Through a Lens, Clearly

Sharing Images (2)–

For only the second time in three years, I was unable to write my column last week. I also missed a day in my 365 (days) photo project that began with the new year. Nothing disrupts a routine more than a sudden illness. But we’re back today with a fun activity and readers to feature.

Raffy Paredes

I recently came across a site that may interest the readers who are also into origami. Foldplay .com has an activity that puts your photos into an origami called a kaleidocycle. Just upload four choice photos. The site composes these into a single jpeg file for downloading. Print out this file on bond size strong paper and follow the instructions on cutting and pasting. This ingenious project may pose some difficulty at first, but the results are fantastic! It seems magical how a photo comes together with each turn of the kaleidocycle. It can be used for a clever presentation or given to a loved one as a special gift. Don’t miss trying this one out.

And now to our readers.

Eddie Mar F. Rico, an Extended Engineering student sent in his composition titled “Heart.” He says that when his lollipop fell on the kitchen floor, he noticed that it attracted the ants. Since it was almost Valentine’s Day, he got the idea of melting the remaining candy with water and shaping it into a heart. More of Eddie can be had at www.edikenkoy.multiply.com.

From Kawit, Cavite, Jun Tulao writes, “I got my very first DSLR last July of 2009, and from then on, my life was never the same.” Jun loves doing street portraiture. “It’s the perfect setup to capture the emotions and the depth of peoples’ experiences,” he says.

Ben D. Arche of Digos City, Davao del Sur writes that he’s still a beginner in photography who shoots only occasionally. He sent in the picture “Fruit Bats” with the following text : “At least two million of these fruit bats can be found living in a cave in Davao del Norte province. Photo shows bats roost inside the Monfort Cave in Samal Island known to be the largest bat colony in the world. This is the main feature of the Annual Philippine Bat Festival which will be held in June to coincide with the celebration of the Provincial Ecotourism Month of Davao del Norte.”

Genieve Celada shares that before graduating recently from the University of the East – Manila, she put up UE – Litratista to bring together students who are into photography. Today, UE-Litratista is made up of students and alumni from UE-Manila, UE Caloocan, and UERM. She says that the group now handles most of the events on campus. The group also goes on photo walks and participated in the Scott Kelby’s 2nd Annual Worldwide Photowalk. Genieve’s photos today are a result of their recent photo walk in La Loma in Quezon City, Blumentritt Market, and Welcome Rotonda. Genieve is calling on all UE alumni and students from UE Manila, UERM, and UE Caloocan to participate in the UE-Litratista forum site at http://uelitratista.forumotion.net.

Jobelle Robenta shares today some of “the first shots” from her brand new DSLR. She writes: “When Baxee arrived (name of my cam), all I can remember is that I jumped and shouted out of joy! I was so careful in assembling the parts and on the first click, no words can describe the happiness and satisfaction I felt when I saw the picture. A bit exaggerated though, but this is what I truly felt at that time. I’m planning to enroll for a photography class this year and improve my skills. So many things to learn, so many things to try. :)”

From Baguio City, Larry P. Fabian shares: “Barely three months ago, the city and its neighboring province of Benguet was devastated by two strong typhoons Pepeng and Ondoy. Both gave scars of landslides and deaths of nearly a hundred of their citizens, thus giving less hope to celebrate their Yuletide holidays. But the celebration of the Chinese New Year that coincided with the celebration of the fluvial parade gave another hope for the people to celebrate life and moving on to better changes. Another festival that is gearing up to bring more luck to the city is the upcoming Panagbenga festival on February 27 and 28. Surely the tiger’s smile will be a good luck for highlanders this 2010.”

Leo Vina sent in various heart photos for the love month. He writes: “We may find love in different ways, in different time. I believe that love exists in anything. It’s just a matter of recognizing and appreciating it. We are all made out of love, thus we are all capable of loving. Adding love on anything would make a great difference.”

Also featured today are images from branch manager Lorecel Celzo-Benitez of her music-loving daughter, and from Sherwin dela Cruz.