First Thing First : What Is Photography?

We'd like to begin our Insight series by going to the very basic : the meaning of photography. Before going into intermediate and advanced tips, let us first have a clear understanding of what we're getting into. Photography, in the simplest term, is creating images with the use of a camera. You've probably come across a hundred - maybe even a thousand - different definitions of photography. But ask yourself : what is photography for you? How do you see it? How do you define it? Your journey through the wonderful world of photography may most likely be influenced by its meaning to you.

We asked some Focus Bulacan members on how they define photography. These are personal meanings that were shaped by years of learning, shooting, and appreciating photographs.

Rochelle Acosta : "Photography artistically captures and uniquely preserves the timeless beauty of a subject."

Nympha Pagtalunan : "Photography can freeze time, capture each precious moment. It is a visual interpretation of ideas within ourselves, processed by the technology called a camera."

Lheo Halili : "Photography is a way of expressing myself."

Erika Santos : "Photography for me is to inspire and touch the hearts of people by capturing the moment."

Ejay Caluag : "Photography for me is an art of showing how great this world is."

Red Bautista : "Photography is an art form. It must have feelings, story and texture. Without these elements, it's not photography, it's just taking pictures."

Joel Domingo : "Photography helps me see what others can't."


We also asked Focus Bulacan Facebook page followers about their definition of photography. Here are our most favorite answers :

Rhen Reyes : "Photography is appreciating everything around us. Sharing the beauty of life that we see everyday, giving life and color to simple things that some people don't give attention to, and for me the number one importance of photography is not just taking pictures. It's preserving memories. Memories we will cherish forever and share with the next generation."

Mon-mon Lipio : "Photography is like story-telling using art of light. It's a reflection of life, preservation of time for us to inspire and express what we feel and see."

Arlyn Miranda : "Photography is not just an act of taking pictures. It is also a kind of art , expressing our feelings, ideas and point of view. Although I'm not that good in taking pictures, I know in my heart that I really love photography. Everytime I take images, I feel happy and contented. Photography is also my life, I take negatives to develop. In life, you may experience either happiness or sadness. But in the end, you will learn something. God is always there. One thing, photography is my happiness."

Khevz Badilla : "Photography is an art of capturing God-made emotions through the use of man-made apparatus."

Andrew Punongbayan : "Photography is showing everybody else how you see the world."

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There's an infinite amount of definitions. Photography is subjective. The true meaning of photography lies in the eyes and mind of those who are viewing a photograph, those who are in the photograph, and those who are taking the photograph. No matter which side you're at, you are free to choose your own definition.

We hope these definitions inspired you, even for just a bit. Just enough to spark your curiosity and take a second approach at how you view photography.