Idea #5 Cameras Tell Stories
A trip to the Philippines
bird’s eye view from 30,000 feet up in the air somewhere around Asia 
rainbow captured from the flight to the Philippines 
my cousins walking across San Juan, Batangas bridge on a beautiful morning 
the view of the river from the San Juan, Batangas bridge 
the arch welcoming vistors into San Juan, Batangas, my father’s hometown in the Philippines 
my cousins (Jayden left, Julia right) in the middle of the ocean at Playa Laiya 
my aunt’s dining table at her clinic in the province 
three sweet kids my cousins and I bumped into walking around the streets of the Philippines 
a random “haunted” house that I walked by in Batangas
why did you choose this story?
I chose this story because I wanted to showcase a variety of photos from my trip to the Philippines on December 2019. I captured beautiful memories at my family’s hometown and I think that I should put it to use somehow.
how do you think you did?
I believe that I did great in capturing these photos. Prior to this project, I was already fascinated by how photos can capture memorable moments that I can always cherish. The scenery of the Philippines is definitely a different vibe from third-world countries such as the States and I wanted to make note of that by taking photos of my surroundings that I thought was different yet aesthetic in a way.
which image do you think is the individually “best” image in your story?
Despite the lack of professionalism in this photo, I believe that the “best” image in my photostory is of the three little boys my cousins and I ran into as we were walking down the streets in my father’s hometown. These little boys could tell that my cousins and I were not locals by the clothes that we were wearing and by the way we looked. They were simply amazed by the idea that we were from the States. Furthermore, it was very humbling to see these little kids smiling arm in arm with one another with the little resources that they have access to. It shows that they don’t need materialistic items to be and feel happy, which is beautiful.
does your photostory contain an image that you think is not, by itself, a “great” image, but that is nonetheless important because it helps to tell your story?
Yes, the image of the haunted house in Batanagas is by itself not a “great” image alone simply by the lack of “aesthetics” that it has, but nonetheless it is important because it helps tell my story about how the different the Philippines is when it comes to architecture. Locals in the Philippines care more about having a literal roof over their head rather than a beautiful roof over their head. When it comes to living standards, beauty is irrelevant and is the last thing they would ever think of. Simply having a place to sleep is sufficient enough for them. Although this house does not look too great, it is still functional and useful for a variety of needs.
what would you do different next time?
I don’t think I would change anything major, but I would definitely continue to capture moments that I think are unique, fun, memorable, and tell a story. Whether the photo lacks the “aesthetics” that most people often look for, I still believe that the story behind it is where the true aesthetic lies.
are there other photo stories you might like to tell?
Yes, there are definitely other photo stories I would like to tell that show stronger feelings than just words. Whenever the time comes, I’ll just whip out my phone camera and snap a shot.
Idea #6 Shocking Art!
why did you choose this idea?
I wanted to showcase the harsh reality that many people try to ignore. People often look at images of marine life being injured, feel sympathy at most, then go about their day. I think it is important to note that there are many ways to help out or environment, whether that be reducing our carbon footprint, using less plastic materials, and relying more on sustainable products.
what did you hope to communicate?
I hoped to communicate a message that our planet is dying! I want to communicate a plan of action for people to use metal straws, bamboo straws, paper straws, and more rather than plastic straws. For people to reduce their use of plastic and harmful products that end up in the ocean and harm animals, which can eventually affect crucial food chains essential for human life.
how successful do you think you were?
I believe that I was somewhat successful, but not quite due to my drawing being a rough little sketch of something I want people to see with meaning. If I were an amazing artist, I believe my message would have more emotions and could be more moving.
what would you do different if you did it again?
I would go to the beach take a photo of how dirty it might be, and then I would go to pick up plastic and trash all around the place to do a quick beach clean up.
what is another idea you might explore through “shocking art”?
I would probably like to explore pro-life protestors or pro-choice protestors through “shocking art.” It is an idea that interests me and has a lot of controversy around it. I would probably go to a planned parenthood organization and see if there are people there who try to ward off patients from getting abortions.
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