Allow Me To Wander

Allow me to wander.

My inkwell has dried.
Only dews can refill
Gathered from cool mists
In early morning walks.

Allow me to wander.

The brooks and creeks
Await my heavy feet.
The hills and mountains
Long for my climb.

Allow me to wander.

My ceaseless spirit misses
The wind's soft kisses,
Its silent, low whisper
To ever bowing grasses.

Allow me to wander.

I stilled long enough.
Do expect my return,
In time not far
But not that soon.

Allow me to wander.

 

 

(*photo from the archives of Al Michael Caballes)

Pattern: A Visual Element

A pattern is a repetition of form or shape. It is a strong visual element for any work of art especially in photography. 

Patterns are common visual elements. However, we simply move past them and failing to take notice. A photographer really has to open his or her eyes and be sensitive to them.

Patterns invoke a sense of stability, consistency and belonging in the viewer. They are already compositions by themselves.

Composition is the arrangement of the visual elements in a photograph, arranged in a way to evoke a sentiment from the viewer. Below are sample pictures of patterns. Most of them were previously published here, but I would bet that you have not noticed that they contain patterns.

Repetitions of garlic.

Repetitions of bricks.

Repetitions of dew drops and blades.

Repetitions of pots.

Repetitions of straws.

 

Eventhough pure patterns are compositions by themselves, breaking these patterns is also another effective compositional style.

The pattern here is the rectangular framing of the glass window. It is broken by putting the window frame off-center and including the greeneries and one of the airport towers. Shot in the new Bacolod-Silay Airport while waiting for a slightly delayed flight back to Cebu...



The pattern here is made by the square-shaped cage screen. It is broken by making it out of focus (blurring) and making the eye of the myna bird tacked sharp, with the head of the bird placed off-center. Shot in Tubod, Minglanilla, Cebu.



 

And so, next time, before clicking that shutter, look around for patterns. Take a shot of them and then do a composition that breaks the pattern. And I would really like to take a look. Perhaps it wouldn't cost much if you inform me that you did the "pattern" shot... :)

 

(I haven't been doing a lot of bloghopping lately. I promise to make up for it and I will visit each of your blogs soon. Rest assured I am updated of your every new post, and I do get to read them. I just always don't have the luxury of time to visit your actual blog and make a sensible comment. I'll make up for it soon... Please bear with me... )

For the Coffee Table Book - Issue #16

Recently, I have been given two "new" film SLR cameras and some camera accessories by a kind heart. Part of those accessories are close-up filters. Last weekend, we roamed the streets of downtown Cebu and did some street photography... I used the "new" Nikon SLR camera that I have. I had problems with the controls since I was so used to Canon for 5 years... My wide angle shots were mostly off. The macro shots were quite passable however... Here's one of those close-up shots....

Corona

A corona is the the last phase of a drop's impact on a liquid surface.

The corona has gained prominence in commercial advertisements of liquid products such as milk and several fruit juices.

So what does it take to capture a picture of a corona?

Drops do occur quite fast. And the corona on a surface is quite small. Perhaps one thinks of a high speed camera with a very powerful zoom.

Wrong!

We will tell you on our workshop on September 12 - 13, 2009.  Furthermore, we will give you the chance to create your own picture of a corona.

Many people think this for those who own SLR and high-end cameras.

Wrong!

This workshop is intended for all those who want to improve their photo taking skills.  There is much, much more to know than just taking out your camera, turning it on, focusing on your subject (and perhaps counting 1 - 3 and "Say cheese!"), and pressing the shutter.

We will impart to you what we have learned, not as professional photographers but as persons who also believe in capturing those moments but in capturing them better.

Most people think that this workshop is expensive.

Wrong!

Most photography workshops usually cost from PhP2000.00 to as much as PhP10000.00.

This workshop is only PhP800.00, with lunch, 2 snacks and flowing ice tea on the first day.

For more details, please visit our site:

http://igotapsingsipyat.wordpress.com

* photo credit: Al Michaael Caballes

Waiting Almost Done

Now the waiting is almost done.
I lingered to see your shadow
With the sun on your back.
I passed the time to see
And to hold the sweet face
I pined for a long time.

Now the waiting is almost done
It seems you will not come.
See you then in another season,
Perhaps past this life and world.
I have not tarried around much
For fear of missing your coming.

Now the waiting is almost done.
As the last vestiges of sunlight
Prepare to hide beneath the horizon
And to kiss the heavens goodbye,
The tangerine sky fades to black.
Tomorrow holds much hope and promise.

Now the waiting is almost done.
Finally I am letting you go.
I am giving up the flimsy
Joy of your long awaited return
For tomorrow’s hope of new adventures.
I will salute the early dawn!



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