Humbled

Before it was bowling. Now, its photography – the hobby I wouldn’t trade to anything. I have been a photography enthusiast since 2006 and from that time on I never stopped clicking my camera. It’s the same also that I submitted myself to Flickr addiction and as they say, the rest is history.

this out of this world shot was taken by Ate Maki

Addiction

I heard voices chanting
shoot it.
Hypnotized,
I abide with
unacceptable no’s.

Took my gears,
aimed at the suspect
and fired ceaselessly.

I am guilty,
awaiting for the verdict.

I am slave
to the voices
within me
my masters in photography.

/totomai

One of the earliest groups I joined in was The World Through My Eyes. With more than 45,000 members worldwide, visiting the site each day treats you to an array of wonderful and interesting photographs. It made me realized that there are lots who share the passion as me. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, one of the admins, Jill, sent me a flickr mail asking me if I am interested to be this week’s TWMTME featured photographer. At first I am quite surprised but later it turned to be a humbling honor on my part. I thought, they want to showcase me and my photos, it only means that there are people interested in my photography. I dreaded the questions though, and was glad that there are no technical photography-related queries or else I will scan through the internet to find the answers. LOL!

But anyway, here’s the entirety of the interview, just quoting it from here.

The transcript can be found here too.

Whew! Choosing two photos only is a torture. I hope my other photos won’t take this choice against them, lol. But anywhere, here are my choices:

I'd like to introduce this weeks Featured Photographer -the wonderful Totomai from Japan!! Totomai takes photos of a range of subjects but each is captured with style and flair! Please take a look at his fabulous photostream and see what I mean.

This is my favorite candid shot. Taken during a street parade in Kawasaki, Japan. I thought I captured the mood, the colors and the composition the way I imagined it.

Aside from the fact that I am fascinated with monks, my favorite photography subject is “From Behind” shots. I find it more intriguing and dramatic to visualize what’s on the other side. This was taken in Bangkok, Thailand.

------------

As for the questions:

1) How long have you been involved in photography?

I think I got interested in photography around 2006, if my memory is correct.

2) Equipment you use?

I started with Casey, my Casio EX-Z40 point and shoot camera.
A year after I had Nikki, my Nikon D80. My lenses are 18-200mm VR, 50mm 1.8f and 105mm 2.8f

3) Mac or PC?

Its PC for me.

4) What inspires you?

Anything. Anyone. Anywhere. I always believe that there are uniqueness in each particular subject waiting to be discovered and captured.

5) Preferred subject matter?

From Behind Shots. I’m a coward, lol. But seriously, I really like taking shots from behind. For me, it tells a lot and could spark off the imagination of the viewer.

Candid and Portrait Shots. I am trying different approaches on these two subjects. Its only recently I got interested on these. I hope I can improve with regards to these.

6) Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

This is a tricky one. But since I am in Japan now, I think, the Diamond Fuji phenomenon. It’s a rare phenomenon that’s happening twice a year only.

7) When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My friends give an advice or two if I ask for some. And I appreciate every suggested idea. But at the end of the day, I am still the one who will assess and finalize my work of art.

8) Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Zero training when it comes to photography. Though I am trying to learn via trial and error processes.

9) Plans for the future?

I will never stop clicking my camera as long as I can see subjects worth capturing. I won’t be trading this hobby of mine to anything as this is my only solace when stress and other work-related anxieties come my way, lol.

10) In one word, describe your photography.

Poetic

-----

I hope I was able to inspire a photographer or two. And remember, taking photos is about fun. Don’t pressure yourself in taking “perfect” shots or else you won’t be enjoying your camera moment. (I know, I’ve been through that before. And it was painful).

Just click and be happy.

/totomai
12/02/08