SPOTLIGHT: Joaquin ‘Bobot’ Go

by Arlene Donaire

Note: Zone V Camera Club tasked Arlene Donaire to chat with Joaquin “Bobot” Go one afternoon while enjoying a pastime that they mutually enjoy since they first met in 2010. Over a couple rounds of coffee, Bobot shares his photography story.

How and when did you start your interest in photography?

It all came naturally. On family vacations I would often pick up my brother’s cameras. I thought that my photos seemed to look different from what they see, so that piqued my interest to keep shooting when I had the chance. I “officially” began photography as a hobby, in college. My first camera was a CANON AE-1, a film camera that was introduced in 1976.

Who or what influenced you in your photography journey? Who introduced you to Zone V and when did you join?

There was no one “influence” in particular but having siblings who had cameras made it easier for me to pick up the habit. I became very familiar in film photography also because I had the benefit of time in my hands to practice. I’d say for most parts, I was a self-starter and self-taught; I was always curious and kept shooting even without anyone prodding me to. When I entered college in UST, where I studied Education, majoring in Biology, I met a fellow photography enthusiast – Mike Velasco, who would later on invite me to join Zone V a year after the EDSA Revolution. I joined Zone V as a probee in 1987 and became a regular member in 1988. Mike Velasco would then teach me the basics of studying lighting while George Cabig would help me how to arrive in my concept of different subjects. Among Zone V members whose photos had somehow influenced my way of seeing are Butch Umali, Angie Amistoso, Jun Perez, and Noris Gervacio.

Why did you choose to become a member of Zone V?

There was that one time, when I made a photo presentation for my family’s party, and it so happened that among the guests was a member of a prestigious camera club. That guest later invited me to join their club, but I didn’t pursue the invitation because I knew then that I wanted to join instead in a club where camaraderie was more important rather than competition. I saw Zone V Camera Club then as that fun outlet; this was why I pursued being a member of that organization.

Please share some of your experiences as a member in Zone V.

On the 1^st OTS that I joined as a probee, I was kind of clueless, so I shot what interested me – macro! In the monthly meetings, I was always nervous when it was time for the critique session. It was in one particular contest after our OTS, when our critique session commentator asked why I had shot the carabao jumping in the river in Villa Escudero, instead of shooting a classic passive scene, that I came to realize that I will create my own way of telling stories in my images, a sort of “against the grain” approach. The criticism paved the way for me keep shooting for decisive moments, which led me to win in some important external contests, where my style of visual storytelling was recognized

Do you have formal training as a photographer, and have you worked in a professional studio?

I recall having attended a one-week workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii, where I studied about interior photography. Back then I was already in Zone V. Other than that, I got many of my learnings through personal and vicarious experiences. I’ve not worked in a studio but was hired from time to time to shoot assignments e.g., by Mabuhay Magazine, and at events, all on the side because my main concerns were growing my own small business and taking care of the family.

Can you share your achievements in and outside of photography?

On the personal and family side, I first completed a BS Education-Biology degree in UST. I also finished Nursing from Las Pinas Colleges, to support a plan of migrating to the US with my family. But fate led me to another path, a better one – I was able to build up my own small business as my family was also growing. Now at 63, with 6 grown children and 2 grandchildren, I have retired and enjoy family time – they are my pride and joy.

On the photography side, while still in ZVCC, most memorable for me was my 1st winning photo of boats that were shot in Malabon. I think I was in the annual Top Photographers list several times also. Outside of ZVCC, there were some memorable occasions too, when my then unusual perspective in choices of composition or point of interest (subject) earned recognitions outside the club. Mam Edi of FPPF at one time took notice of how I shot the models in a Singapore fashion show i.e., framing a model within another model’s spread legs. In the contest I won both 1^st & 2^nd places. In an Ayala Museum contest with “Trees” as theme, I won the 1^st and 2^nd places, which earned for me a double spread in Manila Bulletin. There was also this Manila Bulletin contest where I won 1^st and 2^nd places for my infrared film shots of Boracay and carabao cart in a highway with a canopy of trees in Ilocos Norte.

What keeps you busy these days?

I actually became inactive in Zone V in the early 90s; I guess I had lost the “fun” in what was going on; when contests in the club became seriously competitive. I went on a hiatus from photography for probably about 10 years.

In the early 2000, the digital revolution in camera technology had begun. Having many photographers in my close social circle, I eventually came back to photography. The reason behind me starting with a digital system was when a close friend of mine, George Cabig lent me a digital DSLR and I thought to myself that this is great, I can keep shooting without hesitating unlike the film days where I was bounded. After shooting with a film camera for several years, I felt that using a digital DSLR is more economical and that it is a huge time saver. I felt a huge difference and I was relieved.

As I lived in the south, I became part of a group that founded the Ayala Alabang Camera Club (AACC) in the late 90s. Up until the lockdowns due to COVID19, I have remained an active member of the club. Around 2014, I also became one of the co-admins of the Facebook-based Neutral Ground Reborn community. I have retired from my business. So, nowadays I enjoy family moments, whether spent at home or travelling. I enjoy road trips and have recently been on a driving tour to Mindanao. I still shoot with a lightweight system – my phone and I’m eyeing a drone so I can shoot from the top; different point of view.

Please give some words of wisdom to our current batch of probees, active members, and others who may be interested in photography.

Two things:

First, for me, it is very important that my images have soul (“may kaluluwa”), a point of interest that establishes the story. Dapat may kaluluwa, kasi kung wala lang eh di wala rin. Involvement of oneself in creating the image will turn the photo into something more than just a picture.
Second, I have a penchant for capturing decisive moments which may seem “off” to others. That, which others might see as unusual or unexpected, is actually what will define the image. What is in the composition? This is what matters; technique is important but is secondary.

What is your vision for ZVCC?

For ZVCC to continue its mission, promoting photography and fun fellowship among its members.

The author, Arlene Donaire, penned the narratives based on her fun conversation with Bobot, whom she considers as her photography standard and “sensei-ble” friend/mentor. She met Bobot in 2010, when she joined as probee of the AACC (the club he co-founded). She recalls that sunset shoot in a stilt house in the middle of Laguna de Bai, at Bayanan, Muntinlupa, as her fondest moment of shooting with Bobot. After that, Bayanan has become her golden hour playground, up till now. Oh, and she swears that Bobot makes one of the best chicken empanadas she has tasted!

Featured images courtesy of Bobot Go