Gemmz Robles : Drive to Strive

What started as exposure into the world of multimedia in college has turned into a rewarding profession. He has worked as Studio Technician in his alma mater Bulacan State University and as cameraman in TV shows such as "Agribusiness" on Studio 23 and "Drive" on  CNN Philippines. Nowadays, you will find him minding his own business (literally) : a rice trading store in his adopted town of Pandi. But he's still on call as a freelance videographer and photographer, willing to work events and corporate gigs especially those that require him to travel out of town.

Driven to succeed both as an entrepreneur and a creative. Guillermo "Gemmz" Robles, Jr. is our featured Focus photographer of the month.

Do you still remember your first camera experience?
G : My first camera was a Nikon Coolpix S2500, gift sa akin ng cousin ko since she knew that I love photography and I always shoot our family occasions. Kapag may travel and events sa school lagi ko siyang dinadala to try and shoot na din ng different styles and subjects.

What made you realize that you wanted to pursue photography and videography?
G : Influence ng Multimedia Division organization namin when I was in college. That time kasi madami kaming trainings and seminars sa org about photography, videography, editing, and film. Madami din learnings and experiences. I'm very thankful to my mentor, Danilo Gatchalian, dahil siya ang nagturo and nag-push sa akin to continue my career as a videographer. Then noong time na nagwo-work na ako as photographer and videographer sa Manila, ang saya kasi that time ang daming travel shoots. First time ko din nakapunta ng Visayas and Mindanao. Nakakapasyal na ako for free then kumikita pa ako.

What were the usual struggles when you were starting out?
G : Noong time na wala pa akong sariling camera puro hiram lang ako that time kasi wala pa akong pambili ng DSLR. Kaya talagang nag-ipon ako para makabili ng sariling DSLR ko, Canon 60D with 18-135mm lens. Six years din kami nagsama ni "Baby G", name ng 60D ko. Now I'm using Sony a6500.

What do you like most in being a professional cameraman?
G : Masaya ako 'pag satisfied ang mga clients ko and mga directors ko sa output ng shoot ko. Then I really love travel shoots lalo na sa mga places na first time ko mapuntahan.

What's your most memorable photography experience?
G : Educational tour of MassCom at Ilocos, there's a lot of beautiful places in Ilocos. Masarap na food and very kind people.

How do you see yourself and your career ten years from now?
G: Ngayon I enjoy being a freelancer, but hopefully ten years from now matupad ang dream ko na maging professional cinematographer and film director.

Do you have an ultimate favorite photo?
G : My photo at Biak-na-Bato, one of the bridges doon. That time humiwalay ako sa group namin and naghanap ako ng ibang spot to take different shots then nakita ko 'yung bridge. Ang ganda at walang tao kaya I took the opportunity to take that shot. (Photo shown below.)

Which places do you want to go to, as part of your bucket list?
G: Dito sa Pinas, Batanes syempre. Lahat siguro ng photograper dream place ang Batanes because of its breathtaking views. Then kung abroad, sa Singapore and Japan.

What's the most fun photography moment you remember?
G : Every Scott Kelby Photowalk masaya kasi ang daming photographers na makikilala at makakasama from different parts of Bulacan. Masaya din mapuntahan 'yung iba't-ibang bayan sa Bulacan na madaming natatagong magagandang lugar at puno ng kasaysayan.

How is it like working with James Deakin?
G : Sobrang bait and very professional. Actually walang script si Sir James sa show namin na "Drive". Grabe 'yung passion niya sa car industry and sa environment. I really love working with Sir James.

What advice would you tell aspiring photographers?
G : For me sobrang importante ng basics in photography, especially the Exposure Triangle. 'Pag naaral mo 'yan pwede ka na mag-explore and experiment ng gusto mong shots. Then mag-focus ka sa gusto mong genre o forte. Then just keep on shooting!
 
How would you describe your photographic style or approach?
G : I love shooting landscapes and events. Lalo sa mga travel shoots. Basta masarap sa mata gusto kong ma-capture siya to keep as memories.

What would be your dream project?
G : My own directed film.

Your message to Focus Bulacan followers and fellow members.
G : I'm really happy being part of the Focus Bulacan family. Sobrang dami kong natutunan and still learning more and more. Madami ring new friends and unforgettable experiences. Thank you Focus family and thank you Sir Jer Sandel for being my inspiration in photography. I always wait for your next amazing photos in social media. I know grabe 'yung passion n'yo sa photography and I'm really a big fan of yours. Ganun din sa mga ka-Focus ko. And to all Focus followers, if you love photography, join us. Let's shoot, learn, and have fun together in Focus Bulacan. God bless you all!

Some people say happiness comes after contentment. Such is not the case with Gemmz : he's overjoyed as a family man with wife Jane and daughter Mirr Giellane, but he's far from being satisfied in terms of career growth. There's always that next step, that next level that he wants to reach, to make him a better artist and, more importantly, a better person.

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