Tuesday, March 1

My First Prison Riot Experience at Casa San Pablo





Last Sunday, I had to get up early to join Jo Avila's prison riot. It is an event where his former students and VA (voluntary assistants) meet up not just to shoot but also to gain further experience as well as to meet new friends. I made sure my wife would allow me since its just once in a while XD.




I got up at around 3:30am covered with excitement as I would be joining a group in an out of town shoot after a long while since my wife got pregnant. I left home at 5:00am and took a cab since there were no buses available that were bound to Ortigas (and there goes my 120 pesos XD). In 15-20 minutes, I got there and I wasn't even surprised that there were those who came earlier than me XD.

By 6:00am our group left the studio as advised by Sir Jo as we will be meeting at Petron in SLEX for a quick breakfast and some more reminders. Going to Perton SLEX was like a walk in the park as we didn't encounter any traffic (being a Sunday XD). We were only 2 in the car with the other two backed-out at the last minute probably.




We got to Casa San Pablo after 3 hours of traveling to the south. It made me reminisce the good old times that I used to go home to Batangas whenever we visit our relatives there. I haven't been there for the past year or two. Then Sir Jo gave a short lecture on Ambient Lighting and Strobist Photography by showing his photos and he explained how he lighted each of them. I was really amazed at his photos since light was not too harsh or too soft. Then he had to us group ourselves so we could go out and take pictures but we had to apply what he taught us earlier.










The owner, Mr Boots Alcantara gave us a tour at his home to check out its interiors and meet his mom as well. There were interesting subjects to shoot at and got some after a few minutes before heading out again to shoot for more




We settled ourselves first at room 18. It's Casa San Pablo's newest rooms to brag and I saw pieces of construction material within the place signaling that the place was under renovation. Anyways, our group started looking for interesting subjects to shoot at. I was able to try strobist photography myself and I think I need more practice here XD.


My only decent strobist shot XD




Aside from trying strobes, I explored the place and took some pictures of them hoping I would be able to capture them perfectly. Shooting in RAW was really challenging as I had to limit my shooting to avoid filling my memory cards to soon.





Lunch was served by 12:00pm as everyone of us got really hungry. I forgot too take some pictures of what I ate since I was really hungry that time but I like the food though. I felt shy to go back for seconds since I don't see anyone of us going back to the buffet table XD.




After lunch, we took a breather before going back to shooting again. This time, I explored the place by my lonesome to check out more. And I was able to see more than what I expected. I just practiced shooting using ambient light and compare it with my other shots.






I wasn't able to change lens whenever the need arises since our room was locked as most of us were outside shooting too and trying to apply what they have learned from Sir Jo.


Taken from Sir Jo's Camera


Then before we wrap-up, we had our meryenda at the pavilion. I was able to get seconds as I enjoyed their turon. Sir Jo gave out some of his printed shots to the group leaders for the day since they facilitated their respective groups. And finally, we had our usual group shot to serve as a remembrance for the trip.








It was really a fun learning experience for me and my fellow photographers as most of us were first timers to visit there. I'll make sure to go back there sometime soon but this time, together with my wife and our baby to relax and enjoy (and shoot again for me XD). Here are some more.









26 comments:

  1. Casa San Pablo is really beautiful and you were able to capture its beauty in your photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Franc. But I have yet to do justice as I only got a few handful of shots, excluding the ones done with strobes.

      Delete
  2. Wow, I hope I will be able to attend activities like this and learn how to take photos perfectly =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you will Ricky. There are a lot of opportunities for taking pictures out there.

      Delete
  3. Lovely place and everything in it.I am from Laguna and with relatives and business in San Pablo, I will surely visit this place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please do Ms Tess. I might revisit Casa San Pablo sometime soon. ^_^

      Delete
  4. Wow, a photography adventure with Jo Avila... Hope to attend one too in the future...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. Usually he does this together with his photography students (me included).

      Delete
  5. those displays looks very creepy haha but the house and everything sounds wonderful! the group shot is awesome! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, some are even myself got a bit surprised. I hope I could get back there soon. ^_^

      Delete
  6. I love seeing those man made crafts. Love the child sleeping on a bench. Looks real.

    ReplyDelete
  7. love the chair. woot is it made of wood? wooahh.. where could I buy one..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure which chair but most are made with wood. I'm not sure if its for sale though.

      Delete
  8. I've been to this place, but I wasn't able to capture it as inventively as you did with your photos! You really did the place justice. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks AJ. But I need more practice to get the best shots I wanted. ^_^

      Delete
  9. I like the chair with a sleeping child... I want one for our home! :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I felt it's a bit creepy namn, lily. hehehe! Though, amazed ako sa craftsmanship and imagination ng creator.

      Delete
  10. Really great photos. I am just curious on why the activity was called Prison Riot though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, its a long story as Sir Jo was the one who coined the term. Its a gathering of his past and present students of basic (and advanced) photography under his tutelage. The location varies but the fun, learning and camaraderie is always there.

      Delete
  11. what a way to learn photography ... how i wish to get some points to ponder when it comes to lens... opps i dont have yet that DSLR thing ...good job on your end :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries Dennis. even with a point and shoot, you could get nice shots with it with practice. ^_^

      Delete
  12. I miss Casa San Pablo. How is Tita Vinya? You should have gone to their chapel..it is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

Uhm.... Please do leave a comment for suggestions and improvements.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...