My Photo Got Published

Even as a hobbyist, it is quite a privilege to get your work published.  I recently joined a photo trek to Bali, Indonesia with a group of semi-professional and hobby photographers.  The photo trek was a combination of photography and travel, both of which I love doing. So, when I learned about these types of trips from a friend, I got really interested and finally got to try it.  This is actually my second photo trek, the first was to Batanes.  You can read more about my trip from the links at the end of this post.

So back to Phototrek Bali.  Just like every trip I take, I learn something new.  And this time, in the world of photography, I learned more about taking portraits.  This type of photography has never really been my area of interest; however, I find it really enjoyable when I tried it during the photo trek.  First of all, the Bali local folks have been a big part of it.  Unlike some locals from other places, Bali locals are very friendly and very willing to be photographed. And what's even better is that they always project this natural look and pose.  And during photo treks like this, an opportunity to capture a candid shot is often the goal.

Aside from that, what I found really interesting is the potential to integrate the environment (or something that gives you a hint of the place you're visiting) which is usually what we target in travel photography; thus, creating this wonderful opportunity for great environmental portraits.

I think I've changed my mind about portrait photography :-)  Portrait photography by itself is a big area.  But if I can focus on this specific area which involves travel, I think I would be inclined to take more of these shots in the future.

Anyway, as part of this, one of my favorite shots got published as part of an article written by our photo trek lead, in an airline magazine for Cebu Pacific, called Smile Magazine.  Here it is:

And here's the digital version of the magazine article: Balinese Postcards, May 2013 issue of Smile Magazine, pages 88-103.


Other links:

Backpack Photography Batanes 3-Island Hop
Batan, Batanes: Part 1 of 3
Batan, Batanes: Part 2 of 3
Batan, Batanes: Part 3 of 3
Sabtang Brought Me Back In Time
Itbayat, Batanes: Adventure at Sea
Itbayat, Batanes: Homestay and Beautiful Landscapes