The Shutter Maniacs

It's been a while since I last posted here because I got very busy for the last few months, I just graduated college last April 2 and now, well I'm officially unemployed. Luckily, I got my parents and friends to make me happy and keep me busy with anything. I've been too much into different activities under the sun lately so people, please don't mock my skin if you ever happen to see me. Haha. I also started reading books and indeed it's true, reading books is like living thousand lives.

So here, for my first blog entry as a "Professional (?)" (I'm still used at being a student though. Haha) I would like to introduce... THE SHUTTER MANIACS.

Don't get their name wrong. This group of photographers are the best in town.

Some people fight by their swords, influence by words and make a change by the use of their brush or pens but for SM, it's about the vision through the power of the lenses. What I like about photography is that by looking at one, there is always a meaning behind it whether simple or deep. These can be familiar objects, patterns, faces or symbols that we may encounter everyday... made extraordinary by photographers. It is the power of good photography that for a moment, you just stop and stare then you are reminded that there is beauty in everything, and every detail has an important role. I think it is a necessity for people that once in a while we look at our old photo albums. Why do we even have to dream of having time machines if there are photographs that could bring us back in time? Brings back the memories that we or others once lived. Remember the past and live the present for the future is not ours to see (Que sera sera :) )

Yes, little learning is a dangerous thing. We may think that photography is just a manner of point and shoot but it's NOT. It takes a good catch of lighting, balance, good angles, patterns, importance of the subject and many more complicated techniques and adjustments (which I do not understand) to have a well composed photograph. There are little mathematicians, historians, directors, and technicians inside photographers. Most of all, they are artists.

 Now, what I like about Shutter Maniacs' Photography is that they are never driven by money. It's always the passion that brings them together like a family and every time they get together they share skills (and food). They give each other pieces of advice and techniques. What's better than doing the thing you love with a good company? Priceless. I also admire how they treat their models, making them feel at home with the group. I believe that more than great photos, the group bonding makes a model wanting to come back for more.

SM focuses of people photography which is according to Eric Ferrer (SM Photog), the hardest thing to shoot. I've been introduced to SM by an invitation of a friend. He recommended me to Michael Callanta and I thought, why not give it a try. So there, the moment I walked in the shooting venue I was surprised to see such number of photographers all over the place. Most of them are wearing black shirts and khaki shorts. Tripods and flashes are everywhere. I was anxious of who to approach but not more than how excited I was that moment.


I now introduce you to the first SM member I've ever met.

MICHAEL CALLANTA

https://www.facebook.com/thirteenphotography13?fref=ts

"Photography helps to see people."

                             


Kuya Mykel is a young freelance photographer. You can never doubt his photography skills though. His style includes sharpness and playing with flashes to create different feels and emotions to his shots. He's on for trying different styles now. He sure knows the business of it.

Here are some of my first photographs, shot by him of course.

Mykel Callanta's Gallery

 

     

       

         

       

          

          

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RODOLFO "BOY" DULAY

https://www.facebook.com/rgdulay?fref=ts

"I'll just let my photos tell it's own story."

                        


I already featured Sir Boy in my previous blog and I was so happy that it reached 494 views. Of course I wouldn't miss to feature him again here. A great photographer and a wise man, one of the founders of the group. Sir Boy is a very adorable photographer. I believe that he mastered on playing with the light of the sun and the colors of the world. You can see the richness of colors in his works. What's special about him is that he really has a vision, he is ambitious in his works. He's eager to try different themes and portrayals to give life for his shots. You can always learn from him, whether you're a photographer or a model. I remember how he said that being sexy doesn't necessarily mean to be naked, it could be merely in the eyes of the model and those stare will tell it all. With Sir Boy, everything seems to be light, You could even go to shoots and just chat with him about classic music, movies, his stories and wisdom about photography and life. Yes, and that's the magic of Sir Boy.

"To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life." -Henri Cartier Bresson

Boy Dulay's Gallery

  

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RJ REYES

https://www.facebook.com/rj.reyes.35

"I want to help models, HMUAs and fellow photographers in creating their portfolios."

Kuya RJ (also a founder of SM) is a funny, adorable, charming, kind, down to earth, talented and extremely cute photographer, and he's surprisingly single!!!! So girls? you know what to do I already gave the link *wink* haha. This guy never fails to bring positive energy (as well as beautiful models) to every shoot. He is very friendly and approachable. He knows everyone and organizes well. This photographer is such a ball of personality! He adds compliments in shooting that helps the model gain confidence and esteem, which for me is very vital for them to be able to give a good pose and emotion especially for beginners like me. He is also versatile in his photography, you will see how he does different styles... he is very adventurous indeed.

Rj Reyes' Gallery

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ALLAN CASTRO
https://www.facebook.com/allancastrophotography?fref=ts

Keep on scrolling because you wouldn't want to miss the showcase of Allan Castro Photography. Sir Allan is truly one of the best. The man behind most of  his model's profile pictures and cover photos (including the one I'm using here). He doesn't talk too much but you will know that when he calls you to shoot, you're lucky and when he starts to direct you, the result will be breathtaking for sure. He is very good in thinking of concepts and the best executions for it. His works are always new, exciting, appealing... always something to look forward in every post. I wouldn't say too much about him anymore, I would really suggest that you check his page and just see for yourself. :)

Allan Castro's Gallery

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ALVIN SAGUN
https://www.facebook.com/LuwisitoVino/photos

"Photography is like a joke, if you have to explain it, you will miss the whole point."

Another charming and cheerful photographer. Alvin makes sure that his models feel comfortable working with him. He knows how to keep good relationships with people and more than being a professional, he can also be your friend and trusted photographer. I appreciate that he still remembers me and asks me how I've been, even though I've been inactive in shoots lately; those simple thoughts can already make people feel welcomed to the group. Every photograph he posts has a meaningful caption or story, quality over quantity it is. You can easily tell that he has the vision, uniqueness and own  principles about photography but he's still willing to learn and accept criticisms...  now that's a true promising and humble photographer.

Alvin Sagun's Gallery












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JOSHUA KE
https://www.facebook.com/JoshKePhotography?ref=br_rs

A bad ass photographer and model, yes you read it right he is also model and he is good at being both. Joshua Ke is one of the youngest member of the group, adventurous and ambitious in a positive way. You can't deny his potential for he really got style. I'm really looking forward to see him become a successful one someday, maybe as a professional photographer, film director or perhaps a style blogger. We had the same course by the way and I know that our chosen field is such a huge world to conquer and it's only for those who really has a full heart for it and I admire him for having that quality.

Joshua Ke's Gallery

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DAN AUGUST PANA-CABRANTE
https://www.facebook.com/dan.panacabrante




"Photography is finding beauty in different perspective."

I was trying hard to think of a very good line to describe SM photographers' love for the group. I tried to compose using inspiring and beautiful words from the books I've read or from the dictionary, but at the end, I found it in Kuya Dan's. The true love for a group is about going all the way from Bulacan to Quezon City every shoot just to be with the Shutter Maniacs family. I asked him why, he said "masaya ako dito eh". I was actually seeking for advice from him about my career dilemma when we got into that that topic and in that snap I realized that I should just go with what makes me happy and when you are happy with something, difficulties are always bearable. Kuya Dan's works are mostly straight out from the camera with just minimal processing or none at all but still the beauty he was able to capture every time is undeniable.

Dan August's Gallery

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ERIC FERRER
https://www.facebook.com/eric.ferrer

The one wearing a fedora hat-- you already know that Sir Eric is in the house. He's one of my personal favorite, I like the color treatment he uses with his works. I find his photography cool because of the peacefulness and softness feel of it, giving me temporary bliss. I can easily distinguish his shot from a bunch of photographs and then I'll immediately save it in my computer. He also directs his models helping them strike a good pose.

Eric Ferrer's Gallery

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JOMAR ROCES
https://www.facebook.com/jomar.roces


 

Meet Sir Jomar Roces, one of the flag bearers of the group. He's a spontaneous photographer, always present at shoots and events. Sir Jomar is always part of the group's decision making, his opinions are important and well considered. He often plays with the natural light creating a simple yet big impact to the appeal of the photo. He's the kind of photographer that continues to grow. As I check out his page to choose the photos I'm going to use here, I observed that he is now exploring on post processing and things are looking good!

Jomar Roces' Gallery

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DAN DE LEON
https://www.facebook.com/dan.deleon.39

"Kung lahat ng tao photographer, napakaganda ng mundo."

Based on my experience, I thought that editing can just either ruin the essence of the photograph or make it look beautiful but fake. The catch here is that, only few can actually turn editing from being merely a doctor into a photographer's best friend  and trust it in the hands of Sir Dan De leon. He's a one of the firsts and original members of the group. Sir/ Tito Dan is very kind, generous and a good photographer no doubt that you're going to want to be shot (with the camera) by him!

Dan De Leon's Gallery

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As I was spending my hours finishing this blog to introduce SM's photographers and their best shots, I realized that unconsciously, I was describing them not solely by their photography skills which I was supposed to do but more than how I've seen them as a person, more on their best traits and personality that made them all special and unique. 

I'm now convinced that it's not just about the results that measures the fulfillment of a photographer but it's about giving a part of yourself like how a like how a teacher shares h/her knowledge to h/her students and like how I've dedicated my time in this blog. I guess when you really love what you are doing and when you are really honest with it, no one else could bring you down.

So there, the Shutter Maniacs. Isn't it amazing how two people just started to plan of having photo shoots regularly suddenly became a big family to be proud of? The group even continues to get bigger and bigger every time! Yes, there may be circumstances and changes but there are things that are worth holding on, especially this one. :)

Thank you so much for visiting!

Irish Talusan