06-22-08

Following images/photos are my attempts at street photography. And as I browse through and salvage the decent images, I came to realize, in order to create or make a meaningful (or soulful, if you must), one most have passion and commitment in order to devote all their time, and some of their resources in practicing this craft. And I also realized, it takes a lot of GUTS and COURAGE to be able shoot in the streets. I guess that’s one of the things that I really lack when I’m holding my camera and pointing it on a subject…well on the streets atleast.

Anyway, on to the images. I know they’re not much. But I guess I made a sort of decent set. Images are arranged in no particular order.

First off, I took this photo of the slums (depressed area) near our house. I wasn’t really that nervous, because it was around 6:00 A.M., and I’m guessing everyone’s still asleep…no one’s there to take notice of what I was doing.

(Santolan Slums, San Juan City)

This guys actually pretty cool. I was with a friend and we were trying to explore the inner streets of Manila and trying to take photos at the same time. We were passing by this street, somewhere in Quiapo, and this guy sort of called us and wanted his picture to be taken. So we did. I only I wish that I could send a copy of this photo to him as a sort thank you for not being grumpy. Thanks to the happy street vendor.

(The Happy Street Vendor, Manila City)

Funny thing, I don’t remember taking this photo though. Maybe it was an adrenaline overload and I blacked out while I was walking hastily. Dunno. But I really like the expression of the man’s face on the photo and I guess the woman on the side sort of gave it a balanced feel to it.

(Watchoolookinat, Manila City)

Ah, my attempts in “hip shooting” were not quite in vain. I able to take some images with this technique. I have to practice it more though.

I did not expect that this frame would turn out quite good. The focus is a bit off, but the two men talking are still quite visible. Thank you God!

Went to friends house last two Mondays ago. We jammed a bit and recorded some tracks. We went out to buy some snacks and I saw this buko (coconut) vendor. I decided to snap the frame…

a few minutes later I snapped another frame.

So that concludes this set. I know they’re not much, but I hope you enjoyed liking (or disliking) them. I still need tons of practice so I could be able to make a really good street photograph. Hopefully I could muster enough courage to shoot in the streets. I’ve wasted so many so many good moments to documents, which really sucks and kind of frustrating. Hopefully I could present more decent street photographs in the future.

That’s all. Thanks for dropping by.

~ by Mathew Wong on 06/22/2008.