Fashion & Commercial Photography: Dancing on the Ledge with the Lights (Day 1)

I love learning and immersing myself in the presence of creative people. It's an indulgence that spells benefits for all who take part.

Last weekend was such an indulgence.

Two talented artists offered their knowledge to the photography community and prepared a two-day jam-packed information/sharing/experimentation lecture/workshop.

I know, a lot of slashes and all that, but it's simply because it was all that. A beautiful compilation of learning which you won't find just anywhere.

Dan Santoso is an Indonesian photographer whose work flirts with fantasy. His images show a well-thought out concept which reflects his experimental nature. His eye for light is spot-on (pun almost unintended)!

Huge thanks for teaching us how to look at light and for letting us play in your light playground for the whole weekend!

Carlo Sardez is the Filipino half of this partnership in learning. His digital imaging skills are phenomenal. There is no way to explain this unless you peek into his work. I suggest you visit his site.

While you're at it, visit Dan Santoso's site as well.  You will not be disappointed.

The weekend was enriched by the presence of fellow photographers who shared their passion for light! Many thanks for your insight and your camaraderie. I'm glad to have met very talented people like you!

The Workshop was at The Light House. A beautiful studio owned and managed by Dan Santoso.  Thanks, Carrine, for being patient and cooperative. :) I think you look sweet!

This is just Day 1. Watch out for Day 2 to be posted soon!

Teen Thursday Tutorial: Principles of Art in Photography

Thursdays are extra special for me because it's the time I have to spend an hour or two with teens to talk about Photography. It is so inspiring to see the world from their perspective. So exciting to watch them grow - both technically and artistically in the creation of images using their cameras. I have never left a session without feeling inspired.

My aim for Teen Thursdays is two-fold: first, to showcase their work; and, two, to share what we have discovered in our meetings. 

Teen Photographers worked on Principles of Art in Photography this week. Just like their Elements of Art in Photography exercise, they took on the challenge of picking a principle out of a jar and making images based on these principles.

Look at what they came up with!

Emphasis

Balance

Unity

Contrast

Movement/ Rhythm

Pattern/Repetition

An exciting project is coming up for these talented teens! I'll be putting up information about it soon as an open invitation for all those who'd like to join in and put together their own projects in their own part of the world and at their own time.

Worth the click: 

I'm always happy to see and meet up with fellow Filipinos in this field of work.  Carlo of mooodigitalproductions is quite the expert in digital imaging.  Look at how and what he works with: (you may also click the image to go to his site.)

Until next Thursday Teens update!

I Wonder About Readers in Governments

Serendipity.

Coincidence.

The universe conspiring.

How appropriate to just be informed that one of my images has been used for an article about reading and providing books for those who won't be able to have them without federal support.

Click the image below to be directed to the site where you can find the image and the article.

I am saddened by the truth I read in Morgan's article. I am disheartened to be informed that due to budgetary issues, the US has decided to cut back budget for education, specifically reading. The US has been such a trend-setter for the country I'm from. If they do this, will my country further cut back resources for our young readers? 

I agree with Morgan when she says "If we are what we read, what will the next generation of kids be when a growing number of them can’t afford to read anything at all?"

What will happen to the next generation? Why do we allow them to suffer so? Issues like this cut close to my heart: I am an educator. I am a reader. I am a mother.

How can I help? How can we help? How can we stop this downward spiral that we seem hellbent on taking? If I sound like I'm panicking, forgive me but I am.  This news poses as a serious threat to the future I'd like my son to grow up in and into.

Gillian

Gillian is such an interesting person!

She manages to be both a responsible student and an excited young teen, ready to take on life!

She's growing so fast into a young lady who loves loves loves being with her friends - and (while?) listening to T.S.

Oh, Gillian, I have no doubt you're going to make your momma proud!

Waiting Readily for Their Turn (pun intended)

While waiting for their turn to wash their hands after snacktime, these little students are encouraged to take a book from a shelf and read. What a wonderful way to encourage reading in young minds!

Everything We Really Need to Know

This is an ode to childhood. And pre-school. And friendship.  And kindergarten teachers.

There are a few other joys like watching a pre-school classroom. I think it's because it's quite difficult to mimic the innocent wonder and the celebrations of the smallest discoveries and learnings which are magnified by young absorbent minds.

So this is how we use a spoon.

So this is how it is to dance. With complete abandon.

So this is what the little teapot did.

So this is how to paint.

So this is where the line is drawn.

So this is absorption.

So this is achievement.

The tiniest victories and learnings. The foundation of all that we will become.

All inside a room full of innocence and fun, and fellow little people, and kind bigger ones.

Have you read All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? It's a beautiful book by Robert Fulghum. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you get yourself a copy, a glass of milk, a plate of chocolate cookies and get all comfy amidst a nest of pillows. You'll finish the book a better person. With a better understanding of how to live life.

Everything you really need to know, your kindergarten teacher taught you. I'm glad my son is learning some of his first few lessons amidst good friends and good people.

*Don't forget the lesson on cleanliness and leaving your shoes on the rack.

I'm very happy to be part of Images for a Cure and for the support this project is getting from this part of the world.

Images for a Cure supports The Breast Cancer Research by encouraging photographers to donate their earnings from their special photo sessions to the research society, through IFAC's FirstGiving page. The photo sessions coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). I have volunteered a special portrait photo weekend for this cause. I am inviting mothers, wives, daughters, BFFs, sisters to avail of the special charity portrait sessions.

If you're interested to contribute to this cause and have a fabulous portrait session at the same time, drop me a note so we can have a chat about it.  Feel free to send me a message if you have suggestions or would like to contribute to this project in any way.  Let's work together and use our talents to make people more aware of what needs to be addressed in our community.

I'll be posting updates about this event as it unfolds.  Watch this space for announcements about the event.

Important Announcement: Chie Sipin Photography is now listed in the Images for a Cure Photographers Directory!


Click the image below to connect to the IFAC listing.