Photographer of the Week
Edwin Bejer - Taking Trips and Tips –
by Yugel Losorata –
A backpacker who has an eye for photography is like a tall guy who plays good basketball. An upstart talent who values pieces of advice from the expert mirrors a natural-born singer formally studying vocal lessons.
Both statements do well with lensman Edwin Bejer who has rapidly improved in his relatively short three-year journey in photography. His love for nature found a great ally in his interest for the craft, while his acquaintances with the likes of Edwin Loyola and Jun Danganan suit his humility as an artist craving for inputs from the pro.
He told Picture Perfect, “I actually love talking with elder photographers. I find it very informative and very inspiring which are reasons why I love talking with those who have been in the field longer than I am.”
The word “elder” here is not to be confused with anything negative in meaning. Bejer is just associating both Loyola and Danganan to wisdom and enough experience. They’re what he needs being somewhat young in the field, though his works are obviously quite impressive for a starter. His photographs reflect that.
Trying to be straighter to the point, the junior added that with seniors around him, “I can get pointers. I can get their views. And I can get stories from them.”
Back during last year’s Holy Week, he joined his idols for a photowalk in Muntinlupa. He recalled his talk with Loyola and for him it was evident the latter has so much drive in producing images to share with others.
A 31-year-old bachelor, Bejer counts talented photographers Edwin Martinez, Parc Cruz, Jay Jallorina, and Manny Librodo as his inspiration as well. In fact his attraction for seascapes popped out after he discovered the work of both Martinez and Jallorina.
“There’s just something about water and rocks,” he said, “Something which calms me. I love the sound of the waves and the feel of the breeze hitting my face.”
The ball started really rolling for Bejer in March of 2007 when he had his first equipment, a Canon S3iS. With it he took shots of almost everything, developing his talent more until he got himself a DSLR (Nikon D40). Admittedly he’s no brand-conscious for he believes things will depend on how good a lensman is and not what trademark he’s carrying.
In August that same year, he became a member of Nayon Photographer’s Club and immediately made his presence felt by finishing runner-up back-to-back for his club’s Photographer of the Year award. His active participation in FPPF’s PhotoWorld Cup assured the veterans they have another good opponent in their midst.
“I believe that photographers are artists, driven by mood. A resulting image will reflect the mood of the photographer during the time the image was taken,” he shared, aware that his pictures are often dark because of his fascination for shadows in a particular image.
If his outdoor shots illuminate effortless beauty, it’s because going out comes along with his heartbeat. His love for nature drew him to landscapes. And he captures on camera these views to share with people special to him.
In a matter of three years, Bejer’s images already got published, displayed on exhibits, and won contests. He is hoping his photos can be of use to help others like through charity projects and fund-raising initiatives. “The image is also a representation of the photographer’s soul. Like in paintings of famous artists, a photograph is a window to the photographer’s being,” he related.
This early, the man has shown heart to pay back for the recognition he is getting. That says a lot about his character which his mentors should find worth the applause.
