/ CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT /

.. you just don’t care how late you sleep as long as you’re in “the zone”.

But I’m off to bed now, since I still have church tomorrow.

/aF

…my Lord, I don’t wanna be there…

Gary Valenciano sings “Take Me Out Of The Dark” at CCF’s 25th Anniversary.

//aF

This year, I am blessed to be part of CCF Photoministry, and was given the opportunity to shoot during the 25th anniversary at Araneta Coliseum. It was one amazing experience. To God be all the glory!

//aF

Schmap again selected, and included my photograph in their Yosemite National Park online guide. I received a message from their managing director Emma Williams that my photograph has been included. Thank you, Schmap!

We are off to Davao for the rest of the week. Praying for good weather. Looking forward to seeing friends whom I haven’t seen for a long time. Looking forward to more bonding moments with new friends from MBS.

As soon as I get back, it’s back to the corporate life for me again the next day. But hopefully, I can post photos from the trip right away.

Wishing everyone a Blessed week!

Just a small collection of photographs that I presented to CCF Photo Ministry last July 29, 2009.

Photography Portfolio from Ann Francisco on Vimeo.

Last night was a big night for me, as it was finally announced that I have been selected as one of the participants of Digital Photographer Philippines Magazine’s “On Assignment”. This would be the 6th time that DPP would be sending out a team to embark on a great adventure, to share our photos and experiences from the trip. On Assignment 6 is a collaboration between Digital Photographer Philippines, MTV Philippines, and Caltex, the last 2 being the main sponsors for this event. We’ll be leaving for a trip up north this July. The 6th On Assignment team will be led by Derick Gamboa.

Thanks to Jerry Tieng for the photo.

Thanks to many friends from Pipho and DPP for the photos, especially Rhon, Aly, Mic, Mark, Cholo, Parc, Raffy, Richard, Ela, Sir John, My sister Beng, Dare Duo, for the photos and videos used for this pitch.

Interstate 15

Roadtrips are always fun. It does take hours, or even days longer than taking a plane, but when taking a plane, one misses out on the breathtaking views one can find along the way.

Almost a year ago, we drove on Interstate 15 – a roadtrip from Las Vegas back home to San Diego. Its usually a 5-hour drive but it took us about 7 or more, having some stops along the way. We crossed more than 50 miles of the Mojave Desert, which could have been an interesting place to explore, but given the 100-degree weather and not being allowed to stop on freeways, I settled with taking photos from our car.

We left Vegas in the afternoon, so it meant that by sundown, we would still be on the road. I loved the colors of the sky and the silhouette of the mountains, electrical posts and radio towers. They were so simple, yet so beautiful given the perfect time of day.

I turned on my computer just now and was welcomed by a good surprise – A photo of mine has been selected and included in the 7th Edition of Schmapp San Francisco guide, a free online guide for desktops, iPod touch and iPhones.

Here’s a bigger version of the photo

More info here.

Many thanks to Schmap, Managing Editor Emma Williams, and My SF boys – John Z, Niong S, Richie P, and Jonsi S. Especially to John Z.

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Hopefully by next year, I’ll upgrade to a B- or a B. *fingers crossed*

I love sunsets. While it is still a challenge for me to be able to take photographs of them perfectly, I am always in awe every time I have the chance to witness one, and I do try my best to capture them. Another one of my favorites, taken at Donsol, Sorsogon. After a long journey from Camarines Sur, we made it just in time to see the day ending.

//aF

I met up with a friend at around midnight and we had coffee. It was great catching up and all, but I never learn. Coffee + Midnight = Insomnia. Not being able to sleep, I decided to work on the photos from my recent shoot, given that the deadline is coming up. Below are some of the photos that I’ve done so far.

So my problem now, is that they’re starting to get to me. Now I’m hungry, and I swear, I could smell cooked meat. Imagination? perhaps. But there’s nothing I can do now but try to sleep (while hungry) seeing that it’s already 5:30 in the morning and no decent food establishment could offer me something this good. (plus, it’s not really my thing to go out this late, just to eat.)

I feel accomplished, but now, I’m realizing that I may have unconsciously tortured myself. Though I can say that I’m happy with my photos, I’m currently a very very hungry photographer.

(and bringing out the best through a little help from Photoshop…)

August 2008, Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Rain or Shine, we were set to go to the Canyon. Unfortunately, it rained. But it was very interesting to see that amidst the stormy clouds, the sun was still there, peeking. It wasn’t a bad trip after all. Having only 3 ours to explore, and a bit of rain and some dark clouds, we made the most of what time we had, with the weather we had, and I feel blessed that I was still able to capture these photographs inspite of these circumstances.

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It was one summer day last August 08 when we were blessed with a bizarre weather – 80% chance that it would be raining in Arizona. We were blessed with rainclouds which made our tour more interesting. As soon as we got off the bus, it started to rain. But Thank God that the rain stopped and the sun started to peek a bit as we walked along the 3-mile overlook of the Canyon.

Solace was indeed what we found when we visited the Grand Canyon. To describe it as grand would be an understatement. Even in a few hours of visit, we were all left in awe with this wonderful creation.

//aF

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Grand Canyon National Park is one of the United States’ oldest national parks and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the major natural wonders of the world. The park covers 1,902 mi² (4927 km²) of unincorporated area in Coconino County and Mohave County.

The Grand Canyon itself, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for the combination of large size, depth, and the exposed layering of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. It was created through the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted and the Colorado River system developed along its present path.

//wikipedia

This remains to be a favorite of mine, as it reminds me of my humble beginnings more than 2 years ago in this hobby.

Taken in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

There comes a time when you just get tired of all the serious photography sites and forums you usually visit, when you feel burnt out and you feel that you need something light. While I was browsing the web a couple of days ago, I stumbled upon Photojojo.com, a photography website that’s just great for both amateurs and professionals, who can always use some light, yet useful reading about the craft we’re all passionate about. “We find the best photo shiz anywhere” is what they claim, and I have to agree. They have a forum, crafts, news, a newsletter, and a time capsule (more about it in the next few days, I’m still waiting for mine.) Check them out at http://www.photojojo.com

//aF