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

I have no prior experience in professional photography, but taking photos has always been something I enjoy doing. I’ve always been interested in capturing small moments, creating memories, and telling stories through photographs. Right now, I don’t have any fancy or professional-grade camera gear yet and only use my handy smartphone camera to take quick snapshots of life. Luckily, mobile cameras have improved quite a lot over the years, allowing me to take great photos even with a smaller lens. They are compact and efficient, making it easy to capture different subjects, whether it’s food, places, or random moments I want to remember.

Out of all the subjects I take photos of, places and scenery are my favorite. Alongside photography, traveling is something I also enjoy, and I make sure to visit and explore at least one place I’ve never been to every year. Traveling not only allows me to encounter beautiful places, breathtaking scenery, and interesting cultures, but also provides me with the perfect opportunity to take great photos.

Here are three of my favorite shots from my recent trips.

In November 2024, I went to Coron, Palawan with my colleagues for the first time, and it was an amazing experience. The clear waters, tall rock formations, and colorful marine life made the place feel like paradise.

Visiting Coron was a nice experience, and I enjoyed my time there diving with the rich marine life in the Barracuda Lake and partying with both locals and tourists. But aside from the breathtaking views of Coron, I found a perfect opportunity to take photos.

This is a photo I took while riding a boat, traveling from an island to another. This specific shot, made me feel proud because I thought it was one of the best photos I had ever taken. In this single frame, I was able to encapsulate the entire essence of Coron, Palawan.

In the foreground, the colorful fishing boats represents the lives of the locals, a community known for its fisheries and tourism industry. At the far back, a majestic mountain with the Coron signage and a cross sit at its peak.

The long shadows casted by the trees create diagonal lines, emphasizing the signage and cross at the top which seems to watch over and guide Coron and its people. This combination of subjects, for me, shows the symbiotic relationship of the sea, the land, and the people of Coron.

This photo tells the story of Coron. It shows how the land meets the sea and how people live and thrive on the island.

A month later, in December 2024, I traveled to Taiwan with some friends. We explored the city and immersed ourselves in its rich and vibrant culture.

One of my favorite photos from the trip was taken in Taipei, in a small alley that perfectly frames Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Similar to my photo from Coron, I love how this image captures both local life and an iconic landmark.

Alley 1 Line 253 is a residential area lined with housing complexes and a fair share of commercial spaces. In this narrow alley, the entire height of Taipei 101 can be seen, making it a perfect location for photographing the famous skyscraper.

In this photo, Taipei 101 stands in the center, creating a sense of symmetry. The parallel housing complexes on both sides make the photo appear balanced, leading the viewer’s eye toward the tower. This shows perspective and highlights Taipei 101 as the focal point, which is a significant detail as it is one of Taiwan’s most famous landmarks.

Another photo I took during this trip is one of the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC). While walking through the streets of Taipei, I was fascinated by the Brutalist architecture of the TWTC. I was in awe with how the strong, sharp, and repeating lines of the building create a simple yet visually effective sight.

In this photo, I was able to capture the grid-like pattern used in the building’s architecture.

The repetitive patterns formed by the tile cladding on the building’s facade, combined with the sharp rectangular structure, make for a visually pleasing composition. These patterns contrast effectively against the clear blue sky, adding depth and dimension to the photo. The balance between geometric structure and open space makes this one of my most beautiful and proudest architectural photos to date.

Photography is more than just a personal interest. Taking photos is my way of documenting life, reliving my favorite moments, and sharing my experiences with others. Even though I’m not a professional photographer yet, every photo I take shows how I see and appreciate the world.

As I continue to live life, meet new people, explore new places, and develop my skills, I look forward to capturing even more moments worth to remember with my camera.

Rhon Joshua Calupitan | 2022-30993