Photography Journey
By Albert Pedrosa
RECENTLY, I attended the wedding of a colleague in Sacred Heart church, and after the ceremony as I congratulated the newlyweds, the couple told me that the priest told them that one of your ninongs is a really good photographer. He told them that he reads my article in SunStar Weekend.
In another situation, I was doing a training for a power plant in San Fernando. After I finished the seminar and was about to leave the compound, the guard called my attention and asked me if I’m the same guy who writes about photography in SunStar. I said yes and asked back, “Are you a photographer?” He said, “No, I just find it very interesting.” He then asked if he can get a selfie with me.
I’ve had more amusing and inspiring experiences since I started writing about my journey in photography exactly six years now. I am no professional writer; often, I would just cross my fingers and hope my editors will iron out most of the wrinkles in my articles. I just genuinely write with my thoughts and ideas and hope to share my growing knowledge of photography.
My decision to to make a full turn in my career to photography after two decades in print advertising and management was definitely not a walk in the park. At some point I doubted my decision, and I felt like giving up but I persisted. I’d do it again if given the chance to go back in time.
I started shooting when I was in high school, but it really didn’t made any sense back then. It was only the curiosity of darkroom chemicals that pulled me into photography. I joined the college publication as a creative and a photographer and even at that point, the inspiration was not there.
It was only sometime in 2010 when I was trying out studio photography that I discovered fashion photography. I knew at that very moment that it was for me. What happened next was a long and challenging road that led me to where I am today. The challenges and frustration never actually ceased until now but fulfillment makes it bearable.
In my many years of writing and sharing my experiences and knowledge in photography, I have learned in many ways. The more you write and teach about photography, the more you understand. And the more you question and seek for answers. I always find it a two-way flow of information.
I think that the journey in photography has a destination, but it’s infinite at the same time. You cannot say how far more you need to climb, only how much far you’ve been. To those following this column, thank you. Let me know you thoughts and topics you want covered. Visit www.grp.ph to check out all the articles dating back 2011.
Keep on shooting, everyone!
photomania.sunstar@gmail.com
www.abertpedrosa.com
