Expressions .and. Photography: Davao del Norte

There is more than meets the eye in Davao del Norte in the Philippines.

Even with what is left with Davao del Norte after the province was divided into two provinces a couple of years back, there are still some things of interest to photograph though. The province has a rich culture. It has plenty of festivals: I think all of its towns have their respective festivals and fiestas. Owe it to the festival bandwagon spurred by Ati-atihan and Kadayawan. Hence, there is a surfeit of interesting photographic subjects. If you are creative and imaginative enough, you can createunique and great images photographing these events.

But if you are also into landscape photography specifically, it will be a sort of disappointment because many picturesque places or places of photographic interest went to Compostela Valley after the province was cut up into two. The picturesque b

eaches of Mabini, Maco and Pantukan are not Davao del Norte anymore. But Davao del Norte still has Samal Island though as part of its provincial territory where you can have a lot of excellent images photographing the beaches and also wonderful sights inland. Good weather allowing, Samal will give a landsca

pe photographer good sunsets and sunrise scenes depending on which part of the island one establishes himself to chase the light and the color.

For a short backtrack into its local history: Davao del Norte was divided into two provinces — Davao

del Norte and Compostela Valley. This was ostensibly done in the hallowed name of development. If it was really development that occurred after that is subject to anyone’s comment and opinion. The move doubled up the bureaucracy against the backdrop of a so-so expansive economic potential of the province. The grapevine had it then that the slice-up was thought of to prevent a clash of two gubernatorial aspirants which will be financially bloody, thus it would be expedient to give each one a turf. I’m sorry… But aren’t photographers supposed to be politically sensitive, too? This is a blog, okay?  This is the Philippines and politics is national past time at par with cockfighting… and there is politics anywhere in this planet – there is office politics and sometimes in the marital bed and abode. Besides my love for photography started with photo journalism in Davao del Norte. Well, young folks that was in the 80′s.

So after I decided to change my career paradigm from journalism when I edited and wrote for a community newspaper and a national daily, worked for the government’s information agency …I strayed awhile from my photography. I was busy doing other things… for a living. But photography would still butt in along the way. Working as a development worker afterward, my NGO outfit took me to take charge of writing and photography for the organization doing annual report photo shoots, publications and media relations, palpably due to my journalistic past. Yeah… many occupations and pre-occupations came along the way. Put up a computer store (Formfeed Marketing) in Tagum City and then a printing press, website is — www.pagestarpress.com and a lot more. However, the printing business paved way for a re-rentry into my old love — photography.  Honestly, I am happy I am back.

However, a lot of things have changed. It is now the age of digital photography. I don’t sell or throw away old camera equipment. I still have my first Canon FT-QLb 35mm film SLR, and mind you it still shoots good. That camera is vintage jurrassic 1985. And of course, a lot other Canon SLRs, both film and digital afterward. Hmmm. but likewise out of curiosity, I also bought a Nikon DSLR very recently and I can give a positive technical review if asked. A hackneyed phrase in the photography community – “it is the photographer, not the camera” that gives good results. I would say I have really never been a photography pro. Actually, I can’t figure out the thin gray line between a pro and a serious hobbyist if image output is the being talked about. Maybe, I had been quite a pro for a while, if you mean I was able to earn some bucks from my photography and got published. But if you will ask camera manufacturers, it will be suggested that a pro is the one who buys a pro-grade camera equipment whose prices starts from PhP 150 K up body only. Bottom line is photography is my passion. It is a serious hobby and who cares a bit who is pro or serious hobbyist. I also put up a web page for it — just for the heck of it — in my web site” www.pagestarpress.com/photography.html”.

I also write this blog also to get in touch with others in Davao del Norte who share the same passion for photography. I am not aware as of this writing if there is a photography club in the province. If there is, good. It there is none, having one is a good idea afterll. Although it is not of utmosst necessity have a photo club, but it will be good as a forum to exchange ideas, experiences, technical knowledge and share the joys of photography. Photography is more of a solitary act. Photographers don’t hunt in packs like wolves for a fantastic image. It is you…alone… your passion… your equipment… your subject…. the light… the color. The resulting image gives you joy, fulfillment, satisfaction afterall regardless if you get paid or not for doing it.

Noel A. Pabuaya

http://www.pagestarpress.com/photography.html

http://photo-e-says.blogspot.com

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