MANILA, Philippines—The oldest photography club of the Philippines attempts to weed out from traditional photographs to “wallable” images as it celebrates its 85th year this 2013.
An exhibit of 85 limited edition photographs of the Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP) is ongoing at the “Now Gallery” in Ecoplaza Building in Makati City until December 28.
The exhibit is an initiative of the club to elevate photography from simply capturing an image to creating “wallable” pictures.
“There is a proliferation of camera clubs in the Philippines and even around the world. I felt that CCP, being the oldest in the country, might just become one of the many camera clubs. There is no distinction so I have to elevate and put CCP to a higher post,” said Billy B. Mondoñedo, club president.
Mondoñedo said the exhibit will elevate the club from the rest.
“This is not just another exhibit,” he said.
The photographs are from the collection of CCP members and were chosen by outsiders who were tasked to pick 85 photographs from 300 images submitted by its members.
Lao Bien, a distinguished artist, was one of the persons tapped to select the best photos to be exhibited.
Mondoñedo, a well-known photographer, said that his perspective on photography has evolved.
“Before, we only take photos for competitions. Our mindset was to shoot a winning piece,” he said.
However, he said that photographers should change their mindset.
“I want them to veer away from traditional photography. I want them to use their cameras and tools to create images that do not only win a competition but something that touches the heart of everyone,” he said.
He encouraged club members to shoot more photos that are “wallable.”
“Wallable” photos, according to him, are images that have a certain catch and tell a story.
He also shared his expertise on photography.
He said he had been to many places in the Philippines and parts of the world.
Some of his priced photos were taken from places in the country and even outside the country.
“I have been to different places and Nepal is a nice place for photography. Locally, Batanes is a nice place to take photographs. Everywhere you look, the place is just scenic and perfect,” he said.
With the advent of technology, he reminded everyone to use it positively.
But he said, in editing photos, photographer must not subject his photos to rigorous digital enhancement like via Photoshop because it becomes graphics and is no longer realistic.
“Photoshop should only give you the opportunity to enhance. The absence of elements in a photo is what photoshop allows you to do but I highly discouraged it,” he said.
According to him, “Cut but do not add.”
“There is no bad photo because each photo is an interpretation of what you see and how you see it,” he said.
In taking images, he said, “I look and create a photo, rather than take photos by chance.”
He mentioned that light and lens is very important in photography.
He stressed that photographers should take photos not just for competition but for arts’ sake.
“Everytime they click, there images should have a value,” he added.
Photographs, according to him, must be “wallable.” He added that this is a new line of photography.
The photos in the exhibit, launched December 5, are auctioned for an amount as low as P30,000.
He said there will be more exhibits from the club and hopes to make this an annual event.
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