Jayson and I have told the story over a hundred times, we joined the Canon Photo Maration 2019 Sipat Pilipinas as a husband-and-wife bonding time. A competition with a mixed adrenaline rush and photography-centered creative exercise. This was our first time ever to join such a prestigious photo contest. Coming in, we already saw a similar tandem (not sure if they were boyfriend-and-girlfriend or a married couple) also joining the contest. Pretty much sure, we were all crazy excited! We had planned out most of our ideas beforehand. We also knew the locations we wanted to shoot.
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 24mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/320 sec
We were there as early as 6am for the registration, paid Php 550 each for the contest fee. We then waited for the 8AM introduction and briefing. The rules and mechanics were explained to us and we were tasked to set our cameras to a specific date and time. Finally, the theme for the morning photo challenge was revealed – it was Dream.
I vividly remember, the same feeling of the Amazing Race kicked in. We immediately ran to our car and headed straight to the Manila City Hall to register our names in the Canon booth. Obviously, traffic was so bad it took nearly an hour just to get to the Manila City Hall. We were throwing ideas to each other, brainstormed and thought of concepts on which subject to shoot, where to shoot and what else we can explore within the city of Manila. The dilemma did not end with our traffic experience but even with the parking space. We had taken a long walk towards the Canon registration booth. While walking, we spotted these kids by the sidewalk of the Manila City Hall, right there and then, we already knew what our story will be. It was a magic light bulb moment. Ding! We ran inside the opposite SM City Manila Department Store and bought small plastic toys that we wanted to use as props for these kids. We bought 2-3 items of mix medical and engineering toys. The whole idea was so simple, to let these kids play with the toys we bought while we take candid photos.
Since our whole idea came into fruition, we looked for the parents of these kids and asked for their permission as a courtesy before we began shooting. We introduced ourselves politely, we explained what the photo shoot was all about and the details of the Canon photo marathon competition. We met their mother, Nanay Maricris, a parking attendant at the Manila City Hall. She was very kind to our request and we only needed 15-20 minutes for the shoot.
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 24mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/320 sec
At that time, we find our concept solid and on-point. A child’s dream of becoming a doctor but being hindered by poverty. Honestly, the green rails were simply used as a foreground that resembled a barrier to that dream. What was the biggest take on the photo? We asked a bunch of our photographer friends afterwards and they all came up with different interpretations of the photo. It was cool. For us, it was moving.
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 85mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/320 sec
These kids, namely, Ina, Tintin and Chacha were adorable. We were able to get our shots with very minimal directions. We were able to maximize the area, took photos from all angles. We were happy. Do checkout some of our best photos from the series below.
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 6D and 24-70mm Lens // ISO 400 f/3.2 1/160 sec
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 85mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/160 sec
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 6D and 24-70mm Lens // ISO 400 f/3.2 1/160 sec
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 85mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/250 sec
#fotografíaShare: Shot on Canon 5D Mark III and 24mm Lens // ISO 200 f/2.5 1/500 sec
We then head back to SM Mall of Asia for the submission of the photos. Deadline for morning theme was before 12NN. Next, lunch break. After lunch, we went to Quaipo Church for the afternoon competition, theme was Faith. We do have another set of photos for Faith but that’s a completely different story.
Awarding was at 8PM. We were optimistic, yet no words can express how we felt. Shocked as we saw the photo flashed on the screen. May halong swerte na rin talaga. It was surreal. The timing was absolutely perfect, pati na rin sa prizes. We badly needed a camera upgrade. P.S. the Canon EOS-R is a beast! Plus our son, Zeb, needed a laptop for school. We also needed a new camera bag. Sakto talaga. Everything just fell into place.
What a day! It was all worth it. The creative process, the adrenaline, the journey. Sobrang nag-enjoy kami! Thank you Canon Philippines for the opportunity. We believe the 15 years of experience made a difference, it finally paid off. Photography is a continuous learning, and we learned a lot from this experience!
Remember, create a story and make it interesting. Keep putting in the work.
After the competition, we went back to Manila City Hall and ask for a signed guardian consent form so that Canon Philippines may publish the photo since the image involved kids. True enough, we were happy to see them again and in a very simple way share with them our small token of appreciation, nag-Jollibee kami! Thank you again, Ina, Tintin, and Chacha, we will be forever grateful!
