1. How long have you been in photography? How long have you been teaching?

I started way back in the mid-80’s using my dad’s old SLR camera, taking photos of events in our school. This led me to my interest in photographing people. I remember during the first EDSA revolution, my family went to Hong Kong in fear of what will happen here in the Philippines. When we were in Hong Kong we were given pocket money for shopping and what I did was spend it all the very first day on my very own SLR, a Canon T90. For the duration of our trip I was just happy staying in the hotel playing with my new camera.

I love to teach and share what I know on any topic I have knowledge in, weather its computers, gadgets or photography. Around early 2006 a few acquaintances asked my if I can teach them lighting in a studio, and this started it all. This is one of those topic that a hands-on experience is required to fully understand it. Judging from the great feedbacks I received from the past participants, I decided to do it monthly.

2. Besides your monthly basic lighting class, where else do you teach?

I have had the opportunity in teaching basic photography as an elective class in my Alma Mater - Xavier School and plan to do it again as soon as my schedule permits. I also get invited to do photography seminars for some companies around Manila.

3. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why is your seminar one of the most affordable ones around teaching similar topics?

I believe that the quest for knowledge should be affordable to many, plus the more knowledgeable and skilled photographers out there the better for the whole industry. Why? Many photographers currently base their prices on their skill, that they would prefer to charge low because of fear that they can’t achieve the photos required of them, lack of self confidence also if you may say. By making them afford to take my class, and with knowledge and confidence gained, I see no reason why they wouldn’t charge higher, thus better for the whole (photography) industry.

4. There seems to be a sudden sprout of photography seminars, what’s your take on this?

In general I am glad many competent photographers are starting to share their knowledge in their own respective specialty. Like what I mentioned in the previous question, the more knowledge and confidence they gain from these classes the better for everyone. Though be careful on choosing the right one, read about the instructors experience both in teaching and as a professional in that field, get feedback from previous participants. There will always be some out there who organizes seminars just for the sake of making a quick buck. I admitably is not, and most likely will never be that good in image manipulation to teach the topic, in the same manner that you don’t ask a graphic artist to teach you photography even though both fields are related.

5. What makes your seminars different from the others available?

I don’t teach my own technique, because for one I don’t have a specific technique, I try to change style as the image requires. What I teach is the basics which they use to build their own techniques and style. Its hard to just know a hand-full of techniques because your images will also show that limitation, I believe a good photographer must be able to evolve and adapt to the current taste of the market. Armed with the basics evolving is easy.

If you look at the samples from the previous seminars gallery you will notice that styles and techniques employed by the participants varies. In my seminar each participant is given ample hands-on time with the equipment and to shoot, I don’t employ the “instructor do the set-up, participants listen, then all shoot at the same time”. I want the participants to know how and why they got to that setting, rather than just get the setting from me. During my seminars, only 1 photographer shoots at a time, thus giving the whole floor to the photographer to come up with the needed angles, no wrestling for a position or race to trigger the lights.

6. I noticed that you usually do only 1 class a month, and with a maximum of 10 participants only. Aren’t there enough participants willing to join?

Honestly there is, I could probably do 2 or even 3 classes a month and still be able to fill up the slots. Pretty much every class I do is full and even have waitlist for last minute back-outs. Though I limit it to 1 class not because there isn’t enough participants, it’s because I don’t have enough time, remember I still shoot professionaly on a regular basis that takes most of my time. Lets put in this way, photography is still my main line of business and teaching is just my passion.