ICT Week 2023: Letran SHS Tech-Voc area holds Tektalk day 2 with discussion on Photography 101 and Next Level ICT Professionals

Martheia Ashrel Pablo

PUBMAT | Rechelle Vistro & Janrich Limbo

PHOTOS | Janrich Limbo

Thursday, February 2, 2023 – “Kapag sa photographer, pwedeng balik-balikan ulit para makuhanan. Kapag sa photojournalist, iyon ‘yung events na minsan lang nangyayari.” -Mr. Julius Domondon

The Letran Senior High School TechVoc Area, in collaboration with the Letran Senior High School Creative Hub, conducted its second day of TekTalk as part of the celebration of ICT Week 2023. This event was held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Hall.

Ms. Marian Arabela Dondriano and Mr. Kim Estrada, the event’s hosts, introduced Mr. Ren Owen Rios, Chief Creative Officer of Letran SHS Creative Hub, to formally welcome Mr. Julius Domondon, the resource speaker for Photography 101. 

Mr. Julius began his discussion by showing his Sports Photography Portfolio, consisting of pictures including Efren Bata Reyes, different kinds of sports, and his outputs during the ASEAN Basketball League. He then pointed out that such samples tell a story, echoing the importance of focusing on their expression and capturing such in a “perfect” position. 

Furthermore, he mentioned some parts and functions of the camera, such as the Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO Speed, and Exposure. He explained that establishing focus is one thing that enables the photographer to convey his photographic intent, which should be on the main subject. He added that regarding position and angle, “Lagi tayo dapat naka-contrast, para makuhanan natin ang expressions, and nang maayos ‘yung subject.” “Dapat mabilis tayo kung saan tayo po-position, ang face ng subject hindi dapat mawawala ‘yan.”  

Moreover, Mr. Julius also tackled “Basic Photojournalism in Capturing Events.” He showed two pictures taken by a photographer and a photojournalist and asked the students to differentiate the two. He explained the difference, stating, “Kapag sa photographer, pwedeng balik-balikan ulit para makuhanan. Kapag sa photojournalist, iyon ‘yung events na minsan lang nangyayari.” 

Proceeding to the rules of post-processing, wherein he stated that it’s all about perspective, he advised participants on the need to tread in cropping photos to maintain the story and limit. He also listed down 20 Sports Photography tips for beginners, reminding the students not to compare themselves to others.

His discussion came to an end as he showed pictures captured using the mobile phones of the students from the National University (NU). 

After a ten-minute break, the event continued with the second part of the TekTalk. The hosts called on Mr. Kip Neeson Buan, TechVoc Student Council Ambassador, to formally introduce Ms. Jienah Mi Berganio, the resource speaker for “Next Level: ICT Professionals.”

Initially, Ms. Jienah introduced herself as someone who entered the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) without knowing what BS IT is. However, according to her, there are skills needed, namely: Software Testing, Database Management Systems, IT Infrastructure, and Software Development for the hard skills and being open to criticism, problem-solving skills, managing priorities, and taking breaks for the soft skills. 

Along with the discussion, she emphasized prioritizing work-life balance and student-life balance as advice for students to immerse themselves in their college years. 

Lastly, she ended her discussion by sharing the quote, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become,” from the book Atomic Habits. 

“Ask yourselves if this is someone you would like to become?” she asked. 

Indeed, Information Communication Technology (ICT) links people together in our community. Just like photography, it reminds us of and connects us to places, people, and stories and allows us to inspire others and communicate with them.