Photography is a language and each image is a syllable. The process of finding stories is an exploration It is good to be unfiltered when you shoot, be open, don’t overthink. These were just some of the striking points that I picked up from the unassuming young person, who spoke with a fresh yet casual elan, distinct skill, and relatable depth at the zoom seminar of Zone V last 1st April, 2021.

Gio Panlilio, a youthful photo editor and artist, who also curates at and co-founded Tarzeer Pictures Gallery, shared his experiences on how to “find stories in images” to an audience whose average age in photographic experience probably outnumbered his total years in shooting. That day being April fool’s, one would have thought a trick was unfolding before us. Afterall, it’s not every day that the younger one teaches the elders on how to do things, right? In the photographic community, there is this unwritten rule that so-called masters and veterans have the higher hand, so the newbies are best advised to stay mum and learn from the ones who had been there before and shot the most. But no! This time, role reversal happened and us in the audience, were, the least to say, “lit” by the freshness of the insights and the practicality of the lessons he imparted.

As someone who’s genre of choice i.e., travel photography, is a wide open field in terms of approach and techniques, I found it particularly helpful to hear a different but thought-provoking spin on the topic of visual storytelling and of owning one’s artistic discipline. First of all, for me, Gio’s talk drove home the

point, that it is not always the length of time, the popularity, and accolades that defines the value of an artist as an educator but rather the depth and practicality of lessons imparted. He is young and new in the industry but already astute and an expert in his own right, both qualities that defy the template. Secondly, he showed the pleasant irony of how randomness can in fact become the directional guidepost for finding what one wants. In his example of the “Tokyo dandelions” he showed how his personal

practice of editing by three criteria – emotion, theme, and composition, allows him to funnel what at first appear to be randomly shot images, into a focused and meaningful project – a set of images that are coherent and unified in the emotions they evoke, the subject they represent, and in the backend, the conformity to essential tenets of good composition. The way he clearly walked us through his shooting and editing process was an eye-opener to many of us and by the way members raised questions afterwards, it was perceptible he made a lasting impression.

I found myself sincerely appreciating the talk and finding inspiration to explore a new track in my own interests as a travel photographer and writer. Thank you Gio for finding the time to share with Zone V. We wish you success in pursuing your gallery’s mission of promoting emerging photographers and in your own professional and artistic aspirations!

Story by Arlene Donaire