“Endangered species” refers to a group of organisms that are at risk of becoming extinct due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, poaching, pollution, and other human activities. These species are considered vulnerable and are in danger of disappearing from the Earth forever if immediate conservation efforts are not undertaken.”
These photos evoke memories of a time almost a decade ago, back in July 2014. The context of the protest captured in these images has faded from my memory, but the emotions they stir remain vivid. It was a period of hustle and bustle, as I juggled my roles in both car and motorcycle magazines while launching the motoph.com website. I recall the term “Lagare” vividly, as we seamlessly transitioned from shooting a car to covering the protest using the same vehicle. Armed with nothing but an entry-level Canon DSLR and a kit lens, I lacked expertise in post-production; it was our art director for the magazine who breathed life into my captures through editing.
As I look back on those days, I’m filled with a bittersweet nostalgia. Sadly, I’ve witnessed many of my fellow motoring photographers fade into the background, their passion eclipsed by the harsh realities of our industry. In the Philippines, photographers are often undervalued and struggle to sustain themselves solely through their craft. Some have been forced to seek alternative means of income or retire prematurely, leaving behind a void in the community.
In today’s landscape, the presence of genuine photographers at events has become increasingly scarce, with some resorting to capturing moments on their cellphones. Yet, amidst these challenges, a resilient few, especially those in specialized fields like motoring photography, persevere. Driven by an unwavering passion for storytelling through images, they press on, determined to share their unique perspective with the world.
For me, despite the hurdles and uncertainties, my dedication to photography remains unwavering. While financial rewards may elude me at times, the satisfaction of creating and sharing meaningful images transcends mere compensation. It’s this intrinsic passion that fuels my journey, reminding me that true fulfillment lies in the art itself, regardless of the external rewards it brings.
Featured Photo: The photograph was captured in 2012 at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) event. During that time, all photographers were using DSLR cameras, and there was no occurrence of what we now refer to as “boy panning.” Event videographers inadvertently obstructed our view during crucial moments of the event.
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