Sunday, August 24, 2008

Mga Kabayan, Meet Don Evan S. Parrilla aka flickr:donpar, our 28th "Photographer of the Week!"

"Branching Out"

Branching Out 1

Like a well-lit piece of diamond featured on the front window of a jewelry store that catches one's eyes, this leaf reflected its vibrance to passersby near my place of work. Having my eyes on it for over a week, and with my camera in hand, there was no reason why I had to let it pass. On that day, the cool autumn bluish skies mixed with the slightly warm backlit lighting and brought out a sparkling contrast. The colors of Fall fascinate me.

Camera properties:

Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Exposure: 1/800 sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 60mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

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donpar.mugshot


Don Evan S. Parrilla aka flickr:donpar

I'm a hobbyist currently living in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, my haven for creativity, a place with a plethora of photo opportunities for nature lovers. My early years were spent in the small Visayan island of Leyte, two hours away from Cebu island, Philippines by watercraft. I'm "bisdak" in every way. Currently, my career is learning and collaborating with researchers for a cancer research company. Photography is my creative outlet.

My photography started during a trip to the Philippines a while back, when I visited my aunt in Singapore along the way. Those who have visited downtown Singapore probably know that you are mostly greeted by electronics stores and beauty salons everywhere. I always wanted a camera growing up but couldn't afford one. It wasn't in my budget during the trip but something inside of me told me to go for it. So, I purchased my first "real" camera: the Canon Rebel XT (350D), even though I didn't know how to use one. I had enough money left just to keep me through the trip. I was almost broke, but I was the happiest traveler out there just to have my own camera in hand. This was how my photography began, and the results weren't pleasant: I came home after the trip all excited to see my images…90% of the images were underexposed or blurry. My newly prized treasure was set aside and left to collect dust after that .

A year later, my former high school classmates from Visca: Andreu and Tabz, who are also photo enthusiasts, introduced me to flickr - kudos to them. Ever since then, I have grown a lot, photography-wise, but still have a long way to go. The creativity and endless possibilities in photography ignited my passion deep within. It's quite an experience to constantly learn and get inspiration from others…. there's no looking back. I've had no regrets in purchasing my first camera.

A few flickr enthusiasts from my small hometown that also show great work are: Andreu, Tabz, Kudaker, Jeridaking, Bofel, Zenbay, Julius, shearwall, jair. They share group shoots and ideas at the Ormoc Photographic Society. Check it out!


I currently own a Canon 5D with the 24-70mm as my walk-around lens. For my landscapes, I use my 17-40mm lens set steady on a Manfrotto grip action ball head with the Induro tripod tandem.


Inspiration can be found everywhere, through nature, life, established artists and other aspects of visual arts. A few successful names whose works I have come across that have inspired me to become a better photographer, to be more creative and have more fun are: Art Wolfe, Chase Jarvis, legendary Ansel Adams, Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, landscape photographers David Ward and David Norton.


Currently, Landscapes and Portraits have caught my interest in photography. But, I enjoy shooting a wide spectrum and a diverse/variety of images like sports, floral, nature, etc. I'm a photography lover. I love watching images that are presented beautifully, no matter the type.


Moving forward, I would love to study more on Portraits and Landscapes, and incorporate both styles. I'm also interested in selling my images in the future and use the money to start and fund a non-for profit organization to help children in poverty get basic education in Southeast Asia. I don't know how but it's a starting thought.

Three images I find amusing:

1. BIRDS NEST – Coastal Photography

I. B I R D 'S . N E S T .I

The elements were brought together: The land, water and sky. An eagle-formed cloud illuminated the skies as the sun set towards the horizon – a bonus. I didn't notice it until I had a chance to view the images a few days later. A lucky chance capture.

2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – Animal Photography

Unconditional Love: A Mother's Love

The composition and lighting on these horses I like very much. For me, the image tells a story of love…Unconditional Love – Like a mother to her son/daughter.

3. NIGHT LIGHTS – Night Photography

I. N I G H T . L I G H T S .I

I had to endure the chilly and breezy winter weather to get this shot, moving around the area to get the right angle and perspective. Waiting for the sun to finally set and leaving a great bluish hue in the sky. I left the place with cold hands and feet but with a warm heart.

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