Relentless Red Bautista

He's one of the most visible shooters in Bulacan. Model shoots or events, name it, and most probably he's there. Hard-working, charming, easy to work with, doesn't stop until he gets the shot he wants. Relentless. And even now that he has relocated to the Middle East for a higher-paying job, he hasn't stopped shooting and making more photography friends. Like we said... relentless.

Our featured member for this month is Red Bautista.

Q : Kapag sinabing Red Bautista, unang pumapasok sa isip namin model shoots. Is that a fair description of your photography?
Red : Fair enough. Doon kasi ako unang na-expose, doon ako natuto sa setting adjustments. It's what I do and I love it more than any genre of photography.

Q : What is it about photographing models that made you fall in love with it?
R : Sino ba naman ang ayaw mapaligiran ng magagandang nilalang, 'di ba??! Hahaha! Sa model shoot kasi maraming tao, interaction, kulitan, alive ang surrounding, masaya.

Q : What do you think makes you different in terms of shooting models?
R : In every shoot I try to get a stunning subject or model that will surely stand out and mark on the mind of people. Siguro napapa-labas ko sa model 'yung emotions na kailangan sa theme. I try to be professional so they also act as professional models to produce nice photos.

Q : During model shoots, we notice you demonstrate specific poses for models. Sometimes it looks like you’re better than some of them. Haha. Is that a natural thing for you?
R : Hahahaha!!! Thanks. That's one of my frustrations, being a model, kinapos lang sa height! Hahahaha!!! You know what, in my room, I really pose in front of the mirror, finding a good angle of myself, trying different poses, crazy things like that. The secret is you must be comfortable with your pose, you have to feel it. 'Pag hindi ka hirap sa pose mo, lagyan mo ng konting angas, sigurado, maganda ang photos.

Q : What do you think is the most important aspect in model photography?
R : The most important aspect in model photography is the model itself. That's your subject, that is the first thing that the people would see. Second is the clothes, third is the location. Then you have to light it.


Q : What’s your most favorite model shoot?
R : One of my favorite was with Jessica Egami. She was young then but very professional, walang arte sa katawan. Also the shoots I did with Jhade Maranan and Joan Sanchez, very nice working with them.


Q : How do you keep “professional” with your models, in terms of knowing your limits and boundaries?
R : I never touch my models. I show them the pose and they do it, even if the model is a close friend of mine.

Q : If you had the chance to shoot 3 celebrities or models, who would they be?
R : Sa Bulacan, Ivy Barceliano,,Pauline Balagtas, Church de Jesus. Sa celebrities, siyempre sila Marian Rivera, Julia Barretto, Liza Soberano.

Q : What do you think you need to improve on, in terms of your photography in general?
R : Wide angle shots,color grading(editing),story telling.

Q : Are there other genres or types of photography you’d like to try or excel in?
R : Wedding photography, street, landscape, food.

Q : How did you start with photography, in the first place? Tell us your story.
R : I started photography out of boredom. During my day-offs and holidays from work, I really didn't have anything to do, my back would ache due to sleeping and watching TV the whole day. I said to myself, I need to do something. Then I saw a photobook and I was surprised to see my church friends in there, and they have such beautiful photos. They inspired me. From then on, I wanted to be like them, not really a photographer but I want to take beautiful photos.

Red's Favorites (click thumbnails to view photos in full)

Q : What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment in photography, so far?
R : I am not really into winning some contest or do so many things to say that I accomplished this or that. I'm doing photography because I love it and I'm happy with it and not expecting in return. But being seen on TV  for Focus Bulacan's feature in AHA and Saksi really felt good, haha! And being the first-ever Focus Bulacan photo contest winner? Not bad!!! 'Pag di ako nanalo sa monthly contests natin, lagi kong binabalikan 'yun, pampalakas ng loob! Hahaha!!!

Q : What advice can you give for those who would like to get into photography, in general and model photography in particular?
R : Get into photography because you love it, not because it's "in", not because it's cool, not because you have the money. You have to learn it, know it, respect it. In model photography, get a beautiful model. 'Wag kang mag-edit kung wala ka sa mood, 'wag mong i-post kung 'di ka satisfied sa gawa mo, or else una pa lang sira na pangalan mo. Don't over-edit, kailangan may hagod ng pagmamahal 'pag nag-edit ka. Take a look at your edited photos the next day, because long time staring at your monitor makes you colorblind sometimes.

Q : A message for Focus Bulacan members and followers...
R : To Focus Bulacan, just keep on shooting, exploring, think outside the box, and keep on being nice to others. Pilitin natin maka-attend sa bawat PhotoMeet. Let's make Focus Bulacan proud. Mahalin natin, atin 'to.

Q : Last question, what do you miss most about Focus Bulacan now that you're based overseas?
R : Siyempre 'yung mga kulitan, samahan, kainan, exchanging of ideas. It's our second family na rin 'di ba. 'Pag my activity nga na wala ako, sabi ko sayang 'di ako nakasama. I miss you all guys! See you when I get back!!!

One of the friendliest yet unassuming photographers you will get to meet, Red Bautista embodies the right things about photography : passion for the craft, the willingness to learn, and respect for people you work with. Focus Bulacan is proud to have a member like him, as much as he's proud to be one of us.