Story and Photos by Suzanne June Perante
A picture is worth a thousand words and that figuratively explains how powerful photos can be. A photo is complex enough to form multiple meanings and it is a medium of communication which stimulates the visual perception of people. Back in the day, people used to go to studios or personally hire a photographer to do the job. The evolution of technology brought us to the present situation wherein anyone can be a photographer anytime and anywhere. But before the reign of instant photography that we live in today, photography went under an interesting development.
In the year 1021, the first concept of a camera was the camera obscura which only functioned as an image projector. However, the first ever permanent photograph, which looked like a courtyard was believed to be taken by a French attorney named Joseph Nicephor Niepce in 1826. Photos were primarily monochromatic until the three-color method was launched in 1855. Colored photography became popular in the 1970’s up to present.
Photography used to be limited to the rich and professionals until an American entrepreneur named George Eastman founded Kodak in 1888. He popularized affordable photography making this company dominate the market for about a century.
In the 1930s, instant photography entered the picture and it enabled a self-developing camera pioneered by Polaroid Corporation. On the other hand, a leading camera manufacturer, Leica, established rangefinder cameras designed for portability.
Later on, a more professional type of camera called single lens reflex (SLR) was invented which allowed better technical camera control. SLR’s were further developed and its present version is the digital single lens reflex (DSLR). This was popularized by Japanese manufacturers like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, and Fujifilm.
This earlier period of photography operated on films but it was gradually replaced by the digital one. It was not until the late 1990s to early 2000s when digital cameras hit the market. From DSLRs and point-and-shoots to camera phones, different innovations were made to fit specific consumer preferences.
Photography may seem ordinary now that it has been normalized in our lives, but its abilities to preserve memories and tell stories make it special. It is almost impossible not to see a photo anywhere you go. Especially in this digital age where almost every website and application operates heavily on videos and images, it has become engraved in our consciousness to appreciate photos that are clear in conveying messages.
We capture different moments from sunrise to sundown, so it is important to keep in mind certain points in taking photographs. There are differences in settings when you shoot during the day and at night, but the main element that plays is the lighting. Daytime photography takes advantage of the available light, but that should not imply avoidance of night photography because there are things that can only be achievable at night. Unlike before, most of the cameras today are already innovated to adapt in low light conditions which makes photography desirable even at night.
Silhouettes add drama
Silhouette is a classic effect to capture someone or something against the light. Silhouette photos are mysterious in nature and is likewise captivating.
Capture night activities
It can be quite interesting to note that evenings are not always a rest time for others. In fact, some activities and businesses operate at night. Night markets, from the term itself, are makeshift stores that function as a shopping district at night. In the case of Baguio, the Harrison Night Market is known best for “ukay-ukay” or thrift shopping. Aside from that, people love coming back to this place for the affordable foreign and local street food. Night market is a space of local culture and it has been a tradition for many to try it whenever they visit the City of Pines.
Christmas season is an ideal occasion to head over and take as many night shots. A holiday tradition is the use of lanterns, or parol, which is originally shaped as a star, but lantern parades nowadays showcase creativity in different forms like flowers, flags, animals and others. Since lantern parades are colorful and attractive, they make a good subject for night photography.
Take advantage of the artificial lights
If natural lighting is best during the day, artificial lights create an attention-grabbing aesthetic as it produces light in the darkness.
Wherever we are, the view of the city lights is something that makes a place more appealing. Unlike in lowland areas, the city lights in mountainous places offer a more breathtaking view.
Another holiday tradition is when parks, streets, and houses are customary decorated with colorful fairy lights. Times like this add more attraction and brightness in the area.
Moreover, fireworks display is a symbolic tradition during Christmas and New Year celebration. May it be in different forms, fireworks never lose its charm to photographers. There can be different ways to capture it. Some prefer a slower shutter speed to achieve an extended look, while faster shutter speed presents more detail. It can be quite tedious as you have to look up with a camera in your hands for a while, but results are worth it as you get to capture the sky burst in beautiful patterns.
On the other hand, a lot of people also enjoy the convenience of daytime photography and here are some styles you can try on your next photo session!
Create your own postcard-perfect landscape shots
No one can ever go wrong with landscape photography. In capturing that wonderful scenery, you can showcase a favorite location or explore new ones. It is important keep the horizon even and do not forget to take as many shots!
Sunlight is a natural filter
With numerous editing applications here and there, people like using preset filters to enhance a photo. But who needs a filter if you already have the perfect lighting, right?
Nature is more vibrant during the day
Objects absorb and reflect light in varying wavelengths which enables us to see colors. Mother Nature itself serves as a free studio for us. May it be in any season or type of environment, different natural elements can be utilized for great outdoor nature photographs.
Digital photography may be the prevailing option for people today, but we cannot deny that film photography is not yet dead and some enthusiasts still prefer its thrill. Every camera has its own feature to brag, but regardless of what camera you own, apparently, we are still smarter than our gadgets. It is true that a photograph largely lies on the one taking it. These are just some practical techniques that you can try out day or night. Remember, photography is subjective and sky is the limit. After all, photos speak louder than words!
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