What’s in your heart
Albert Pedrosa
Photo mania
CHOOSING the right genre in photography is as complicated as finding your partner in life. While the basics principles of photography applies to all genres, the differences in terms of subject matter are extremes. Expertise from different discipline is one-half of the needed skills to master a particular genre, the other half is the technicalities of photography.
I started shooting when I was in high school just for the fun and curiosity of taking pictures and developing it in the dark room. In college, I was shooting for a publication and I was shooting products during my early working years. I never had a genre that really fired up my interest. Something that will inspire me to do it all over again no matter how many lifetimes.
One of the reasons some newbie photographers lose interest in photography is because they never found what they really want with photography. They stayed with photographer friends until the only reason they are still part of it is just the friendship. You’ve lost touch with photography.
Social media worsened the situation because when the likes start to falter, your inspiration and motivation follows. If it comes from the heart, then no amount of rejection can kill the joy and satisfaction you get out of your shots. As Rommel Bundalian would say it in his workshops, “It’s your story, it’s your shot”.
I’ve trained more than a thousand students in photography. A handful of them made a difference and many totally quit or never moved. Photography teaches us to reach for that star and find the real meaning of life. The challenges are real and the inspirations are true and powerful.
I’m a person who hates traveling with heavy luggages but if travelling for a shoot, 50 kilos just for equipment can be bearable. I do it because I love what I do. The amount of satisfaction I get out of my shots are worth all the heavy lifting. We have to face the truth that photography is not for everybody. I get that, but before you take yourself out of the list, find the right photography genre that’s right for you.
When I was sharing my love for fashion-inspired photos in Iloilo, I listened to Rommel Bundalian as he shared his love for street photography. I’ve heard him many times explain the same subject matter, but every time he talks about it, there is that inspiring glow in his face that shines every time.
Find the genre that will inspire you to pick up that camera no matter what. Keep on shooting, everyone!
photomania.sunstar@gmail.com
www.albertpedrosa.com
