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My husband Riz Pulumbarit has been a professional photographer for almost 30 years but he has been taking pictures much longer than that.
He first became interested in photography in high school when he got hooked into reading the iconic Life Magazine, believed to have some of the world's most recognizable images.
It was also in high school that he had his first camera, thanks to his maternal grandmother, Lola Asuncion Mesina, who knew that he was interested in photography.
When they went on a family vacation to the US in 1984, his grandmother asked him what kind of camera he wanted. Riz had no specific camera model in mind at that time. His uncle in the US suggested the Canon AE-1 program and that is what his grandmother bought for him.
Over the years he would switch to other camera brands, especially Nikon and Hasselblad. But the Canon AE-1 camera was the one that he used in college at the De La Salle University in Manila.
His course was Business Management but he joined the DLSU Camera Club and eventually became one of its Vice Presidents.
He honed his photography skills further at DLSU when he joined the Green and White Yearbook Committee and the Filipino language publication "Ang Pahayagang Plaridel."
After graduating, he worked at the Center for Research and Communication (now University of Asia and the Pacific) as a photographer and PR assistant.
After leaving CRC, he continued working as a photographer, taking pictures for news sites, annual reports, brochures, books, posters, and billboards.
Some of the companies he served were Ayala Alabang Country Club, Asia CEO Forum, Beacon School, San Beda College Alabang, University of Asia and the Pacific, GMA News Online, Philippine Daily Inquirer, View Magazine, Smart Communications, Country Style Donuts, Chemphil Manufacturing, Nissan Motors, Pampanga's Best, Regalong Pambahay, United Pulp and Paper Company, Kikko's Hotel Boracay, among others.
He has also taken photos of some of the country's top leaders, including then Davao City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte; the late President Cory Aquino; former President Fidel Ramos; former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; former Senator Bongbong Marcos; former Prime Minister Cesar Virata; former Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez; Hans Sy; Jun Palafox, and more.
Riz's photography tips
I might be saying this as his wife but I think Riz would be an amazing photography teacher. I took up photography as an elective in college in UP Diliman but I understood photography better when Riz taught me some tips and tricks.
Here are 10 random but very practical tips I learned from Riz that I would like to share on World Photography Day, August 19:
(1) To find the right camera for you, do some research. Check camera reviews and if possible, seek suggestions from photographers, friends, or the staff at camera stores. Try out the camera at the shop too before purchasing.
(2) When buying a DSLR, consider these: sharpness, good resolution (ideally, at least 24 megapixels), and ease of use (choose a camera that you will be comfortable to hold and carry around.
For mobile phone photography, choose one with camera that takes sharp pictures and focuses quickly even in lowlight situations.
(3) To create beautiful pictures, the images should be sharp, vibrant, have good contrast, well composed, and have a wow factor.
(4) To become a good photographer, practice by shooting pictures several times a week.
(5) For every photo subject, take at least two shots, different angles if possible.
(6) During the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still practice by taking pictures at home. Some possible subjects: family members, pets, view from the window, food, still life, surfaces, patterns, candle, and water.
(7) Avoid "camera shaking" by holding your breath as you take photos.
(8) Read, read, read. Learn to take good photos by reading books, magazines, or online articles about photography. Watch YouTube photograpy tutorials.
(9) Practice, practice, practice. Always practice what you learned so that you can remember them.
(10) Share your photos and ask for feedback.
Hope these will help! Have a fantastic time taking photos!
My photos of Riz at "work"...