ICT Week’s TEKTALK Day 1 Discusses Techniques On Portraiture

Anne Margaret Lorenzen & Ruben Gabas

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 - As part of the celebration of ICT Week, a webinar series entitled 'TekTalk 2021' was held via Google Meet. This year's theme, "Maximizing ICT for the New Normal" was able to discuss and tackle concepts in relation to the first topic on "Techniques in Portraiture" which was attended by the Senior High School students from ICT strand.

To formally start the event, Franzine Jhane Sebastian and Tricia Cruz, masters of the ceremony, introduced Mr. Jerry Escultura for the welcome speech. Following this, Allen Matthew Velasquez, President of the Letran SHS Creative Hub welcomed the Tektalk 2021 day 1 speaker, Ms. Arali Chariz Santiago- The Lance’ Official Photographer.

The talk started with Ms. Santiago’s sharing a quote from Martin Parr “Photography is the simplest thing in the world. But it is incredibly complicated to make it work”. She explained her experiences as a Freelance photographer and on dealing with clients. She also mentioned; “Choose wisely pag pipili kayo ng clients niyo’’.

Ms. Arali Santiago talked about the basics and techniques in photography such as the camera body, gears, as well as some tips for aspiring photographers such as picking cameras and lenses for photography. Also, Ms. Arali showcased her works to the students who were interested in photography followed by techniques and her recommendations in photography such as compositions, focus on the eyes, background, proper lighting, movement, shoot candid, add props, fill the frame, subject expressions, reflections or shadow, shoot from a low angle, framing, alter your perspective, subject space, format framing and why those aspects are important in the field of photography.

She then gave advice in starting a freelance career which include: knowing your focus (Genre of Photography), how to build your portfolio, and making connections by mentioning, “Sabihin niyo sa kaibigan niyo kung ano yung ginagawa niyo. Dapat consistent kayo sa pag-post”, and always having a plan (Mood Board). To end her talk, she gave a quote stating that, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”. Followed by her tips and advice in the Q&A part such as what lenses are the best for photography, tips for home photography, vloggers who inspired her to be a photographer, and why Freelance Photographers should be responsible for their tasks.

Part of the event to energize the audience is Gian Mauricio and Zyrlle Timon of the Letran SHS Danza En Ritmo Performing Group who performed an impressive number thru a video presentation. Subsequently, the webinar then followed with the awarding of certificate led by Ms. Valderama, Mr. Escultura, and Mr. Velasquez as they acknowledged the presence, efforts and the knowledge shared by Ms. Arali Santiago with a certificate of appreciation for being the resource speaker of the webinar. And finally, the Digital Communications Technology and Work Immersion Coordinator, Ms. Patricia Angeli, delivered her closing remarks. She mentioned that learning can still take place at home, we just need some sense of passion and interest and to also accept criticisms, because it will help us grow and become better people. Ms. Valderama concluded the program by stating that “Learning by experience is a good way to establish Learning.”