Yesterday, I had to excuse myself from work as this opportunity comes once in a while as sir Jo Avila invited his former students (including me) and VA's (Volunteer Assistants) to the Annual VA Party to be held at La Huerta Estates in Antipolo City.
I got to his studio at around 7:45am as we had to wait for others before we go there. Avatar was showing on his LCD screen as I got to meet new set of friends from other batches. I recall that we left his studio at exactly 9:00am. Traffic was moderate going there as I recall the last time I went eastward was during our company's annual team building last 2010.
When we got there at La Huerta, put our bags down and queue-up for the registration. Being a student (former) of Sir Jo Avila, one of the perks is you get to be invited to his gathering as he shares not only his knowledge in Photography but some goodies as well. I got a back issue of Digital Photographer Philippines (Early Issues), a canon lens mug and cap and other goodies I still need to recall.
A few minutes later, we were asked to take pictures while waiting for our lunch. Lunch was potluck so we really had ourselves full. I wasn't able to bring anything as most of Sir Jo's students have already brought the food I wanted to bring with me XD. After lunch, we gathered around for the raffle contest and print exchange contest. Since I didn't have any print with me, I wasn't able to join the major raffle which Sir Jo gave out 2 external HDs (500GB and 1TB), a basic landscape photography seminar from Chasing Light and 3 Benro Tripods that I could only recall. There was also a minor raffle which I won a pair of shades.
After all the prizes have been given away, Its time for thew model shoot. I've only participated in very few of these but I make sure the one's I'll be joining would be worth the shoot. There were three models for us to shoot and we were given 30 minutes to shoot each model. That would be a good test for my 50mm f/1.8 lens as it would be my first time again to shoot an outdoor portrait since 2009. We were able to shoot 2 out of the 3 models as the sun was fast setting down.
Before I left La Huerta, we had our early dinner courtesy of Goldilocks. Though I still feel a bit full, I made sure to eat as much as I could as I need the energy for last night. They were already in a drinking mood when I informed Sir Jo that unfortunately, I have to report for work for the night. That day was pretty much fun as I got to do a lot of first for the annual Student/VA Party.
After all the prizes have been given away, Its time for thew model shoot. I've only participated in very few of these but I make sure the one's I'll be joining would be worth the shoot. There were three models for us to shoot and we were given 30 minutes to shoot each model. That would be a good test for my 50mm f/1.8 lens as it would be my first time again to shoot an outdoor portrait since 2009. We were able to shoot 2 out of the 3 models as the sun was fast setting down.
Before I left La Huerta, we had our early dinner courtesy of Goldilocks. Though I still feel a bit full, I made sure to eat as much as I could as I need the energy for last night. They were already in a drinking mood when I informed Sir Jo that unfortunately, I have to report for work for the night. That day was pretty much fun as I got to do a lot of first for the annual Student/VA Party.
Attended a wedding in La Huerta. The place is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLa Huerta looks very Hispanic. It's like you're in a Hacienda in Acapulco!
ReplyDeleteYou have great shots there. I am just wondering looking at the photo of the second model you have there, it seems she had problem with here pose. I think she's uncomfortable the way she pose like that. ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice place and nice event, this is a good opportunity sana kaya lang I'm not working in manila...
ReplyDeleteYou're so fortunate to have been handpicked for this rare opportunity. Glad that you were able to make the most out of it despite having to go back to work that night. :) Nonetheless, your photos are great! :)
ReplyDeleteLucky you, this opportunity does not come to everybody. I am sure you took advantage of the opportunity to learn, apply what you learned and having fun as well =)
ReplyDeleteLa Huerta. I've been hearing a lot of good reviews about this place. Good thing that you never declined an opportunity as rare as this one :)
ReplyDeleteWow La Huerta! Heard it's a fab place! Woot!
ReplyDeleteCool place and nice event. Lucky for you that you didn't let this opportunity pass you.
ReplyDeletei can already picture out how La Huerta looks like through your shots, good job!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! Mas gusto ko un mga macro shots. I love clear vivid images tapos blurred ng konti un background.
ReplyDeleteGood event from Master Jo Avila. Iba na talaga ang Canon ambassador daming freebies.
ReplyDeleteoh nice!
ReplyDeleteI wish I can be his student too.
No one has taught me photography.
Its would be nice to have a direction with it.
this is nice! good for you to drop everything to attend to this.
Being invited to this kind of event is a rare opportunity that one should take advantage of. Not only you will learn new things but meet new acquaintances. I super like the photo of a little angel holding something like an egg.
ReplyDeleteamazing shots! xx
ReplyDeleteis this your new career path, Mark? heheheh...keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete