| Reciprocity (...my thoughts exactly) by: Oochie A Chirico This is a revival of our Kameradare newsletter's editorial section. Let me tell you a different kind of love story that I have encountered so many years ago when I tagged along a trip to Lake Caliraya. I met a bunch of strangers with intimidating camera equipments with them. I was just in the background observing each and everyone's actions. It was my first time to be with such a group --- full of life, laughter and at the same time serious in their quest for that winning shot. Sooner or later, I became part of this group and my "love affair" with Kameradare continues to blossom and persevere up to this day. It is indeed a "love affair to remember." We've heard of this term all throughout our photographic journey in more ways than one. It is the balancing, zoning & the art of playing with light that gives life to a photogragh. I would like to start by "reciprocating" each & every Kameradare member who has endured every element in a photo dilemma, never giving up and is constantly moving on to achieve a sense of satisfaction, that for a mere 125th of a second, one can actually capture and preserve a moment in time. One famous photographer once said, "Without a camera, your travels are only partially realized." All of us enjoy our travels not just to learn their culture or see places that we know might be our first & last time to visit but without a camera, we have no way of going back in time & treasure those experiences. We can preserve them in our minds but sooner or later, that memory bank won't hold as much details as what a photograph can do. It gives us pleasure & wonderful memories just by looking at our snap shots, whether they may be the usual family reunions, holidays, birthdays & such festive occasions. So whenever there's an opportunity to be somewhere, a good investment is always to bring your camera & an ample supply of films. Our country is blessed with so many festivities & culture, find out where & when they celebrate these occasions & make sure you capture the very essence of their existence. People act funny when they know they are being photographed by a stranger. Some won't mind posing for them but others are more inhibited or threatened. Make sure you try to blend in first, get the "feel" of your surroundings & be courteous and ask their permission. Taking pictures make you look at things in a different perspective. You tend to be more analytical, subjective & yet emotional. A successful photograph makes you think when you look at it. Have you ever experienced a "euphoria" because you were in the right spot, at the right time & aimed at your subject? Other photographs can speak directly to your soul. When Richard See was asked one time what he thought of our "Tulay Buhangin" experience, he said it right, "Ah, it's a mystery." When you go to a tourist spot, people are usally inside the restaurants having their dinner by dawn. A good photographer will sacrifice his or her hunger pains & explore the area some more, capture a sunset or wait for the lone fisherman coming back to shore. The best times are always at dusk & at dawn. The mood of the lighting becomes more dramatic & adds depth & perspective to your shots. Discover the mystery & maximize each & every possibilites. |
 |