The tight race for the Z Cup continued through October. The theme for the month was Night (Street) Photography challenging members to shoot with a limited window between the hours of 6pm-4am.
The Club invited three esteemed judges:
Rommel Bundalian
Rommel is an award winning photographer renowned for his expertise in street and travel photography; his compelling imagery have earned him recognition both locally and internationally. He is a Fujifilm-X Photographer and a passionate advocate for visual story telling as he captures the essence of urban life and diverse cultures through his lens.
Jilson Tiu
Jilson is a freelance photographer and photojournalist, he works as a contributing photographer to various news and NGO’s in print and online platforms both local and abroad. His personal work revolves around environmental and social issues
Raymond Tanhueco
Raymond is a photojournalist at PonD News Asia and a brand ambassador for the editing software Radiant Photo. As a photographer, his focus is on capturing candid moments in public places. His work has been featured in both local and international publications and exhibitions. He is also an educator, lecturer, resource speaker and workshop facilitator in both local and international photography organizations. He is the founder of the the brand StRT, which conducts curating workshops, portfolio reviews, guided photowalks.
Here are the top 5 winning entries and read the stories behind these images.
#5 “Underneath” by Brian Agana
ISO 5000; f/2.8; 1/250 secs.
Location: One Bonifacio High Street
This image was one of my lucky shots during my photowalk in One Bonifacio High Street. It was a weekend and the street in front of the Giant Outdoor 3D LED Billboard is normally closed to traffic. I was in a squat position in the middle of the street, taking a worm’s-eye view or commonly known as low angle shot, of the kids playing, riding bikes and scooters. Then all of a sudden people started crossing and these 2 beings passed in front of me. They probably didn’t notice me or maybe just simply ignored my presence but thanks to both of them because the image was perfectly framed.
I am using my ever trusted FUJIFILM X-E4 with SIGMA 10-18mm Lens set to ISO 5000, F2.8, and Shutter Speed of 1/250 seconds.
#4 “Biking at Night” by Mac Omega
Nikon D850 + Nikon 14-24 f/2.8
ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/100 sec
Location: Norway
When it comes to my photography, I always prefer simple and clean composition. There must be a clear subject and a clean background. The background which is the building was well lighted and I noticed that people passing by became silhouette. The most important thing for me is to find the best subject to complement the background so I finally chose this man with a child on a bike. To add more visual impact, I added the reflection from the puddle on the ground after the rain.
#3 “Triangle” by Millicent San Jose
Location: Angeles City, Pampanga
We were walking around Angeles City Museum, with its nightly crowded food stalls and vendors plying their wares, when I noticed this little boy fondly and playfully teasing his mom, a toy vendor, nonstop. Standing far from them so as not to interrupt the boy’s movements, I was taking several images of them when I realized there are two couples, one to each of this mother and child’s sides, positioned some distance behind them. I quickly took additional shots to include the other two pairs, opting for a shutter speed that will somehow blur the child’s actions to show his playfulness.
#2 “Untitled” by Cris San Jose
Since the theme for the month was Night Street Photography, I had to have finished clinic and made my rounds by 6pm. This is a challenging theme because this entails not only taking a snapshot of a moment; it must tell a story of its own. With this plan in mind, we started strolling around the streets of San Fernando, Angeles and Mabalacat. While doing so, the first thing that I noticed was this very sign. I wondered whether I would be able to capture a shot of people disregarding this. I patiently waited at what I had hoped would be the right spot, and after a few minutes, was able to capture the right moment. I utilized juxtaposition with the focal point being the warning sign. Around the subject, one could also observe the silhouettes of speeding vehicles, adding to the danger of not following rules. Hence, without any needed intervention, the story was born.
#1 “Time” by Millicent San Jose
Location: Edsa
It was a rainy night when we photowalked on an overpass near a major mall. I was focused on taking images of people carrying umbrellas as they went up and down the steps when this man came walking by holding a paper bag to his head in place of an umbrella. That very moment, he seemed to echo the time sculpture installation in front of this mall, with its box-like head plus the wristwatch they both wear. This shot is the best one for me from among the several ones I took of him that night. A worthwhile drench from the rain, indeed.
Congratulations to all the winners for the month of October!
