"... what now?!?"

what now?!? (iPhone)

12/14/09 will be remembered as the official day Photo A180 ended! Mixed emotions of sorts; go home early and not camp out in the dark room, no assignments to turn in vs. sleepless nights of conceptualizing the next project and cutting window mat boards. These are the things that I have to go through every day for the past 3 months.. my life was A180, I breathe and live (and smell) A180! Ask my wife if I existed from September 2009 - December 2009 and she'd probably say "Who's Maurice?".

Just like elementary school where every child is excited to get done with school and spend summer somewhere else... I felt otherwise. I was not the first student to jump off my seat bolting out the door, nor did you see a genuine smile when asked "are you happy this is over?". I was sad to know that this run is now over. When I can clearly remember not wanting to sign Agatha's contract to be part of this class, to dropping this subject on week 2 to get my full refund. I now look back 13 weeks after to ask myself "How did I get through this class?" and "Why did I stick around for 11 more weeks?" when I have pretty much decided my faith of not continuing. Why go through long nights at the dark room; hustling and jostling to get your prints done... calling in Monday afternoon to get a low reservation number, to checking the studio schedule to make sure you secure one. Why bother make friends with people in the cage who are actually amazing people to know. Why burn away your Saturday scheduling a remote shoot and after run back to school to process your films. Why... why... why?

It was plain and simple... Family. I've meet great people in this class that it did not feel like school atmosphere, instead it was a family gathering less the dining table. It was the feeling that you know someone has your back, that if you fall behind... rest assured someone is there to pick you up. Agatha has become an amazing "mother" making sure everyone becomes successful with their responsibilities as her "sons" and "daughters". My family had one cool and collected brother (Ricky), a sister who neutralizes our emotions (Shannon), and a sister who is driven and motivated to make this family successful (Lan).


I am glad to have met all of them, and be part of this family which not only existed in school... but will continue to exist as we take our own journey's in life.

... now what? It does feel weird - coming home early, no shoots or assignments to worry about, the smell or developer/fixer on your fingers (my fingers tend to smell more - thanks to that leaking film canister!), the line at the cage.

I guess I have to savor the temporary month vacation before I go back to school on February. 'Till then... I will miss you guys... and see you all in school!

* Stay tuned... I will continue to keep my blog updated :)

"thou shall not photograph a duck..."

Lake Arrowhead 2009 (iPhone)

Well, photography guru told me not to shoot "a duck"... so I am shooting "a group of ducks". Hahaha!

... this one's for you Duck Lady!!!

"...weekend planning 101"

How to enjoy your weekend (after A180)

1. Drive to Lake Arrowhead

2. Wake up to this...

Lake Arrowhead 2009 (iPhone)

3. Hit the double diamonds!

Snow Summit 2009 (iPhone)

4. Relax and enjoy the ride :)

"... a lesson for flying outside the box"

Paper Airplane, Michael McMillan (iPhone)

It's been a while since I last cleaned my office space. I normally do a monthly routine on getting my stuff organized, however being occuppied with school and life hindered me from doing so. Today however, I found something that caught my attention. People who know me well attest that I am no bookworm.

I found this book entitled "Paper Airplane: A Lesson for Flying Outside the Box" by Michael McMillan sitting in my drawer. I do remember seeing this book 5 years ago when I first started working at my current job. I decided to borrow it for me to read. Well, it sat in the darkness for 5 long years and now has seen the light. It's no accident that I found this book again as I have been contemplating to re-acquaint myself in reading.

I promise to share what I have learned after my read just like school... remember book report :)

"... rainy days and Mondays!!!"

".... walking around, some kind of a lonely clown, rainy days and Mondays always get me down"

I wish I was a fish so I wouldn't worry about getting wet, or busting out my umbrella. Wonder if they get cold too?

"hello winter..."

As I bid farewell to another Summer that blew by faster than expected, today I have embraced Winter the way I wanted it to be. Paula and I went to Snow Summit to start our snowboard season. Conditions were amazingly great considering it was still "off peak". We were zipping through lines, shredding the mountains with no obstacles ahead of us. We're sore... but good sore! Off to more mountains; Big Bear for December... Whistler for January... Mammoth sometime next year. Woot!

"... the island"

Tagaytay, Philippines

I guess I'm just an Island boy after all :)

"... let's party"

Boracay, Philippines

Good news... I'm coming home for Ricky and Divina's wedding at one of the island beaches of Philippines. Bad news... my wife is not coming with me :(

Ricky and Divina has been one of our good friends both at church and at photography school. They will be tying the knot on January of 2010. I've promised them that I will be there, and my flight is almost finalized to leave and witness their special day!

See you guys soon :)

"... forever young"

Forever Young by Alphaville

Let's dance in style, lets dance for a while

Heaven can wait we're only watching the skies

Hoping for the best but expecting the worst

Are you going to drop the bomb or not?

Let us die young or let us live forever

We don't have the power but we never say never

Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip

The music's for the sad men

Can you imagine when this race is won

Turn our golden faces into the sun

Praising our leaders we're getting in tune

The music's played by the madman

Forever young, i want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever, forever forever

Forever young, i want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever

Forever young

Some are like water, some are like the heat

Some are a melody and some are the beat

Sooner or later they all will be gone

Why don't they stay young

It's so hard to get old without a cause

I don't want to perish like a fading horse

Youth is like diamonds in the sun

And diamonds are forever

So many adventures couldn't happen today

So many songs we forgot to play

So many dreams are swinging out of the blue

We let them come true

Forever young, i want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever, forever forever

Forever young, i want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever forever forever

Forever young, i want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever, forever forever

Forever young, i want to be forever

"without a paddle..."

"almost there..."

Paula waiting patiently

My memory has failed me a lot of times, yet I remember clearly what Ms. Agatha forewarned her A180 (Introduction To Professional Photography) students - "Do your laundry, change your car oil, do what you need to do... once this class starts, it's all about A180". She wasn't kidding that's for sure! I remember sitting at the back of the class on day 1 being given the option of signing a binding contract, a contract to be part of her class. I looked around and saw everyone signing their life away, only expression I had was "are you freaking kidding me?!?"... I was tempted to autograph as Jacob Black or Edward Cullen at one point.

I jokingly tell my class and friends that I have filled for temporary separation from my wife since I rarely see her. Photography has consumed most of my life that at times, I have forgotten to cut my hair, or get a clean shave. At times my full time job of being a number cruncher has suffered too.

Well... I am almost there! 2 weeks to go and my life goes back to normal. It will be a sad day come final week of school as I have loved the A180 class so much, I have made amazing friendships, I have been part of a supporting family, and I have been under the wings/supervision of a great mentor.

Would I take A180 again just for fun? You betcha! ... would I recommend this class? For sure! Would I forget A180? It has a special place in my life and heart...

"... art of bouldering"

Terrence, Corona Del Mar

My cousin knew I used to climb. I did well at it as my spidey/monkey senses kick in whenever I get strapped, and smell the climbing chalk. This day was different... Terrence never told me they climb with no ropes. That for me is like climbing naked; I have fear of heights for crying out loud.

That day, I decided to just shoot away despite the want of climbing. My senses told me otherwise.

"... no vacancy"

Space for one more?

NO VACANCY... I was excited to enroll for Spring '10 semester, to be greeted with "0" slot available for "Fashion Photography" class. It's all good, I am for sure petitioning for this class. Go Fashionista!

"... meet Fabrizio"

Fabrizio of EF1 Motorsports (photo taken by Lan Nguyen)

Fabrizio of EF1 Motorsports was kind enough to become my next victim... of being photographed for my Environmental Portrait assignment. After being declined 3 times, I was a bit weary if I would be able to find someone to shoot for this assignment. Turns out, one of the founders of DPE Wheels Jojo Cagungun, knew a mechanic where most of his wheels and cars are being serviced. Jojo knew I got turned down a couple of times by other mechanics, and when he said he will help me find one... he was not kidding.

Fabrizio's garage was what I envisioned from the start; car lifts, dollies, tires, cherry picker, engines, and power tools. The photography team came down there as planned, talked to Fabrizio, and scouted for locations. Fabrizio was kind enough to let us roam the garage despite his people working on different projects (the only thing we couldn't do is to go under the car lifts). The shoot lasted for an hour and a half, no strobes/tungsten needed due to skylights... must I say that I love skylights!

My heartfelt gratitude to Jojo of DPE Wheels, Fabrizio of EF1 Motorsports, and Lan for assisting me with this project.

"photog wanted... photog spoted"

Can you spot the photographer in this photo?

"pray hard, work hard..."

"... walk with me"

Shot this at probably one of the lowest point in my A180 school. I felt helpless and useless with all the rolls I have shot for one of my project. Nothing creative was coming out from me at one point, it was a "PHD" feeling... Press Here Dummy! I started questioning myself, seeking for answers how to solve what I was experiencing. At 11:00 pm... I decided to take a walk around our neighborhood. I carried with me "Bella" (501 Hasselblad) and walked to wherever the road leads me. I told my wife to find me in case I do not come back around 12:30 am just to be on the safe side. Upon my "journey", I encountered this bridge. I have been planning to shoot this bridge before but never had the time and opportunity. Then I realized that sometimes in my life, answers are very elusive to find... yet I just need to take a moment and not force the issue. It took me at least 2 years to shoot this bridge until that night. My plan to shoot it never was meant to be, and yet I was able to shoot it at the least expected moment...

"zen ROCKS!..."

"... lonely flower"

"... butterflies and flowers"

"modern day Mary Poppins..."

Lan & Jerod - Mary Poppins Inspired

I was fortunate to shoot my group strobe assignment in studio, with the help of dependable models Lan and Jerod. Mary Poppins was my inspiration for this project. Umbrella = Flying = Stop Motion! It was a fun shoot to begin with since Lan and Jerod have both been jumping for our other photographer schoolmates... I guess you'll see their faces on a lot of prints that will be presented to Agatha :)

Thanks again Lan and Jerod for modelling... Thanks Shannon for assisting!

"... Sin City"

Vegas strip

... need I say more??? Vegas trip was a blast, and just like the photo... it was a BLUR!!!

(photo shot with Zoom out technique)

"the stop..."

Bus Stop - Manila, Philippines

I have decided to go green... not 100% yet. Taking baby steps, and taking the bus again after 9 years. Bus and Subway have been my trusty friends during my brief stay in the Big Apple. It was very liberating, a humbling experience. Growing up with chauffeurs to drive me around, I have always dreamt of taking public transportation just for experience. My parents would not stop me, however they would always say it's safer to travel on our own cars. Moving to the Big Apple introduced me to things foreign to me; from taking the bus and train, to doing my own laundry.

... and I quote Brian Tracy "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new"...

"... solitude"

Back Bay, Newport Beach

... a time to rest, think without being disturbed.

I decided to put myself in the state of short term solitude, to decompress from daily stress, and recover my creative senses. It has always worked time and time again where you either find me inside a church talking to Him, or outside where I reconnect with Mother Nature. Today was the day where I decided to walk that path... a path that leads to rediscovering my soul, my passion.

"Shirt The Kids Campaign"

Being fortunate to enjoy the necessities in life, I continue to reconnect myself to my Motherland by participating and supporting different campaigns. I have been lucky to network with the owners and makers of "Pnoy Apparel", a San Diego based company on one of the red carpet events I covered. What more could I ask for besides shooting jobs, and at the same time supporting charity campaigns. Life is good!!!

"...I'm up here"

I'm up here!

Shooting at different and weird angles are always fun. It brings back my childhood days of playing hide and seek, or climbing trees to pretend like a bird and enjoy the view.

On this shot that I did for my niece, I decided to climb a tree just for fun. Did I care about the thousand worth of equipment I had on top of the tree? Honestly, I did not (I know, the Photo Fairies are looking at me weird when I said that). It was the fun factor and being a child again that made this photo session a memorable one. My niece though wanted to climb up with me after I was done taking the photo. What can I do... kids just love me! :)

"... not so Old World"

Old World Portrait

I've never made coffee as far as I can remember. I do not drink coffee for the fact that caffeine makes me sleepy. You may be wondering why I brought up coffee when I have an old world inspired portrait. You'll find out... soon.

As part of our assignment, we were given the task to shoot something of today with an old world feel to it. I have decided to go with "entertainer" of the olden age. How did I come about with that concept... EJ Bellocq inspired. Far from what I have conceptualized, I am still happy with the images I have produced. Also, I was able to work with my wife on this assignment... although the 4x5 was not what she expected (not as easy as a digital camera).

...about the coffee - make 4 cups of coffee, leave your print submerged for a day, and you got a nicely toned print Old World style! Toning may differ depending on brand :)

"mat board fun..."

Weekend almost over... Monday Marker fast approaching... assignments being finalized... equipments to be returned... equipments to be reserved... studio to be reserved... films to be processed... contact sheets and photos to be printed... just what to expect weekly, it's fun!

In every struggle, we just have to take it in a positive note. After prepping mat boards for my assignment, I was again reminded why this is fun, you have to accept that it is fun no matter what... Happy Sunday to all!

"...speed racer"

Guys dig women who rides bikes. Jamie has been my wife's co-worker for 5 years, and has been converted to a good friend of ours turned one of our "in-house" model. Behind the lovely looks lives a fun, edgy persona of Jamie. She rides bikes - from Ducatti's to Harley's! This is when I say... "real women ride motorcycles!" :)

"Speed Racer Le Chic"

Model: Jamie Clark

Make-up Artist: Paula Navarro Mauricio

Location: Orange Coast College Studio

"Project Audrey II..."

Project Audrey Hepburn II

I have been motivated by the two photos on my previous post to replicate the iconic Audrey Hepburn - photo of her in Sabrina back in 1954.

Model: Jamie Clark

Make-Up Artist: Paula Navarro Mauricio

Location: Orange Coast College Studio

Special thanks to Sei for assisting with light set-up, and for momentarily sitting in as Mr. Hepburn during my test shots :)

"Project Audrey I..."

Project Audrey Hepburn I

I have been motivated by the two photos on my previous post to replicate the iconic Audrey Hepburn - poster photo of her accessorized with scarf, sunglasses, and leather gloves.

Model: Jamie Clark

Make-Up Artist: Paula Navarro Mauricio

Location: Orange Coast College Studio

Special thanks to Sei for assisting with light set-up, and for momentarily sitting in as Mr. Hepburn during my test shots :)

"... the iconic, Audrey Hepburn"

For my tungsten lighting project, I have chosen as an inspiration the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. She was not in my era during her prime, however she has always been the classy, and one of the beautiful actress to hit the silver screen. In honor of Audrey, the photos below will be my motivation for this project.

"... in the spirit of trick or treating"

This past week has been portraits after portraits after portraits! Halloween... Old World Portrait... and Tungsten Portrait! Fun fun fun!

This one's for my goddaughter's annual Halloween costume as Tinkerbell... I just hope she sprinkled some pixie dust on my film and camera to avoid the black marker!

Have a safe Halloween to all... Scare 'em trick or treaters! :)

"sprinkles... eaten alive"

Yes, my CD Cover project of a pomegranate surrounded with cupcakes finally met the black marker of death from our Art Director. Learning experience of the demands from clients are always good. I will not be posting the original as I will be re-shooting this project. For now, enjoy the cupcakes my wife and I enjoyed when we celebrated our 7th year wedding anniversary.

"...faith"

I shot this photo to capture water play of the young at heart. It turns out to be something else as I look closely to it. With the mist of the water fountain, and the light behind it, it has created somewhat of a cross, of which the kid is rejoicing to. Pretty cool when you set your camera to high speed shutter :)

"...calendar rush"

It's Saturday and instead of relaxing and enjoying the weekend, I (and most of my A180 classmates) are mad rushing for their calendar images. Yes, this is our final project... a 2010 functioning calendar. My theme is ZEN inspired - with elements of water, land, air, and fire. Still brainstorming on inspirations for this calendar, of which I will need to shoot, print, mount, and present to our art director. I have not yet pushed the panic button as I have the "Easy" button handy. Good luck to all my talented classmates... we will get through this! :)

"harajuku in SF..."

I've lived in 3 cities in my life; namely Manila, New York, and Los Angeles. However, given the choice to move and venture to another high rise populated city, I would have the following: San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. I have only been to San Francisco among the list, and I must say that I would move and live here in a heartbeat. This city has so much to offer in terms of corporate work places, food and entertainment, and nightlife. Photo above of my wife Paula chilling out at the famous Ghirardelli Square.

Will we live here... yes! Will we move here anytime soon... no! :)

"... born photographer"

pretending to be holding an slr

Some people are photographers... and some are just born photographers :)

I've caught myself a lot of times where my life revolves in photography... and I would like to share them, as I think (and hope) that I am not the only one.

10 Things Photography Has Affected Your Mind:

10. You have forgotten to hold/operate a point and shoot camera,
9. Buying film is more important than that yummy breakfast burrito,
8. You browse through magazines understanding the light positions
7. You only care about catch lights
6. You meet someone, and you try to find an 18% gray in their face or clothing
5. You look up at the sun/sky, and pretend your eyes are aperture blades from f/2.8 to f/32
4. When asked how you maintain your flawless skin, you answer "A little bit of cloning, unsharp mask @ 50%, and 50% high pass" <-- for Photoshop nerds
3. You agitate your water bottle like a film canister
2. You dream of 4x5's, 35mm's, medium formats, and large formats
1. You call your special someone either of these names: Hassy, Canon, or Nikon <-- this has yet to happen :)

Happy shooting all!

"... the cyclist"

Extreme sports has always been part of my life. Individuals who seeks thrills, speed, and excitement are just plain "crazy". They are built to endure the stress and pain one can put through his/her body... built like tanks!

Shot this photo for my cousin who has been traversing California mountains for quite a while now. He has received his fair share of spillage and crashes that led to bandages and ointments. Why does he do it... "it relaxes me" he answers. Enough said.

He has asked me to ride with him a couple of times, however after a painful "Jackass" inspired stunt that turned to a nasty spill leading to ER, I am still in the process of mustering the "craziness" that has been part of me. I wish I can just pick myself up and do crazy stuff again... however those butterflies still lingers in me.

Maybe the wait is well worth it... Whistler Mountain awaits this coming holiday season!

"... old St. Vibiana"

Cathedrals of old and new still continue to capture my heart. I can spend most of my time walking around these sacred places and likely finish 5-6 rolls easily. Talk about design elements to its perfection!

The Old St. Vibiana used to be the mother church cathedral parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles until the 1994 Northridge Eaerthquake caused extensive damages to her. Now a venue for numerous events, she continues to take everyone's breathe with her exterior and interior beauty.

"lights... camera... dance!"

DDR? ... sounds juvenile huh? Prior to "Dance Dance Revolution", the art of dancing has a special place in my heart. My dad has taught me a valuable lesson when I was growing up - dancing is one way to a woman's heart. I clearly remember the words leaving his mouth "Son, the most effective way to hold a woman's hand... is by asking her to dance", and he follows "...the rest, you will have to work your way". Nowadays, we dance without even getting in contact. My dad was clever, he taught me Ballroom! It was so old fashion for me but at age 12, I learned how to dance Swing, Cha Cha, Tango, Reggae, Foxtrot, etc. Mom was my practice partner, and she enjoyed every single minute of us spending quality time... and it's a form of exercise.

Well, my dad did not mention that women my age know no clue how to dance a single ballroom step. I ask myself... "how can this be a way to a woman's heart?!?". Ahh, yes HE was BRILLIANT!!! It was the mom of who I was courting who I would be asking to dance. It worked!!! I work my way to the mom, and the mom builds me up to the daughter. Amazingly, it worked on all of them (don't ask how many, but it worked every single time!).

Thanks Papa for teaching me how to dance Ballroom... looking back now, the whole ride was worthwhile!

*** Photo above was one of the dance competition I attended this year. I rarely dance anymore (weddings, party's, @ Vegas), and participating at these competitions yearly keeps me abreast to one of my passions. I also have chosen this photo as an example of the lesson I learned at class... lighting, lighting, and lighting. Various lighting, and how to compensate for each one of them.



P.S. For sure I would teach my son to dance Ballroom at an early age... he'll thank me when he gets older :)

"Runway Bella..."

Presenting "Runway Bella" -



I met Bella last Thursday, up close and personal. She was a bit lonely as she has been in the cage. I guess it was just meant to be for me to take her on a wild LA weekend. She was a pure beauty inside and out; her shutter whispers love whenever I actuate.

Our weekend date was at Vibiana... the location of LA Fashion Week featured event, it was my treat. Our day started shooting away instant film inside the venue. For a while, I forgot the urgency to build my easels and prepare for my exhibit. What can I do, Bella took my breathe away. Bella and I sparked conversations from strangers, and made a couple of individuals turn their heads to check us out. Jealous?... for sure!

Overall, we connected. I am just sad to bring her back to the cage... well, "No Goodbyes, Just Hellos". Don't worry, I hope I can request for case #13 all the time. But for now, you had me at "click"... you complete me :)

"Passion... Revealed" - The Designers

Never been exhausted, and yet enjoyed it. I have covered a couple of red carpet events, and 2 runway shows... however this runway show was different in many ways: The venue was amazing... the light was not that greatest but workable... the exhibitors are great friends I met since being in the business... and the designers were just awesome breaking through mainstream fashion. The whole event was to showcase new talents, driven by passion, to breakthrough and be great at what they love to do. Red Glass Photography was fortunate to be tapped as the official photographers for the event, albeit a ton load of cameras and flash bulbs were present.


... And now, the designs take off from the runway:


Designer: Phillip Rodriguez

Designer: Alexis Monsanto







Designer: Furne One (Haute Couture)








Presenting... the minds behind these creations:


(L-R): Phillip Rodriguez, Furne One, and Alexis Monsanto