Lowepro Mission: Street Photography
Street photography (to me) relates to technique and style more than it does a particular location – urban or otherwise. At its best, “street” is that intersection where a candid snapshot becomes an unspoken collaboration between subject and photographer. In this case, a White Tai elder was peddling greens at a market in rural Son […]
Lowepro Mission: Artificial Light
As a member of Lowepro’s professional storyteller team, I am occasionally asked to submit an image and short blurb based on a theme proposed by their social media/community coordinator. August’s Lowepro storyteller mission “Ambient Light” got me thinking harder than usual. Blinding neon and sickly florescence first came to mind; but that seemed too literal […]
Peaking in Peru
“The Knot!” barks the instructor. “If you leave here knowing nothing else, remember that! It will save your life.” We all stop smiling and study the double Figure Eight tied through the belay loops of our harnesses. Strange how thin a 10.2 millimetre nylon rope looks when you have to hang from it. Guess this […]
Where Culture and Commerce Meet
Cross-legged with eyes half shut, Somboon Gavichi’s upper body sways to the hypnotic, almost nasal whine that emanates from a light, two-stringed instrument he bows. For centuries, the Sa-lor as it is called, has been an integral part of Northern Thailand’s musical heritage. Today, few know how to play it well, let alone make one. […]
Surfer's world: how to get thrashed (and make friends)
This story… I want to tell it so badly; as much as I want to be a part of it. All good storytellers know that the best way to tell a story is from within. But to get that kind of access, you either have to have been there for years (an insider’s story) or […]
In the wake of Ondoy: Tumana
The headlines are gone; tied up in twine and buried or burned shortly after it happened. The Press, too, is gone; off chasing the next disaster-du-jour, so we hear nothing more and think things are fine. But the story of life in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy – a super storm that devastated parts of […]
Papa John’s Center update
At Papa John’s Center in metro-Manila, children ages 5-20 are being cared for by Gemma Bucuyag (top right), who set aside her dental practice to care for children at risk in the neighborhood that she grew up in. Not knowing where food and living supplies will come from one month-to-the-next, Gemma relies largely on the […]
Photo Walkabout: Metro Manila
Back in metro Manila again and I am blown away by the pace of life and incredible growth that’s going on here. High rises and condo salespeople are everywhere! The purpose behind this trip – call it a Photo Walkabout – is to simply chase light, recharge my creative batteries and refine my vision. The […]
Light and tight: the Lowepro Rover Pro 45L AW
My need to downsize is a function of man hours and poundage – seriously, I’ve been schlepping 30 pounds of gear around on my shoulders since the turn of the century and the body is starting to tell me something: “Lighten UP!” To that end, when Lowepro asked for my thoughts on their Rover Pro […]
How to fix a stuck filter
The following method was explained to me by a Canon Professional Service technician. Note: this procedure is not recommended for the faint of heart!
Headshots: diversify your face
There’s more to great headshots these days than just your head. You’ve got to engage the imagination if you really want to catch folks’ attention. Case in point: Chris, the proprietor of Panmelodia – an independent music production company – dropped by the other day needing photos to introduce his new (top secret) business launch […]
Armistice, lest we forget…
In my mind, O.B. Pulsifer, Sr. is the stuff of legends. A tough blend of maverick and enterprise; persistence that verged on stubborn logic and, yes, even deep emotion (though no one was supposed to know). It’s quite likely that Alexander Keith’s Ale coined their best slogan after hearing about Grampy because: “Those that liked […]
