you dream that your works will be published on the National Geographic magazine or in the Mabuhay Miles magazine, then you should work on it. Dream big.” He also said that mistake is normal for a photographer. “By taking photos, you will learn from it. You will learn from your mistakes.”

   Mr. Tapan also emphasized the importance of etiquette in taking photos. A photographer should ask permission and research about the place he/she visited. A photographer should be respectful and culture-sensitive. A photographer must conceptualize before he/she take photos. 

   When one of the participants asked Mr. Tapan on what’s his secret to have great eyes in taking photos, he said, “I always pray to God to have good eyes in taking photos. I also pray for a good weather.” 

   His body of works speaks a lot about him as an artist. Despite his success and recognition, he remains humble and open for learning. It is sad to observe that most of the photographers today have this “huge ego”. It keeps them blinded on the reality of life. It weakens their artistic expression and creative mind. They are more into flaunting their gadgets and equipment not to capture the beauty of life but to intimidate others. They are busy profiting their so called “masterpiece” that they tend to forget their responsibilities as photographers. 

   How I wish I have George Tapan-type of Cinematographer in my film production team. I don’t mean to be a delusional dork here but his eyes as a photographer are truly amazing. Well, I look forward to meet that kind of teammate in the near future. As of this writing, I am still intoxicated with his works. I’m on this wishful thinking-mindset that if I have him on my team, our art work would be as great as other great art works in the world……if I have him.

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Per & Daisy Prenup AVP

Photo by Van Almeria (The Walking Eyes)

Project Title: Per & Daisy Prenup AVP

Created by: G.V. Alfasain 

Production House: The Walking Eyes & Love Metaphor

Engagement Styling: Vina Routel 

Photography: Van Almeria 

Music by: Erh (freesound.org) 

Location: Sarangani Highlands

Couple: Daisy Soler & Per Solhaug 

Date of shoot: September 2, 2014

An experimental video made for the couple.

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Pegasus: The Behind the Scenes Interview

The behind the scene interview 

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Pegasus: The Behind the Scenes

   Making a music video is a dream come true. Collaborating with smart and talented artist like Making Bianca inspires me in many ways. Our busy schedules are not a hindrance to shoot the music video. I am thankful that I collaborated with smart and cool artists who prefer to spend their time creatively for the love of art. 

   I do not expect that my first music video would be as spectacular as what we have seen in MTV. As the resources dictates, I need to be resourceful and creative to have desired output. Luckily, the cast and crew was really good to work with despite some problems arise during the shoot. 

   During the shoot of the video, it is expected that problems may rise. So the challenge is how you will solve it in a creative way. For example, the lead actress was not present during the second day of the shooting. We did not know what motivates her to act that way. Before we separate ways in the first day of shoot, it was clear to all of us that we still have second day shoot and we should come early. With that incident, I prepared my Plan B to cover up the “damage”. 

-Behind the scenes photos of PEGASUS-

   Given that I do not have equipment like DSLR camera, I have concepts and ideas that are worth sharing. As of now, equipment is not my priority. I am more concern on finding the right team to collaborate with. If you have solid, smart, creative, fun and easy to work teammates, for me it’s like winning in a lottery. Camera and other equipment are easy to find if you have money, but a great team is not.

   I am really blessed that J.Leonida was there and lend not only her camera but also her time and skills to be my Cinematographer in the music video. “It is my first time to make a music video”, as she said. She does not have an experience for shooting a video. Throughout the process of making a music video, we are all learning from each other. No overlapping of tasks. We work harmoniously for the anticipated outcome. I am also thankful that the Political Science students of MSU-GenSan were really supportive of Making Bianca. To show their support, most of them starred in the music video. 

Meeting the Band

   I first met Andrew Yatar and Arjay Lim (of Making Bianca) at the Mindanao State University (GenSan) campus. Harlem Jude Ferolino (The Voice of the Youth-GenSan) and Ronnie Barrientos (GenSan Youth Network) introduced me to them. I get interested of primarily because I am motivated to do a music video and finding the right artist to be featured in it. It is a good thing that the band has original compositions that have great lyrics. Since they are Political Science students, some of their songs reflect the social flaws of the Philippine society. Their themes and subjects really inspire me to pursue directing their video. 

   Before we shoot the video, I first consulted them about the concept. I interviewed them and asked some questions related to their band and their songs. As a director, I make a point that I consulted the artist what he/she would like to incorporate in the video. After that, I conceptualize and interpret it visually to the have desired output. I am honored that they loved the concept. 

The Lesson

   I have learned a lot from shooting this video. I do not spend my time and energy to those wannabes whose job is to pretend that they are passionate about their craft. Whether photography, modeling or any other art medium, a true artist transcends despite all the odds. He/she is not concerned whether he/she gets paid or become famous after the shoot. In short, passion speaks for itself.

The Video

   Here's the music video that we have created. I hope that you will enjoy it and reflect on its message. 

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Cocoy Sexcion: A Photographer with the eyes of a god

   It’s a rare opportunity to meet a photographer where his/her passion speaks for itself. This kind of photographer is not conscious with his/her camera, but shows real enthusiasm in taking photos. One of them is Leonardo “Cocoy” Sexcion. He is more than a photographer. He is an artist with eyes of a god. His photography transcends among his contemporaries.

   Cocoy started in photography in 2004 with no equipment. His passion and determination help him a lot in pursuing his craft. At first he used film camera to shoot different majestic scenery in Sarangani, until such time that he purchased his first digital camera in 2005 (Nikon D70s). “For me, photography is more than just light and composition, it is the real life I want to capture at the right moment and that’s what we want people to see, to inspire them more than just to remember,” Cocoy said.

   For 9 years, he worked with Sarangani Provincial Information Office as Chief Photographer and at the same time Editor in Chief for photography (during the reign of former Gov. Miguel Dominguez). Outside government service, among his past and existing clientele includes Smart Communications – Public Affairs Office; Davao International Container Terminal; Info-Arch Communications (a Manila-based PR firm that has captured aerial shots of TADECO Banana plantation as well as ports/wharfs in Davao); VSM Realty Corporation; and Communications Group of Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC). “I wanted to capture the positive side of life. I wanted people to appreciate ordinary and little things through my photography,” Cocoy added.

   With his love for this craft, he received a lot of recognitions in the local and national scene. For example he won as Best Entry (Values Category- Professional Division) at Standard Chartered Bank Nationwide Photo Contest last 2012. He also won 1st Place in the recent SarBay Festival Photo contest (Sarangani Category). With these achievements he still remains humble and open for collaboration with other artists. It is no wonder that his clients always remain loyal to him. He makes sure that they are always satisfied and happy for his output. He sees his clients not just a mere client but a friend. In short, he is in demand freelance photographer. “I just let my craft to do the talking, I take photos to ‘express not to impress’”, Cocoy asserted.

   His influences in photography are Bobby Timonera, from whom he learned the basics in taking photographs, George Tapan, who taught him the ambient light to make photos and David Black whom he learned creative lighting in the absence of ideal natural lighting.

   When taking photos, first he needs to visualize it. He does his research about the area that he wants to shoot. He checks if there’s enough lighting and he is always open for new perspective to have a new angle/story, so that the outcome will be memorable and unique.

   As a photographer, one of his advocacies is to promote places that are worth promoting. For example, he takes photos of different places in Sarangani with no pay. His love for the province motivates him to have great shots. Camera does not matter to him. He puts more emphasis on the concept and ideas behind the photo. “Owning a camera doesn’t automatically make you a photographer. It just makes you a Canon or Nikon owner or whatever brand you prefer,” Cocoy said.

   Aside for being a photographer, he has natural inclination for music. He had a band called MIGS, and he was the lead guitarist and lyricist of the group.

   I admire Cocoy’s love for photography. He is one of the photographers that I have known to have genuine interest on it. He remains humble and he let his photos speak for themselves. He will inspire more aspiring photographers to take this craft seriously at the same enjoying it, and discourage the “camera conscious” idea in their minds. He is a one of a kind artist we should be proud of.

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