“Everything in life begins with
connection. In each moment, we are choosing to join or separate - to connect or
disconnect - and the person to whom we're speaking feels what we have chosen
regardless of our words.” - Samie Al-Achrafi, CEO of Marmalade Fish
The 9th
Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk competition is accordingly one of the toughest
and hardest competitions ever as mentioned by Scott Kelby himself during the
announcement of the Top 10 winners last November 15, 2016 as official entries
portrayed certain story lines strongly manifested through image composition,
and other combinations to create a superb photo.
Cagayan de
Oro- Northern Mindanao Leg alone is no exception as I had a hard time choosing
that one image to represent the Leg to the World wide selection. There were
actually 50+ official Photowalk participants not to mention the walk-in
participants during the day itself and out of the mentioned numbers, my task is
(was) to choose the most exceptional image amongst others.
And yes, the
same as last year where I was also the Photo Walk Leader, I included our very
own local contest with this year’s theme “Creative Expression through
Genetics and Experience: Human Connection”. I added to spice up the annual
Photo Walk tradition with amazing and exciting prizes coming from our sponsors
such as Colours Digital Foto, Canon DHUB, Modtrade, Duka Bay Resort, 2GO
Travel, Carl’s Buy and Sell, and Dhanstore. I will also be picking up the Top
10 Winners of the Local category which will be judged according to (i)
Relevance to the theme, (ii) Composition, (iii) Story-line, and (iv)
Originality.
But before
announcing the one overall victor, let me also name to you my Top 10 images for
the local contest. These chosen images together with the winning photo of the
local contest will receive the following:
The Top 10
winning images will receive Certificate of Recognition while the Top 5 winners
will get special prizes coming from our sponsors such as a Junior Suite
accommodation for one (1) night with complimentary breakfast good for two (2)
persons at Duka Bay Resort, Polo Shirt from Modtrade, and basic EOS bag from
Carls Buy and Sell. The Top 3 Winners will also receive additional prizes from
Colours Digital Foto and Canon DHUB. Our overall winner on the other hand will
receive special prizes from Dhanstore and a roundtrip passage ticket to any
destination in the Philippines served by 2Go Travel on Tourist Class
accommodation together with the aforesaid rewards.
Now sit back
and enjoy the photos, and allow the winners to tell you their winning pieces.
Without further ado.
HERE ARE THE
TOP 10 PHOTOS:
TOP 10
Photo by:
Pete Gerard Nacalaban
The young
girl during a usual market day in a black and white canvas. I like how the
photographer displayed the character within the context. The image somehow has
the visual story telling efficacy manifested through the main character, that
is the young girl as she is somewhat connected to the graphical realm (the
notepad). Another distinct and supportive element is the revelation of the
number 130 directly demonstrated using the rule of thirds. I don’t want to go
depth into this since it is a subjective matter and complexity is dense but if
you are familiar with the Angel Numbers or the Symbol of Numbers, 130 can be
broken down into 3 different numbers of 1, 3, and 0. To make this simple, 130
is a combination of creation and inspiration, oneness and wholeness, and
excellent communication. Therefore, this element is correlated to the main
character or principal subject.
TOP 9
Photo by:
Jovil Fullo
This image
portrays the basic form of connection- Family ties. As you may notice,
everything in the frame is connected with a bond. The photographer represents a
universal connection of the existence of that element within the whole scene at
any level, and any form. There is an information, a story that somehow
interacts between the subject and supporting characters. This alone is
understood as a special form a spur-of-the-moment connection.
TOP 8
Photo by:
John Andrew Uy
I chose this
photograph to include to the top 10 list simply because it portrays a
connection of oneness, and the power of eternity. The photographer is
successful in making a viewpoint visible to the observers. Contemplation or
prayer as we all know, represents a direct relationship or the intercourse of
the soul with God. The act or practice of praying to the Almighty is a form of
communication hence played an important role to the theme.
Talking
about the composition on the other hand, I am somewhat impressed with the whole
standard throughout. I love how the photographer played with symmetry using the
people, the two women on the right and the man on the left wearing white shirt,
with the column as the elements. There’s no denying to support the image.
TOP 7
Photo by: Patsky
Sagocsoc
A scene
which rarely gets recognition or attention but what attracts me to this
photograph to include to the top list is the fact that it conjures emotional connection
between the characters; the mother and child. The unbiased, yet passionate
narrative give this image much more interesting senses that captured a rare
moment of endearment and love.
TOP 6
Photo by:
Alandino Lingat Jr.
A charming
scene! I like how the photographer captured the undeniable delightful
expression of the kids representing a brotherhood. The image established a
cheerful emotion of the characters of the visual content. The facial
expressions of both kids including their unspoiled gestures are the key
importance on making this image interesting.
TOP 5
Photo by: Argie
Yanez
In
photography, we sometimes, or most of the time, multiply each concept to
include both content, composition, and color to get that remarkable image
however this photograph gives a real sense of dramatic illustration of suspense
through black and white canvas.
You see, the
photographer effectively balanced the rendering of black and white similar to
balancing positive and negative space in achieving a great composition. Not
only that, the image is a great example of combining five rules in one image; Leading
Lines, Pattern, Monochrome, Rule of Thirds, and the Golden Ratio. This
brilliant composition creates impact in the scene overall.
TOP 4
Photo by:
Feliciano Legara III
The
bittersweet image of reality. It is believed that compassion and emotional
connection are imperative in a good picture. In this image, the photographer
somehow brings life to the main characters from the overall scene. You see, the
photographer demonstrated what he sees in from of him, and somehow conveys it
through this image that viewers will be attached eventually.
This image
give us a sense of belonging, and acceptance, a sense of vulnerability and
identity, and most of all, a sense of intimacy and connectivity. Indeed, this
image is a visual narrative, with rich in context through characters and
elements. One way or another, this image is a story that is actually happening.
TOP 3
Photo by:
Angelo Rodriguez Jr.
The
photograph is visually appealing and has a strong composition of balance and
harmony, complementing creativity. You see, the photographer works well when
composing an image with different story from portrait to landscape. Additionally,
what something that caught me off-guard is how the photographer successfully
established the plot of the photograph. This may not be the best example of the
Golden Ratio in Photography but somehow the image produces an aesthetically
pleasing composition as each elements of the image has the potential to connect
with different scenes inside the framework.
The color is
very well played as the characters and each elements draws the viewer’s eye to
the image that undeniably holds or even catches the viewer’s attention within
the context of the entire scene. Overall, the details allows the viewer to
become fully involved and to be led around the image in a natural course. This
photography alone beautifully illustrates the theme.
TOP 2
Photo by:
Abel Matthew Silawan
What something
caught my eyes with this image is the emotional connection of the main
character to the element. There is a distinctive sense of depth and emotion to
the image. This is an astonishing photograph, indeed. It leapt out for me not
only the framing, but how the photographer successful impressed on how to
direct the viewer’s attention through coming up close to the subject and making
it more personal; this is what we actually call, filling the whole frame in
photography.
While it is
definitely true that black and white photographs display much more attention
and emotion, and even personal character, this photo proves that shooting in
color adds more life to the image, a life full of real stories. The appearance of the old man is beaming with great
details, the beard, the ruggedness of hands while adding colors to the figurine,
the lines and wrinkles in the forehead, it definitely expresses a sense of enigmatic
and untold stories worth beyond his age.
I am truly amazed
on how the outcome of the photo displayed more natural looking yet provides
dramatic connection of the main character and the whole element, especially on how
it provides an interesting contrast in the framework.
THE OVERALL
WINNER FOR CDO NORTHMIN LEG IS:
Photo by:
Jade Anthony Pilongo
“We all need stories in order to
understand the world.”
The image
that really caught my attention that somehow captures an instant of reality
that human connections brings complexity to each of us. It is a fact that the
whole image has taken on such perfection.
The
photographer clearly gives life to the image composed that is somehow or
otherwise be so perfect it might not seem real. This is one of those magical
moments any photographer would love to capture. The use of symmetry combining
it with leading lines are well manifested. The image is beautifully composed
with rich in character’s emotion transcended to the one we believe as the
Almighty.
We believe
that light plays a crucial part of every photograph and can be one of the most
powerful tools and remarkably the image formed an indispensable element throughout
the whole scene. It presents a new layer of interest of human emotions and even
add depth, and character to the photo even if the person being photographed as
the main character is behind the glass. This image is spectacularly amazing!
Again, as
what I believe, the emotional content and visual narrative serves to be the
most important elements of the photo regardless of what photographic techniques
manifested. Therefore, the image becomes that defining moment that is the very
definition of human connection; it is all about making a viewpoint visible.
SPECIAL
RECOGNITION IMAGE:
Photo by: Froilan
Jan Macapil
I couldn’t
resist sharing with you this photograph. This is actually one of my favorite
entries from the images submitted. Technically, the image was not taken during
the photowalk’s official location but within the region. I love the perfectly
exposed color of sunset complemented with the shadows of the children playing
around being the main characters and supported by another stories of family,
and man-women relationship. There’s no denying, it is a real treat. The image is
simply remarkable!
NOTE:
I would like
to thank once again our local sponsors for gracing your support and the prizes.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the Photo Walkers
who participanted the 9th Scott Kelby Photo Walk. Congratulations to
the winners!
The Cagayan de Oro Northern Mindanao Leg is brought
to you by:
Event Partners: Colours Digital Foto, Canon DHUB, Modtrade, and
Duka Bay Resort.
Sponsors: Clement Dampal Photography, 2GO Travel, Carl’s Buy
and Sell, Dhanstore, Sovereign Skates, Nature’s Spring, Mabuhay Media Print,
Hab-Hub Eat All You Can Pastry, Photo Warehouse Visayas, and Cagayan de Oro
Photography Photoshoot.
In partnership with these following media: Business Week Mindanao,
Mindanao Daily News, Best Spots PH (www.bestspotsph.com), Easy Rock 96.9 FM
Station, CDO Bloggers, Inc., About Cagayan de Oro, Mimai Scribbles CDO, Mai
Adventures, Cagayan de Oro Times, and Mindanao Star.
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