Of Appreciation, Inspiration and Recognition: A Shutterbug’s Take on Photoblogging
Drift. Snap. Share. Inspire.
Through the webpages of Vivomigsgee blog rooted in the manifesto on exceptional flair for nature, lifestyle and creativity, I aspire to drift to new adventures, snap to preserve visual memories, share through social media and inspire others to explore the wonders of Cebu and beyond. Staying true to being a wanderlust shutterbug, here’s a visual story of my photoblogging journey.
Appreciation: Three Consecutive Years of Best Cebu Photoblog Finalist
Photography is more than just capturing the moments of every adventure, it is also a way of seeing and flirting with the real world that is so much bigger than ourselves. But in a fast-paced digital age where anyone can be a photographer, utilizing blogs as a medium to share and inspire others makes the difference – truly a humbling gift. And yes, my blog www.vivomigsgee.com is shortlisted once again as one of the finalists for the 11th Best Cebu Blog Awards under the Photo Blog category. I was really surprised because I really didn’t expect to be a finalist, much less a nominee, this time – but what do you know?
Despite being a newbie (2 years in the blogosphere), I became a finalist in both Best Cebu Blog Awards 2016 and 2017 under the same niche – Photo Blog and won OPPO Founder’s Choice Award 2017 (thanks for the brand new OPPO F3!). From the phenomenal “Game of Thrones” and sensational “Survivor” inspired pre-event article that I previously published for 2016 and 2017 respectively, I’d like to refocus on something that’s close to my heart – on visual storytelling – by highlighting my personal take on being one of Cebu’s best photo bloggers this year.
It’s not really about the title to begin with. To be part of #CebuTopBloggers is already an achievement for me and it is something I’ll be forever proud of. All bloggers are unique in so many ways (i.e., style of writing, creative content, etc.) and each one possesses individual strength that adds value to the blogging community, and that’s definitely note-worthy of appreciation.
Bagging a title is one thing, inspiring others to flare up their up their inner shutterbug (one click at a time) is another thing. As for me, I may not won the coveted title of Best Cebu Photo Blogger for two consecutive years, but my heart is full of gratitude for Best Cebu Blog Awards because it has opened a lot of opportunities for me to collaborate and partner with various brands from different industries and that spells victory in my books. With that, I’d like to share my photoblogging story on documenting my travels thru various devices (my travel essentials), hoping to relive my adventures on a new visual perspective.
Inspiration: My Travel Essentials
There are a handful of things that travel along with me – backpack, wallet, and of course, camera. Nowadays, cameras come in different forms. Since not all photography is the same, it’s best to know what works for you in a given situation.
As an outdoorsy person, I love to snap photos of nature in landscape mode using DSLR/mirrorless camera, adventure shots using action camera and aerial photography during drone. But when it comes to shooting everyday encounters may it be portrait or even a selfie, the type of camera I could easily bring with me is my mobile phone. I must admit that I have a difficulty in utilizing all of them all at once but hey, versatility is key. With this, I’ll feature some of the photos I took in various spots in Cebu and around the Philippines using different kinds of camera in capturing memories of my travels and adventures.
Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional, I hope you’ll be inspired in grabbing that specific type of camera that best works for you – something that will fit your lifestyle and photography needs.
Smartphone
A lot of avid shutterbugs are increasingly paying close attention to phoneography (phone + photography) nowadays. For starters, having a mobile phone with a camera is love at first sight. I mean, who wouldn’t? Some say smartphones are the best and reliable camera because it always come in handy. Plus, mobile photography does not require much versus the conventional photography.
Since selfies are popular nowadays, accessory like selfie stick (monopod) is required to position your mobile phones beyond the normal range of the arm and have a wider angle view. Good thing, OPPO’s smartphones sport dual-front cameras with wide-angle lens that can surely take impressive selfies, thus providing best selfie experience to users! Truly the selfie expert!
Compact Camera
Compact digital cameras literally allow anyone to capture beautiful images by simply pointing the camera at the subject and clicking the shutter.
Also known as a point-and-shoot camera, it is the most user-friendly of all camera types. Even animals will be drawn to smile when there are cameras around.
DSLR & Mirrorless Camera
Well, if you are an avid traveler and a professional photographer, it’s good that you have a camera that will capture life’s best moments in high quality. DSLR (or digital single lens reflex) cameras take photos to the next level of image quality.
This more “serious” type of camera is best known for delivering remarkably sharp and spectacular images, with beautiful background bokeh or depth of field.
Action Cam
The increasing popularity of action cams really captured the heart of those intrepid travelers that are always on the go, both indoors and outdoors. And it’s not hard to see why.
Aside from its notable advantage of being handy, it captures impressive wide-angle shots from almost any form of outdoor adventure and environment, may it be diving, waterfalls chasing, ziplining or mountain climbing.
Drone
And there’s the drone. Of course, we all know what it’s for – aerial shots! Drones have turned into flying machines in recent years all over the world for its practical applications in photography and other benefits. And personally, I will jump in the bandwagon to take my shots to the next level.
Aerial photography use of quadcopters has given the world a completely new look. One can capture the fascinating images and shot clips of high-quality in the air without breaking the bank. Up we go!
In conclusion, no one camera fits all. They may come in many different forms and purpose but it doesn’t really matter what camera you use when taking photographs during travel. Be flexible, refocus and keep experimenting ~ add randomness and creativity to your shots and have fun with it ~ because that’s the perfect way to develop your craft. As long as you have the heart to learn and open to opportunities for improvement, then pressing that shutter will take you places!
Recognition: Best Cebu Blog Awards
With the goal to recognize the finest blogs by Cebu-based bloggers, Best Cebu Blog Awards is the only and pioneering award giving body that acknowledges the existence and importance of Cebu Bloggers and Creatives in the Visayas and in the Philippines. It is highlighted by an Awards Night full of recognition and appreciation of the existence of blogs and bloggers and the value they contribute into various platforms of social media and the blogosphere in general.
On December 2, 2018, the 11th Best Cebu Blogs Awards Ceremony will be held in the Best Host of the South, Bai Hotel Cebu as the winners of BCBA2018 under various niches will be revealed ~ Personal, Style, Technology, Photo, Food, Event, Travel and Video.
In addition, BCBA will also award the following special recognition:
- Best Creative Writing In A Blog (sponsored by Memoriter Writing Services)
- Top Cebu Blogger of 2018 (sponsored by Megaworld Corporation)
- Founder’s Choice of 2018 (sponspored by OPPO Philippines) and
- Bai’s Best Blogger (sponsored by Bai Hotel Cebu)
And of course, thanks to all wonderful sponsors of Best Cebu Blogs Awards this year! BCBA extends sincere appreciation to all partners, without whom BCBA2018 would not be possible, to wit:
Co-Presenters
- PLDT – Smart
Official Host Partner
- Bai Hotel Cebu
Silver Sponsors
- Megaworld Corporation
- OPPO Philippines
- Krispy Kreme Philippines
- Bank of the Philippine Islands
Donor Sponsors
- Pancake House
- Red Ribbon Philippines
- Starbucks Philippines
Online Media Partners
- Cebu Bloggers Society
- Cebu Fashion Bloggers
- Cebu Content Creators
- Memoriter Writing Services
Official Photographer
- Alvin Asayas Photography
Official Graphic Artisit
- CHOIXP
Partners
- Cebu Fitness Blog
- FaceCebu.Net
- Geemiz: Accounting Blog
Congratulations to all nominees and I wish us all good luck!
It’s your turn! What camera do you use in your travel? Who do you think will win in various niches of Best Cebu Blog Awards 2018? Share your thoughts by hitting up the comment section below.
