My own little place in this world.

[jiro]

This is still a part of the images I captured during my personal photowalk somewhere in Malate, Metro Manila. I was trying to walk faster because I know that any moment soon, the sun would be setting and I will miss the shot I visualized concerning Jose Rizal's monument in Luneta. With too many people in the streets of Malate, I don't think I can make it in time at the monument. I was a little bit disappointed to myself for not coming earlier and anticipating the traffic. However, I believe there are always opportunities available even when you least expect it.


That's what happened to me in Malate. I saw her (or so I thought) sitting like this in front of an antique shop. What made her so interesting while I was trying to frame the shot is that she did notice my camera and simply smiled back at me. Without saying a word, I signaled using my hand gesturing a number one telling her if I can take one shot. She nodded and so I aimed my camera and captured this.







I was satisfied with the shot I got. When I saw her still smiling back at me, I told her if I can take one more shot and she obliged. I went closer for a headshot. I wanted to capture that simple smile up close. When I got the shot, I was so surprised when she talked back at me and said "Can I see?" It was not the question that surprised me. The person whom I thought was a woman is a he! I heard a low voice, but cheerful. I gladly showed him the two shots I got and personally spoke to him and said "Thank you very much."





A simple person, and yet even from that short encounter, I never felt any vibration of pity or regret regarding his social status in life. What I felt is actually more of acceptance, of surrender, that somehow, he was able to accept life like that. This personal photowalk seemed more like a personal education for me about life rather than a simple desire to capture images using my camera. I hope that I will have another time like this soon, on another place maybe?


Thank you very much for viewing.


Nikon D70, Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens, ISO 400, f/2.8 at 1/60 second.

[Andrew76]

Hey Willie, it's nice to see your work again. I've been watching your shots from your trip to Manila, but I haven't posted yet. When I saw this one, I had to post. This is my favourite one of all. You have captured so much in this simple image, that I would be typing for hours if I were to tell you what I truly like about it. So, for me, it will be easier to tell you what I don't like about it: NOTHING. It's absolutely perfect, and if it were mine, it would be printed, and hanging on a wall in my office. I'm sure it could be cropped, or adjusted, but none of that would be necessary, it's a fantastic image. Thank you very much for showing it to us.

[jiro]

Hey Willie, it's nice to see your work again. I've been watching your shots from your trip to Manila, but I haven't posted yet. When I saw this one, I had to post. This is my favourite one of all. You have captured so much in this simple image, that I would be typing for hours if I were to tell you what I truly like about it. So, for me, it will be easier to tell you what I don't like about it: NOTHING. It's absolutely perfect, and if it were mine, it would be printed, and hanging on a wall in my office. I'm sure it could be cropped, or adjusted, but none of that would be necessary, it's a fantastic image. Thank you very much for showing it to us.

Thank you very much, Andrew. Your words of encouragement is deeply appreciated. Thank you.

[Nihia]

Hi Willie

I so enjoyed your philosophical musings. We would be poor photographers indeed if we failed to reach some understanding or appreciation of our subjects - possibly a flawed understanding but - the desire to seek is there. Great photos; I see the humility of the subject, but as you say, no trace of self-pity or negativity.

Thank you.
Nihia