COKELOVER Photo [2004-06]

LAST BREATH

2006-05-11T03:53:00.000+08:00

Cokelover Photo is as dead as the fish above. So, do yourself a favor. Follow the fish.

BRIGHT LIGHTS

2006-05-05T01:12:00.000+08:00

Soft bright lights almost always seem to beautify a subject. Even Carlo. Below are two pictures that illustrate this. The first one was taken at the photogenic entrance of Dencio's. The latter was taken inside the hotel room while I was playing with the multiple exposure feature of my new camera.

I'm dedicating this final Subic entry to Randy, who will no doubt point out that the second picture is depokado. Sadly for him, however, soft bright lights won't do anything to improve what is irreversibly and undisputedly ugly.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

SOGO CARLO

2006-05-04T03:34:00.000+08:00

For this second to the last leg of Carlo's Subic pictures, we took photos in our dingy hotel room. Glen and Ag were busy scrubbing each other's feet, so Carlo and I decided to have an Asian cinema-inspired shoot. Only available light and a light filter were used to create the "old photo" and grain-y feel in these images.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

BACK TO CATHY

2006-05-02T12:38:00.000+08:00

Here are some revisited pictures from the Old Cathy shoot last year. :p FYI, This is the final installment of the "Back to B&W" series. I hoped you enjoyed it.

Next up: Carlo's Zoobic adventures! Watch this space.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

BACK TO TRAVELLING

2006-05-01T23:43:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures taken from my old European adventures (plus two local photos).

I wish I could get back there soon!

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

BACK TO VENICE

2006-04-27T03:15:00.000+08:00

I love Venice! It is, without a doubt, my favorite European city.

Aside from its culture and sheer beauty, I will always have a special place in my cold, cold heart for this city, because it is where I started integrating people into my travel photography. It is also where I drank oodles of yummy Mimosas and Bellinis (yes, the authentic ones).

So, to continue with my current vintage b&w obsession, here are some images from that enchanting place.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

BACK TO BASICS

2006-04-26T15:14:00.000+08:00

I've been looking through my photo archives for images that might be better off if they were simply b&w. I don't really know why I've suddenly been motivated to do this, but, anyway, here are some of what I've found so far.

In my opinion, b&w photography is actually a form of cheating. As I said in my basic photography class, it's hard to go wrong with this medium because everything looks instantly artsy and all you have to worry about when shooting is contrast. And, it almost always results in powerful images, because it's simplicity forces one to focus on the subject, not on the clutter that usually diminishes the impact of the said subject.

But enough ranting. Let's proceed with the cheating.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

MORE GOLDEN GIRLS

2006-04-16T13:38:00.000+08:00

I returned to the Igorot tribeswomen to take more portraits. I found the previous pictures interesting because of their facial expressions, wrinkles, teeth, and costumes, so I felt compelled to take some more images. Since I was pretty pleased with the outcome of the last shoot, I used the same lighting and background as before. So, finally, check out five more golden girls!

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

GOLDEN GIRLS

2006-04-15T02:57:00.000+08:00

Still in Baguio. And as I mentioned in my previous post, there are very few interesting things to take pictures of over here. So, just like before, I decided to focus on details. This time, however, I took close-ups of some Igorot tribeswomen. No more creepy butterflies for me.

I originally set out to take pictures of these women in their natural dwellings. My family laughed at this original concept, but I thought it would be really cool if I was able to pull it off. Unfortunately, as it turns out, the language barrier is a bitch. Giving them instructions on facial expressions was hard enough. I did not even attempt to ask them to bring me to their homes.

Raw processing notes: Desaturated by 40%. Increased contrast and shadow levels.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

TINY TREASURES

2006-04-13T02:24:00.000+08:00

I'm in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines.

The thing is, it's actually not that cold here, and there's a serious lack of photo-worthy sights in this overrated tourist spot.

Fortunately, as I've been faced with this dilemma before, I came prepared and brought my macro lens with me. If there's nothing big worth focusing on, maybe there's something in the little things, I figured. I was right, and here's proof of that.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

FASHION FINALE

2006-04-10T00:42:00.000+08:00

The title of this post lacks the word "grand" unlike the actual name of the closing show of Philippine Fashion Week 06. The thing is, I really can no longer tell if these pics are stronger than the previous ones. I have become so desensitized by this fashion explosion. (I'm not fishing either.)

I'll be spending Holy Week in Baguio so, hopefully, the images I capture there will be worlds apart from what I've become indifferent to (but will surely miss soon enough). We'll see.

Happy Holy Week everybody (or whatever greeting is appropriate during this time of the year)!

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

FROM THE FRONT ROW

2006-04-08T02:11:00.000+08:00

I wasn't in the photographer's area when I watched the Sony Premier Collection of the PFW06 earlier. I was sitting at the VIP area in the front row. Not too shabby.

It was, however, tricky to take pictures because the models seemed to zoom past me everytime and my lens couldn't focus fast enough to follow. Still, I got a good view of everything, and was able to take some unusual but striking photos.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

SOMETHIN' FOR THE PEOPLE

2006-04-06T01:28:00.000+08:00

I went to the "public unveiling" of Philippine Fashion Week 06 at the Glorietta Activity Center yesterday. It was hosted by Raymond Gutierrez and his more popular twin brother Richard.

Oddly enough, for this supposed debut show, casual wear or "Easy Fashion" was featured, a far cry from the typical high fashion stuff that has been on full display thus far. Another unusual thing was that the show was extremely short, clocking in at just barely 30 minutes.

I guess these facts reflect how the fashion industry views the "public." No wonder the fashion industry isn't thriving; it may be too busy being elitist.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

The lighting isn't as favorable as that of the previous shows because of the venue change. And since I don't use flash, I suggest that all of you should just learn to appreciate high contrasts, harsh lights, and deep shadows.

INSANE DESIGNS

2006-04-05T12:48:00.000+08:00

Here are a whole bunch of pictures from the Grand Allure show yesterday. I'm not a fashionista or anything, but I can't for the life of me figure out what's supposed to be so alluring with these outfits. Just look at the pictures and I'm sure you'd agree that there were more weird clothes than usual in this show.

By the way, I was extremely tired when or after I shot these. I got cramps, sweaty palms, and throbbing leg and back muscles. Still, I made it through and here are the results of my labor of, uhm, insanity.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

Okay, I just realized that I didn't even post most of the crazy stuff. Oh well.

WEDDING SURPRISE

2006-04-05T02:49:00.000+08:00

Here are eight wedding gown pics from the Premiere Collection of Frederick Peralta. Mind you, I did not set out to shoot a bunch of formal dresses.

Here's hoping that yesterday's surprise was worth it.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

FASHION PORTRAITS

2006-04-04T02:45:00.000+08:00

I just got back from the Avant-Garde (Monday) leg of PFW 2006. As with the previous post, I was able to take some really nice shots of the models and their supposedly stylish designer outfits.

What's interesting is that in the span of two shooting days, I seem to have developed a sort of style or comfort zone when it comes to shooting these things. For one thing, as I told Van (who I had not seen in the longest of times!), I don't really focus on the entire outfit or the show itself. For the most part, I take what I'd like to refer to as fashion portraits.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

SUPER SATURDAY

2006-04-02T15:28:00.000+08:00

I spent a most unusual Saturday. First, I saw three Lunas, two of which my mom is probably going to insist on buying. Next, I took photographs at the young-something leg of Philippine Fashion Week 2006, which was incredibly fun and exciting. Lastly, I went to a party where I was scolded by a smug media bitch for dissing Pinoy Big Brother. In that same party, my friends got drunk one by freakin' one.

As I'm not one to take pictures of paintings or people in a party (hear that, Louis?), here are some pictures of the fashion show. Enjoy!

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

RAZORBLADE

2006-04-01T02:26:00.000+08:00

To the Strokes, thank you for writing a kick ass song.

SINGAPORE (AM/PM)

2006-03-31T14:31:00.000+08:00

I just got back from Singapore. I was there for "four days, three nights," but, really, I was just there for two whole days. I spent the first day roaming Harajuku/Fifth Ave. wannabe Orchard Road, desperately trying to find something worthwhile to purchase. The other day was spent on a photography mission by the Seine-River-wannabe (where the Sydney-Opera-House-wannabe is located). As the day went on, I also managed to visit some temples and government buildings, which are too small to be considered viable tourist spots but are still pretty charming.

So, without further adieu, here's Singapore in B+W (morning) and full color (afternoon/evening).

- AM -

- PM -

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

By the way, I used my brand new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor for all of these pictures. Apparently, I was able to buy something worthwhile (no more tripod!).

THE LITTLE PRINCE

2006-03-26T20:25:00.000+08:00

This is Prince Jessie Marcelo, the son of ate Tina. It was his baptism this morning, and I was deigned his godfather. As Cattan said while I was (raw) processing these images, I am oddly captivated by this less than five months old baby. And as evidenced by these pictures, who wouldn't be?

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

HOUSE (OF HORRORS)

2006-03-24T19:25:00.000+08:00

Okay, here are some pictures taken at my house and the (second) annex.

All were shot in wide angle.
All but one has been desaturated.
One of them has a smiling devil hiding in it.
And, to be clear, it's not a reflection of me.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

OUTBACK OUTTAKES

2006-03-20T02:09:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures from my lunch yesterday with Mommy Cattan and Kristine. It was fun, but these images are way better. Go ahead, laugh. I know I did.

Oh, I darkened the edges to unify the images. And, the noise is due to my using ISO 800 and my VR lens, not my fast 50mm lens.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

(MORE) MANUFACTURED GOODS

2006-03-15T19:48:00.000+08:00

I revisited Unilever Philippines today for a paid photography assignment this afternoon. Since I'm pretty sick of these products, I'm only going to share with you three pictures. (Besides, most of the images I took were of that company's employees and I'm not sure they'd be pleased if I posted their mugs here.)

As you could see, this time around, I had the liberty to take more typical product shots. In contrast to the previous set where we were trying to achieve a more realistic feel (products in a cart, supermarket, shelf, etc.), this group looks much more polished and studied.

To those with a finer eye for detail, you should notice that the colors in this set are different from those of the old one. The reason being, I am now shooting and processing photos using the Adobe RGB color space. Okay, that's enough introduction to this very short addendum.

-- From MARCH 9, 2006 post--

I went to Unilever's headquarters just this morning/early afternoon, and I was surprised at the vastness of their space. Inside a single lot -- that is divided by the Pasig River no less -- is Unilever Philippines' factories and offices.

The reason I was there is I was tasked to take "hi-res photos" of their supply chain (for an all-important wall, not an advert). Crystal was desperate, since the pictures she had taken were overly pixelized.

Here are some of the best ones among the 29 I eventually submitted. Take note that I am not endorsing any of these products. I don't think I'm in any position to do so, anyway, since we hardly use any of them in my household. Still, they make for interesting images, me thinks.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

FROM THE GARDENS

2006-03-07T20:52:00.000+08:00

I was a bit bored today, so I decided to walk around the village to take some photos. These were all taken using my under-used macro lens. Take note, the first picture looks decent as a thumbnail only; therefore, I opted not to include a larger version.

- THE LIVING -

- THE FALLEN -

- THE DEAD -

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

DOLBY

2006-03-03T15:09:00.000+08:00

I took this photo using my new 50mm f/1.4D Nikkor lens with just the available light in my room. I bought the aforementioned lens recently in HK, since I wanted to be able to shoot even during challenging light conditions like Louis.

The picture is slightly desaturated to keep the focus on the subject, not on the speaker it is sitting on top of.

Anyway, without further introduction, here is DOLBY, a wonderful figurine I got somewhere in Africa a long time ago.

NUTS IN HONG KONG

2006-02-23T20:41:00.000+08:00

I went to Hong Kong recently. As usual, I took some photos. There's an emphasis on "some," since I didn't take that many images. I only managed to whip out my camera one night while strolling along Kimberly road and one afternoon while traipsing all over Disneyland.

There are some of Carlo looking lost (naturally). There's one of Jack "Woody" Twist's mascot, and also one of a scary looking dude.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

CHILD'S PLAY

2006-01-22T20:25:00.000+08:00

What follows are portraits of Carlo, my 24-year-old friend who claims he's 16 but acts like he's 8.

These shots were taken in the same place as Cattan's shoot (she assisted in this one). Like that one, things were kept simple for this project. Almost no make-up was used and no artificial lighting was employed. Carlo, however, did provide one very important accessory. Also, some of the clothes are actually mine since Carlo sweats...a lot.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

BANGKOK, BABY!

2006-01-17T18:32:00.000+08:00

I went to Bangkok last December 26-29. It was a suprisingly fun family trip complete with a day tour (to the market, around the city and its surrounding areas), a grand hotel/spa, some Muay Thai, and lots of shopping. Truth be told, I still prefer Hong Kong for these short out-of-the-country trips, but Bangkok wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Actually, it was pretty good.

I hope that's enough of an intro, because I will now share with you some photos i thook while I was there. I have loads of other Bangkok pics, but I think these are the best. Or at least I think so right now.

*Click on an image to see its enlarged version.

PORTRAITS

2006-01-15T19:31:00.000+08:00

I'm not going to individually describe each image like I usually do; rather, I will just describe the shoot itself. Cattan was late. The lighting situation was challenging. Everything was kept simple/plain. And I was an extraordinary machine.

By the way, if you click on the image, you will see its enlarged version. Don't say you weren't warned.

Not bad for an hour's work, huh?

LIGHT & LOVELY

2006-01-04T18:17:00.000+08:00

I took this photo in Baguio some time last year. I used my macro lens and shot this flower against the light to get that soft, backlit effect. Then I applied a filter so I could enter it in a contest--Altered category.

LAKE, NIKKO, JAPAN

2006-01-04T18:13:00.000+08:00

This is Nikko, Japan, near the lake, fall 2005. It was a very cool, breezy day, so this was one of those photos that was taken hurriedly. Even so, it came out well, I think.

I just submitted this picture to a contest--Travel category.

ALL THAT JAZZ

2006-01-04T18:11:00.000+08:00

My cousin Jazz in extreme close-up. Taken in Boracay early last year, this brings back some fond memories of that beautiful place.

I just submitted this picture to a contest--People category.

WALK THE LINE

2006-01-04T18:09:00.000+08:00

This is an ant strutting its stuff somewhere in the corporate Makati area.

I just submitted this picture to a contest--The Natural World category.

CALL FOR A CAB

2006-01-04T17:59:00.000+08:00

This is the partial view of a passenger sitting inside a NYC taxi. I took this photo on the way to Central Park back in the summer of 2004.

I just submitted it to a contest--Americana category.

BLOODY BEACH

2005-12-12T03:11:00.000+08:00

I took this photo in Boracay last year, and just recently re-encountered it. For some reason, I decided to make the algae look like blood. I'm sick, I know.

YELLOW TO ME

2005-11-23T19:40:00.000+08:00

"Yellow to me is an intrinsic connection between nature and man. Through the warmth of the earth, the light from the sun, and the patterns in the stars, we know our place and our future." -- what I will say to win a stupid photo contest

TAN-SAN

2005-11-23T15:40:00.000+08:00

This is Cattan in a Japanese-inspired portrait. Obviously, heavy filters were employed, mostly because the original photo came out blurry due to a certain inexperienced subject.

AU NATUREL

2005-11-23T15:36:00.000+08:00

The original photo looks nothing like what is posted above. Needless to say, Photoshop saved the day! By the way, this was inspired by Mary J. Blige's album art for "Mary."

HAWAII '04

2005-01-09T17:30:00.000+08:00

These were taken in various places in Hawaii where I spent the past holiday season. The first one is of a girl I saw while underwater inside a submarine. The second is of a nice pool at some fancy hotel in Maui. The third shows some birds I saw resting in this huge tree in Waikiki. The fourth is of a weird nomad-looking tourist walking along a beach in Maui. And the last one is of a flower that just looks so beautiful when photographed.

FIRSTBORN

2004-10-11T20:27:00.000+08:00

This photograph was taken in Boracay last July. I thought it was interesting how, in this shot, only one of the many flowers is actually in bloom.

NIGHT SCHOOL

2004-09-30T20:26:00.000+08:00

This is a photo I took of SEC at night. I like how it looks so eerie and mysterious even though in reality, it's not at all.

JAGUAR IN THE JUNGLE

2004-09-30T12:29:00.000+08:00

This is a shot of the front of my car at night. I like it because there's an almost distinct reflection of a tree on the hood. I also like how you don't immediately see the car in the image or at least it's not that obvious in the beginning.

LOSING ONESELF IN THE CORPORATE WORLD

2004-09-29T10:43:00.000+08:00

This is a shot of Charlie outside Starbucks G4. It was funny how we just strolled in and I set up my tripod and camera without thinking twice. Five minutes later, we were scolded by the guard but we still proceeded to take a couple of shots after that. It all turned out well despite the conditions, I think.

T

2004-09-28T13:36:00.000+08:00

This is a shot of the EDSA traffic near Megamall. It caught my attention since it sort of resembles a "T" formation.

PLANT?

2004-09-27T01:30:00.000+08:00

This was a concept shot I took for the WWF-Philippines and Klima exhibit entitled A Change of Art: Perspectives of a Weathered World. Thankfully, it was chosen by my teacher for that show.

GR8

2004-09-24T03:39:00.000+08:00

I like this shot of my Magic 8 Ball since it really looks good in grayscale. I like the little details in the reflection as well.

WHO ARE YOU CALLING FAT LIPS?

2004-09-23T20:08:00.000+08:00

This is a picture of my devil duck toy that I took at Cathy's roof. My photography teacher thought it was a cow. Go figure.

LOST IN THOUGHT

2004-09-21T21:26:00.000+08:00

This is a shot of a small figurine I bought the first time I visited Paris. I thought it was special especially considering that it served as my cheap souvenir for that place.

STILL AT SEA

2004-09-21T21:18:00.000+08:00

This is another port shot but I find it interesting since the place looks so serene and calm, not at all busting like the other ports.

MIRROR BUILDING

2004-09-21T21:08:00.000+08:00

This is a simple shot of a nice uniquely-shaped glass-covered building in Hawaii.

SIM CITY

2004-09-17T21:26:00.000+08:00

I took this shot as the ship was parked on the dock. I think it's interesting how the many distinct lines create the illusion that the ship is part of the city.

BALOOONS

2004-09-16T21:25:00.000+08:00

I photographed this port early morning somewhere in Hawaii. I like how the clouds and that thing on the right/foreground form balloon-like shapes.

ALOHA

2004-09-15T21:22:00.000+08:00

This greeted me at the port of Hawaii where we boarded our cruise ship. Aloha, indeed.

LIGHTHOUSE

2004-09-06T21:11:00.000+08:00

This lighthouse is on the nothmost point of the Hawaiian islands. I thought it was interesting since I haven't seen many good-looking lighthouses in my lifetime. I think the photograph turned out well since the contrast and detail was seen.

COKE IN THE MORNING

2004-09-06T21:08:00.000+08:00

I took this in Hawaii last December. It's a shot of this clean and striking Coca-Cola truck that I noticed while walking along the beach. It was especially surprising since Coca-Cola trucks in the Philippines are the dirtiest and oldest vehicles ever.

CRUELLA

2004-09-06T21:04:00.000+08:00

I saw this lady as my family and I were waiting for our tour guide for our Hawaiian scenic helicopter ride. She had this really black dress on and she wore it with black shoes and black stockings. And she had white hair. She really reminded me of Cruella de Vill.

KOI CHAOS

2004-09-03T20:12:00.000+08:00

This was taken in my home and it's basically a shot of the many Koi scrambling. I love the framing and the deep color of the water here since they both highlight the movement and forms of the fishes.

SOME SANTA HUMOR

2004-09-03T20:10:00.000+08:00

I thought this was a hilarious, or at least a unique, outdoor Santa decoration. I also took this shot somewhere in Pearl Drive last December.

POWERSHOT

2004-09-03T20:08:00.000+08:00

I took this shot for the second class critique in my Basic Photography class. I took this somewhere in Pearl drive and it was December last year.

BIRD, CAGED

2004-09-01T19:17:00.000+08:00

This shot was taken November last year at the Manila Zoo. It was one of the first shots I ever took using a manual SLR camera loaded with B&W film. It was for my first assignment in my Basic Photography class.

HANDS CLEAN

2004-09-01T19:15:00.000+08:00

ELEPHANT OUT OF THE ROOM

2004-09-01T19:08:00.000+08:00