Top 5 at Zone V: September 2024
This September, the Zone V Camera Club took on the exhilarating challenge of capturing “Rain – Images Shot While It’s Raining.” Members ventured out into the elements, risking their gear to create stunning visual narratives that reflect the beauty and chaos of rainy days.
Entrants explored a rich tapestry of scenes: from intimate macro shots of raindrops on flowers to candid captures of pedestrians dashing through puddles. Each photograph conveyed a unique perspective on everyday life transformed by rain, showcasing the interplay between light, shadow, and the dynamic atmosphere that a downpour creates.
The theme pushed photographers to think creatively about their surroundings, resulting in a diverse array of submissions that celebrated both the tranquility and tumult of wet weather. As we prepare to announce the winners, we invite everyone to reflect on the extraordinary moments that can unfold even in the rain.
The Club invited three esteemed judges:
Annabelle C. Chavez
Annabelle C. Chavez is a distinguished photographer and an active officer of the Camera Club of the Philippines. Renowned for her striking imagery, Annabelle’s work gained national recognition when PHILPOST selected her photographs to feature in commemorative stamps for Heritage Month in 2018.
Her impressive portfolio includes publications in prestigious outlets such as National Geographic, the Daily Mail, and The Sun (UK), showcasing her ability to capture compelling narratives through her lens. Annabelle’s commitment to both art and environmental advocacy is evident in her exhibitions, including the impactful “Sustain Philippine Ocean” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City in 2018, and the more recent “Pananaw” at the Philippine Center in 2023, alongside “Heart to Heart” in Athens the same year.
With her passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Annabelle C. Chavez continues to inspire both aspiring photographers and audiences around the world.
Yvette Fernandez
Yvette Fernandez is a talented photographer and the chief storyteller at the Gokongwei Group, where she skillfully weaves narratives that resonate across various platforms. With a rich background in journalism, Yvette previously served as the editor-in-chief of both Esquire Philippines and Town and Country Philippines, and she honed her editorial expertise as an editor at Bloomberg News in New York.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia University, Yvette combines her passion for storytelling with her artistic vision in photography. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is also the author of a dozen children’s books, reflecting her creativity and dedication to nurturing young minds.
At the heart of Yvette’s world is her daughter, Safiya, who inspires much of her work and creativity. Through her multifaceted career, Yvette continues to capture moments that tell compelling stories, both in her photography and her writing.
Larry Monserate Piojo
Larry Monserate Piojo is a versatile multi-genre photographer whose exceptional work has garnered recognition in both local and international news outlets and photo agencies. His keen eye for detail and storytelling has led him to collaborate with prestigious organizations such as UNICEF, the World Wide Fund, Oxfam, and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).
Larry’s portfolio also includes a diverse array of corporate clients, featuring well-known names like BPI, IBM, SMC, and Robinson’s Bank, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of brands through compelling imagery.
Currently, Larry is immersed in a personal project that beautifully expresses the resilience and vibrancy of human life under heavy rain showers. This ongoing exploration highlights his passion for portraying everyday moments in extraordinary ways, reminding us of the beauty that can be found even in challenging circumstances. With each click of his camera, Larry Monserate Piojo continues to inspire and connect through his art.
Here are the top 5 winning entries and read the stories behind these images.
#5 “Suong” by Millicent San Jose
ISO 640; f/1.8; 1/24 secs.
Location: Kamana Sanctuary Resort, Subic Bay
It was raining cats and dogs at dinnertime while we were staying at a beach resort. On our way back to our room, as our two girls were walking ahead of us under one umbrella, I noticed that the street lamps lighting our path were doing a great job at backlighting the heavy downpour. A photo op moment opened up when our youngest suddenly stopped and showed her cellphone to her big sister. Luckily I was able to take several shots of them under the rain before they started walking briskly again towards shelter. I ended up converting this image to black and white as it effectively added the mood and drama I was thinking of.
#4 “Basa Sa Ulan” by Mac Omega
Nikon D850 + Nikon 70-200 f/2.8
ISO 500, f/2.8, 1/100 sec
Location: Manila
Instead of shooting people with umbrella or raincoat, I opted to shoot for people without any protection from the rain. People with umbrellas are secured but those without protection, sometimes you will see vulnerability and you can feel the emotion of the subject.
I took this photo in Quiapo, Manila. The street was busy and it was raining hard. There was a lot of happenings going on so there´s plenty of opportunity to shoot. As I was shooting, I saw this man on a bike approaching and he was very fast so timing with the correct camera settings was needed to create this shot.
#3 “In The Midst Of The Rain (The Aftermath)” by Joui Sampedro
ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/100 sec
Location: Frisco
Whenever it pours, I can’t help but remember the scene from the Oscar-winning Korean film ‘Parasite’. “Today the sky’s so blue, and no pollution! Thanks to all the rain yesterday!”; the affluent female lead said, grateful. Unbeknownst, that the same thunderstorm destroyed her driver’s home the day before. With this photo, I find myself in the same position as the female lead. Overjoyed for garnering third place on a photo that I took, within the comfort of my home, of a rescuer risking his life in the Flood.
Originally, what I really wanted to highlight was the bravery of the Filipino people and their desire to help anyone in need, but that is a far too familiar story already. Instead, I’d like this photo to be a reminder for us to check our privileges in life. And that while we cannot change them, we must acknowledge them.
#2 “Rainy Day Stroll” by Regina Vergara
Olympus EM-1 Mark iii, 17mm (35mm full frame equivalent) f1.8 lens
ISO 200, f/2, 1/160 sec
Location: ADB Avenue, Ortigas
The “Rain” theme was a tricky challenge for me. I felt constrained by my lens’ field of view, a 17mm (35mm FF), and by the fact that it wasn’t weather sealed. I initially wanted to photograph cars whizzing through a dark, rainy street with pedestrians but I couldn’t seem to make it work. My next approach was to look for high vantage points in Ortigas. Still had no concrete concept in mind but I was sure that I wanted bold graphic elements. I went on the pedestrian overpass at ADB Avenue. One of the office building driveways had big traffic yellow arrows. I waited for around 20+ minutes taking pictures of pedestrians passing below with colorful umbrellas.
#1 “Baha sa Espanya” by Mac Omega
Nikon D850 + Nikon 70-200 f/2.8
ISO 1000, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec
Location: Manila
I took this photo during the onslaught of typhoon Carina. There was limited or almost no transportation that day so I had to bike my way from Quezon City to manila. As soon as I reached the Espana area, the whole stretch of the road was already flooded.
In the beginning, I was hesitant to enter this photo in the monthly contest because it did not have the best composition and the elements inside the photo were a disarray. However, I really like this photo because I thought that it has a very good story to tell. Also, lots of effort was done to create this photo so eventually, I decided to make this photo as an entry.
I´m just relieved to know that the photo won the top spot.
Congratulations to all the winners for the month of September!
