MMS 173 Assignment 1: Knowing Where I'm At (Part 1)

February 18, 2025

Having chosen these 3 photos was purely based on my personal preference, experiences, and how I actually felt connected to these photographs. The first photo was taken last October 2024 at the Tam-awan village in Baguio. For context, we attended the 14th Tam-awan International Arts Festival last 2024 to do a documentary. The subject in the photo was a member of a Bontoc tribe who performed a ritual during the formal opening of the event. As they were preparing for the ritual, I took this shot randomly. I felt deeply connected with the photo maybe because I witnessed the ritual itself and realized how significant and sacred it is for them. It is rooted in their culture which has been passed on from generation to generation.

The second photo was taken at a public market in Ilagan, Isabela. We had free time to go around the vicinity and decided to take a photo walk at the market. Again, I felt deeply connected with the subject because it seemed to be in agony just by looking through its eyes. The photo implies an impending death. I don’t know what it looks like to others but it just feels very emotional for me. Well, going to a little bit of the technical aspect, the composition made it more confined, cramped, and uncomfortable with how it was framed, how tight it was, and even the paint color of the cage. It feels like it cannot do anything but just accept the fate of death.

The last photo was taken also in Ilagan, Isabela. It was actually part of the series of photos I had taken during our visit to their public market. I just love how a lot is going on with the photo. It looked crowded yet something was missing. It also implies the passage of time- waiting. Personally, just by looking at it, it feels like it's moving in a way that the subject and I are both waiting for anything to happen.

As I have mentioned, choosing these photos was mostly based on my personal experience during the time I took them. I got my own story with it and a story to tell to anyone who would actually see it. Beyond the technical aspect of photography, I go by the context of what is within the frame. I could have taken it from a wide angle. Or I could have chosen a different subject. But I wanted to be intentional with the photo I take, especially the story I want it to tell.

I know I still have a lot to learn and it’s a continuous process. Acknowledging where I’m at is a great starting point to push through to what I want to become.