Carl Valenzuela is my best friend's husband. He loves photography and I am a fan of his shots! I always give good comments on his photos on his Facebook wall. He never fails to capture the emotions of his subjects. He is truly a good photographer. I always say that to Heidi, his wife and my best friend. She says, "Alam mo ba, may grupo sila? The Galing Photographers. Nagsasama-sama silang mga photographers, lagi silang may photo shoot."
Wow! Great! But what is "The Galing Photographers"? I became curious. When Carl went home from Hong Kong to visit her family here in the Philippines in line with his daughter's seventh birthday, I did not hesitate to give him a call and asked for an interview.
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The Galing Photographers was established in 2010 that started with photo comments, "Awesome!", "Great!", "Ang galing mo, 'pre!" whenever friends with passion in photography upload and post their own photos on their Facebook walls. Michael Seow, a good friend of Carl, suggested to make a group for people with same passion. Carl together with two Indonesians, one Hongkong Citizen, one Filipino from USA, and one Australian decided to start the group. They opened a Facebook Page with the sole purpose of connecting with people who love photography and accepted friend requests from all walks of life all over the world. For six months, their members grew from sixty four to hundreds.
Unfortunately, the Carl's co-founders became very busy with their work and the task of leading the group went to Carl alone. Free posting of photos on their page went on for eight to nine months for members to critique. Then sharing of information about photography began to make the page more interesting and educational to all its members.
One day, a member suggested that the group should have a weekly theme of what photos to post. The most interesting and nice photo would be the TGP Photo of the Week. More members participated and the page became more and more engaging and fun!
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| Courtesy: Rose Bee |
As they moved forward, the group became very, very successful. The responses of members were overwhelming that pushed the group to become global. TGP Manila, TGP Korea, TGP Hongkong, TGP Brunei, TGP USA, TGP Taiwan were launched. More admins were added --Rose Bee, Kiko Conti, Vincent Cortez, and Sandy Palacpac Jr. Regular virtual meetings were held exclusive for TGP admins only. They would do extensive planning and execution of events or group photo shoots. They would also help solve internal problems within the group.
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| Courtesy: Nobita Shizuka |
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| Courtesy: Christian L. Sangoyo |
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| Courtesy: Lan Bella |
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| Courtesy: Mari Lyn |
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| Courtesy: Regil Erispe |
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| Courtesy: Sonny Ravana |
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| Courtesy: Regil Erispe |
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| Courtesy: Micheal Yap |
People all over the world who are interested in photography are very much welcome to join the group. There is no membership fee. There are no specific requirements as long as the person has a camera, referred by a legitimate member of TGP, and he or she is willing to share and learn.
Before, they added strangers in the group but they had a bad experience on one of their photo shoots. Those previous members just joined because of bad intentions---They stole photos and rules, got ideas, even committed crimes like stealing cameras and personal properties of photographers and models.The admins would not want it to happen again. The exclusivity of adding members made it safer for all TGP members and models.
Aside from online activities, they also get involved in other social issues and events. The photos below were taken during SONA (State of the Nation Address by President Nonynoy Aquino) on July 23, 2012.They also stood on what they believed in that authorities should not hinder photographers on having free photo shoots on public places, like Rizal Park/ Luneta.
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| Courtesy: Joy Madridejos |
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| Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones |
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| Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones |
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| Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones |
To see one another in person and to strengthen their camaraderie, TGP had its grand eyeball in Pansol, Laguna, Philippines last August 4-5, 2012. It was a huge success! TGP Coordinator in the Philippines, Bob Ferrer, organized a photowalk. All members would go to different places where they would do photo shoots as a group. .
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| Courtesy: Rose Bee |
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| Courtesy: Connie Talactac |
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| Courtesy: Kiko Conti |
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| Courtesy: Rose Bee |
During the recent disaster caused by Habagat, the group decided to rescue their members in Malabon despite the heavy rains and flood on their own homes They helped and gave relief goods not just to their members but other community members as well. They also donated cash at GMA Kapuso Foundation in partnership with TIAAP (Total Image Asia Accredited Photographers).
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| Courtesy: Kiko Conti |
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| Courtesy: Jeff Nacar |
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| Courtesy: Carl Valenzuela |
| Courtesy: Rose Bee |
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| Courtesy: Kiko Conti |
The group's Facebook Page is also a venue where photographers showcase their winning photos. This indeed inspires other members to learn more from the experts. Below are some winning photos posted on their Facebook Page.
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| 1st place out of 58 entries in F-Stop's Weekly Contest Theme: City Skylines by John Manalastas |
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| First Prize Winner, KODAK Philippines, 1985: Title: Gardener by Romeo Doneza |
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| "Forest Within a Drop" TOP PHOTOS OF THE WEEK Caffeinated Photographers by Ariel Dangani |
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| "Will you be there when I grow old?" This photo made it to the top 26th on Junction Photography Challenge out of almost 300 entries by Katherine Concepcion. This is one of my personal favorites! |
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| WINNING entry: MANNY LIBRODO'S POST PROCESSING CHALLENGE by Maybelle Blossom Dumlao-Sevillena |
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| The Challengers image(Competitors) won a Gold on Benjamin Arthur Daily PGC by Teni Sta. Ines |
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| Benjamin Arthur's Daily Photography Genre Challenge Bronse medal winner Theme : Light by Carl Valenzuela I love this too! :) What I love about about TGP after knowing its purpose is that it is more than just a group for photographers. It welcomes its members with open arms no matter what their race and status are. The members encourage and help one another to improve their craft and never hesitate to share their God-given talents for others to see and appreciate. It doesn't matter if the photo was shared by a newbie or professional. It doesn't matter if the photo was taken by film, digital, or cellphone camera. What matters most is those photos can give happiness and touch lives while the group's camaderie becomes fruitful and stronger. The group also helps the needy. All members share what they have in the best way they can. Its story is worth sharing to the world! :) |
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