I say never let a raining day stop you from making images, in fact, I look forward to the opportunities they bring. This was just a 5 minute walk from the house, Ayala Triangle Garden photographed in the late afternoon.
tom epperson
Always on Time
Wife: Why do you like to photograph buildings? Is it because you're a frustrated architect?
Me: No, yes, mmmmm, maybe.
Wife: Then why? What is it about buildings that you like so much?
Me: I could give you numerous reasons: buildings are like people; they all have their very own personalities-- they change during the course of the day and depending on the weather, they can evoke different emotions. They challenge you to think, to pause and to contemplate. I can go back to the same building many times and see something new each time. They can either make you feel sad, happy, strong, weak, or even downright silly.
Wife: Yeah, right!
Me: The real reason I like to photograph buildings basically boils down to the following:
° They are always on time and never use traffic as an excuse.
° They never complain that it's too hot, it's raining, or omg, my windows need cleaning.
° They never question lens choice.
° There is never a clash of personalities.
° Take direction extremely well.
° It's just me and the building
The Barbershop
Ahhh, the smell of freshly cut hair with a dose of carabao sweat lingering in the background. All this place needed was a bottle of Old Spice or Aqua Velva and all would be sweet. There's nothing like having ones hair cut or a shave in the boondocks. Where manly men go and men who are not afraid to be in the company of other men. A place where 50 pesos goes a long, long way. I love old school barbershops and the men who work there. I remember once getting a shave. The guy must have thought I was one tough hombre. No water, no shaving cream, just a straight razor and a smile. I winced, a bead of sweat rolled down my face that acted as my beard lubricant. The killer though, at the end, was he brought out his trusted jar of Vick's Vapor Rub and massaged my face into a frenzy, I cried like a baby. Film: Kodachrome 64 Olympus OM-1.
"Torotot"
It never ceases to amaze me, even after all these years of living in the Philippines, that one can find many hidden treasures. One day, I found this stylish horn section wailing away down on Roxas Blvd. Note the improvised horns. Film: Kodak EPP shot with a Olympus OM-1.
Happy New Year!
The Finnster
Baby Dylan (aka: Finnster) was brought into this world almost 4 years ago and much to everyone's surprise, mine included. How could this possibly happen? The lack communication most likely but we refer to him as the happy accident. I cannot fathom my life without him or my daughter Aryanna.
Batanes
The first time I visited Batanes was in 1990 and I instantly fell in love. This place is like no other in the Philippines with its rolling hills and rugged coastline: absolutely beautiful in every direction. It's actually hard to take a bad photograph here. I recently visited again this time with my daughter on a 10-day eco friendly trip and I can honestly say not much has changed in the past 20 plus years on this sleepy little island of the north. It's a must-see for everyone. Look out for our soon-to-be released book "Ichigo and Mr. Roboto's Batanes Adventure."
