Focus Member Feature : CHI LOPEZ

4 first-place finishes (including three straight). 3 runner-ups. The guy is on fire! And because we believe we should strike while the iron is hot, we're having perennial photocontest contender Ralph Derrick “Chi” Lopez for our first-ever Focus member feature. He has more than earned it. To better understand what Chi has done, just take a look at Focus Bulacan’s list of contest winners, better known as its “Page Of Fame” : CLICK HERE


Unfortunately for him, and luckily for other Focus members, the Photographer Of The Year competition only started this 2014. Otherwise, it would have been a runaway victory for Chi. But clearly, others have taken notice of his performance. We had a quick interview with Chi to ask him some questions regarding his success in Focus Bulacan’s contests. It also served as a perfect opportunity to know more about him, plus a chance to force him to agree to a short photoshoot. “Ganito pala ang feeling, ‘di kasi ako sanay na ako ‘yung model."

Drummer for rock band Ice Cream Project turned contest-winning photographer. Chi Lopez takes the spotlight.

Q : How does it feel to be the first-ever featured Focus member?
Chi : Una sa lahat, salamat, mga ka-Focus. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ako nandito, haha. Ayun. Masarap maging first featured Focus member. Syempre, una ka. Basta masarap, parang ice cream.

Q : What's your secret, bakit ka laging nananalo sa contests? Or tips na pwede mong i-share?
C : Wala naman akong secret. Meron man eh hindi ko sasabihin, secret nga e, haha. Siguro inspired lang talaga, hahaha. Saka alam ko ang taste ng mga taga-Focus, haha. Sinusunod ko lang naman 'yung theme. Una syempre iniisip  ko muna kung anong shot gagawin ko tapos 'pag 'di ako na-kuntento, kumukuha ako ng idea sa internet. Lahat naman siguro ginagawa 'yon.  Kapag may nagustuhan ako, mas pinapaganda ko pa. Kailangan mag-effort,  'wag 'yung basta may maipasa lang. Competitive ka dapat at 'yung shot mo. Masarap manalo at masarap mag-tally, hahaha!

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