Archives for June 2016

[Video] How I Photographed My Own Wedding

Hey streettogs, for those of you who like videos– I just put together a new one sharing my personal experiences photographing my own wedding. You can read the original blog post here: What I Learned Photographing My Own Wedding

Streettogs Academy No. 19 “WIND” Results and Analysis

We can not control the winds but we can always adjust our sails. Lets see who made the best out of our 19th Assignment!

The Benefits of Doing Nothing

Dear friend,

I wanted to write you this letter about some thoughts I have on “doing nothing”; not feeling like we always need to be “productive”, that we don’t always need to be producing, and how calmness, peace, and tranquility might be the key to what we’re searching for in life.

Dear Photography, I love you by A.g. De Mesa

6 months ago, right around the time of my birthday, I actually got a very interesting message from Eric:

“You should write something about yourself so that our readers can know the real you.”

For those of you who don’t know, I’m A.g.. I’m his content manager here at the blog and I’m also in charge of Streettogs Academy working out of Manila, Philippines. Aside from my task as admin of Streettogs Academy, I usually get assignments from him to interview photographers, fix a blog post or two, and do a feature or other things. He hasn’t really made a formal introduction of me for the past 2 years that I do things with him here on the blog but better late than never I guess!

I was stumped for weeks as to how I am going to make this write-up. I don’t want to sound like a pretentious arrogant and I don’t want to give a biography. So instead, I will answer with why I love photography. I believe that what you love shows you what you stand for and why you do the things you do. Without further ado, here’s my love letter to photography:

What I Learned Photographing My Own Wedding

Dear friends, family, and loved ones: on June 11, 2016 I just married the love of my life, Cindy. It was (one of) my favorite days with her, and also one of the most stressful days to prepare for. It was a celebration of love, friendship, and shared experiences.

Needless to say, being one of my most personally meaningful days, I wanted to document the process (up to the wedding), the wedding day itself, and the aftermath of the wedding.

What I Learned From My Photo Project (Standstill) by Mehran Khalili

Editor’s Note: Mehran Khalili is a British-Iranian photographer that works in political communications by day and shoots photos by night (and sometimes the other way around). He recently published a photo project on Greece, ‘Standstill’, which looks at the country’s economic shock in over six years of crisis. It has been featured on LensCulture, Vice, Dodho and other platforms as well. Here he shares his thoughts for photographers on what he learned from making and publishing the project:

24 Hours of Street Photography in Seoul

Hit the streets with my buddy Josh White (@jt_inseoul) in this film about the 24 Hour Project with photographers (Pierre Ricadat (@ghostdogpr), and Michael Fincham (@thelastfin). It is beautifully directed by Dong Kim of AFTER STORY FILM, shows what it is like to roam the streets of Seoul, and has incredibly soulful music to get you in the mood.

The mission statement of the 24 Hour Project is to “document the human condition of multiple cities” during a single day, founded by Renzo Grande (@aliveinnyc) and Sam Smotherman (@whittiersam).

Why Envy Any Other Photographer?

One of the most toxic feelings that a photographer (or human being) is to feel envy. Apparently envy is a trait that is deeply embedded in us, even as babies.

But why is it that we feel envy, what are we envious about, and what can we do about it?

My Last Workshops in America Before I Leave to Vietnam

Dear streettogs,

I know I already advertised some past workshops as my “last workshops” in the states before leaving to Vietnam, but this time is “for real.”

If you’re looking to invest in an unforgettable adventure and experience, join me at one (or both) of my workshops below:

July 30-31st, 2016:

LA “Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography” Workshop >>

August 6-7th, 2016:

LA “Discover Your Unique Voice” Street Photography Workshop >>

You can also see all of my upcoming street photography workshops >>.

How to Live like a Nomad Photographer

A nomad mindset means that you are mentally and physically light. You don’t hold onto past possessions. You live in the moment, and you are flexible.

Student Photos: SF Street Portrait Workshop 2016

A few weeks ago, I taught a SF Street Portrait workshop in the downtown financial district. It was an intensive 1-day workshop, where the students hustled hard to (quickly) conquer their fears of shooting street photography, as well as learn how to better interact with strangers.