July 19, 2010

Back On Track

Greetings

Yes, yes, I know it has been almost 6 months since my last entry. I admit, I am pretty bad at keeping up with this blog but I am working on it. I realized that this blog is necessary to share my experience good or bad but also as an outlet of self- expressions. I hope that in the process of putting my thoughts in this writing, I could get more insights and discover something I might have missed. Nevertheless I am excited to continue on and share my journey with all of you. I am the author of my own life story.

First thing first, I want to keep you updated with what’s going on with me in photography as a career. I am still in the process of breaking into this field. In college, the business of photography was a topic that was covered in one lecture. Ironically, it’s as essential in order for a photographer to continue making a living as a photographer and pursue personal projects. I am slowly learning the ropes and learning to balance my personal visions as well as completing commissioned assignments. I’ve done my homework and got great information from other photo blogs and sites such as NPPA, ASMP, APhotoEditor, etc. Moreover, many seasoned photographers have helped me personally by sharing their experience and providing me with advice and constructive criticism and I thank them for that.  It’s apparent that continuing to be persistent, driven, dedicated, and being knowledgeable are of importance as having a passion in photography. "If you are just selling photography, then the cheapest price will get you the job.  Make your clients buy you." (Tim Mantoani). Bottom line,  I have to be my best ally.  I can't afford to procrastinate.  If I don't do it who will? If not now then when?  I've gotten a good amount of rejections but it only takes one person to say yes.  I can't wait for opportunity to knock I gotta kick down its door. 


Now as a personal growth in photography, that too is still in progress.  But I am eager to learn and experiment to solidify my perspective and message as a photographer.  "If a day goes by without me doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up" (Richard Avedon).  I admit that I dedicated almost all my time into photography.  If I am not taking photos, I am editing, or looking at photos taken by other photographers, or doing research for a project, or keeping up with current news and topics locally and internationally.  It's a blessing to have this opportunity to be able to invest so much of my time and effort into something I love.  "Take the biggest chance when you have the biggest opportunity" (Gregory Heisler).  

As for traveling, most of my travels are domestic.  I do missed traveling abroad.  But one thing for sure I can't stay in one place for too long, I don't think I am designed that way.  Thus,  I am leaving tomorrow on a month long road trip.  I will start with to San Diego for Comic- Con.   From then, I will be in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas for Magic Fashion Show and a possibility of dropping by Arizona.  Also, I will be pursuing a personal project throughout the whole trip which I will unveil very soon.  This will be a new approach shooting film, digital, and video. 


Updates:
Recently I got accepted to Eddie Adams Workshop XXIII and I am very excited to say the least.  I will be in NY for the workshop from Oct 8-11 but I am planning to stay an extra week to network and explore.  I also applied to Missouri Photo Workshop but I am still waiting for confirmation of my acceptance.

Also my photo of the Oakland Riot made Life.com week's best photo.  To view the full series from you can visit my gallery No Violence in My Name: The Aftermath of Oscar Grant verdict.  I shared these photos at SF Cameraworks for Open Show last week.  This is a great event for photographers and those who are interested in viewing some ongoing projects by photographers and videographers.

Some other galleries that I recently updated are my photos from my past Travel that I shot with film including Thailand, Cambodia, Peru, and India.

Photoshelter recently hosted a Webinar Finding Yourself in Your Photography featuring Tim Mantoani.  He was inspirational and if you have some time I recommend that you watch it.
"A camera like a guitar is just a box with a hole in it.  Until it is placed in the hands of a true artist, it will not make music, only noise."