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Photographers have a special form of sixth sense –not the eerie kind of course, but a certain creative genius fused with wild imagination and an enthusiastic perception of the world that swiftly becomes extraordinary. A camera suddenly becomes another extremity –an extra eye to capture a memory-turned-artful keepsake. Every photograph taken, not only memorializes a person, place, or, experience but it can also tell the story of the man holding the camera.
Letting us peek into his life as a freelance photographer is Darwin Andres as he shares his passion, lessons, and personal ambition.
 When did your interest in Photography start?
My interest in photography started way back when I was a kid. I used to take shots of my family during gatherings or reunions with a Kodak Instamatic camera –the one with the so called "magic cubes" as disposable flash.
I am a graduate of De La Salle University and a Licensed Electronics & Communications Engineer. I am currently connected with a leading Telecommunications Company based in Quezon City. I
started doing freelance photography last 2003 for several professional wedding photographers. I then went into occasional events and fashion photography in 2006.
What does it mean to have a "good eye" in photography? What makes a good photographer?
Having a good eye means looking at your subject without thinking of the technical details. It is trying to feel your subject and taking the shot based on what you feel is right.
Having that “right feeling" takes time to master.
You don't learn it through workshops. Not all photographers are good photographers because photography is not just about taking photos…. It's also about discipline. The aperture, shutter speed, ISO stuff can be taught and practiced, but how to capture your subject and compose your images is relatively up to the execution of the photographer's artistic mind.
What are your favorite things to photograph? Do you prefer weddings, fashion editorials, or events?
I have no favorite subjects. I do weddings but in moderation. I find weddings too tiring, but the most fulfilling. I prefer shooting portraits and fashion. It's a different world when you're in fashion photography.
 What would your dream photographer's job be? Or if you could photograph anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
My dream photographer’s job would be to shoot for National Geographic because I wouldn’t be just shooting for my own portfolio, but I would be creating history as well. I would like to photograph the indigenous people of Asian countries so that their stories could be shared and the people from developed countries would know of their existence.
Describe a typical day in a photo shoot. What goes on? Any unforgettable moments on the set?
A typical day in let's say, a fashion shoot would be:
I first meet the models then I chat with them; I meet the make-up artist then I chat again; then it’s the stylist and I chat some more; I meet the art director (if there are any), and you know the drill. I coordinate with the stylist and make-up artist to discuss the shoot then I chit chat with the models again to give them some tips and make them feel more at ease with me.
I then set-up lights, test them, then shoot, shoot, shoot. Bottom line is, chatting with everybody sets the mood during the shoot. I always want to have a relaxed time on the job.
Photos courtesy of Darwin Andres
Contact Darwin Andres at darwindandres@gmail.com |
