UP Lantern Parade
Being in the University of the Philippines for the first time last December 18, I felt elated, almost high. Partly because it was my first photo opportunity using my new DSLR and partly because I was surrounded by the brightest young people in the country who made superb efforts to celebrate Christmas in the most colorful and Filipino way-- the annual UP Lantern Parade.
The energy builds up as the various contingents, representing the different colleges, campuses and student organizations, approach the stage behind the UP-Diliman administration building.
My style in shooting a parade is to, as much as possible, view the whole thing before they finish and follow my favorite subjects. Hence, I run from start to end, and vice versa, and wait for my subject to have an interesting background along the parade route.
The trees lining up the streets of the campus helped make an eerie and mystical atmosphere to the parade, thus adding more drama when appreciating the costumes of the parade participants. Meanwhile, the majestic college buildings are complemented when juxtaposed with the lanterns and other creations of the contingents.
As this is a lantern parade, which means it is best shown at night, come equipped with a fast lens (one that has a small-numbered aperture value). I don't like shooting with flash when there are some wonderful ambient night lights. Unfortunately, I don't have a fast lens yet. But, fortunately enough, my new Pentax K-x has superb image quality even at very high ISO.
I had a blast witnessing this colorful, fun-filled event! The costumes and lanterns were all beautiful, while both the participants and spectators were lively and cheery. Even the program hosts were a riot! :-D
The Mommy Dionisia Christmas lantern/float. Notice the kicking foot? ;-)
I do hope to witness this again next year! Happy new year, everyone!
--View the rest of my UP lantern parade photos in my flickr photo set here.
--WARNING: all photos (and video) are owned by yours truly, Alaric Yanos. Unauthorized use is punishable by law.
The energy builds up as the various contingents, representing the different colleges, campuses and student organizations, approach the stage behind the UP-Diliman administration building.
My style in shooting a parade is to, as much as possible, view the whole thing before they finish and follow my favorite subjects. Hence, I run from start to end, and vice versa, and wait for my subject to have an interesting background along the parade route.
The trees lining up the streets of the campus helped make an eerie and mystical atmosphere to the parade, thus adding more drama when appreciating the costumes of the parade participants. Meanwhile, the majestic college buildings are complemented when juxtaposed with the lanterns and other creations of the contingents.
As this is a lantern parade, which means it is best shown at night, come equipped with a fast lens (one that has a small-numbered aperture value). I don't like shooting with flash when there are some wonderful ambient night lights. Unfortunately, I don't have a fast lens yet. But, fortunately enough, my new Pentax K-x has superb image quality even at very high ISO.
I had a blast witnessing this colorful, fun-filled event! The costumes and lanterns were all beautiful, while both the participants and spectators were lively and cheery. Even the program hosts were a riot! :-D
The Mommy Dionisia Christmas lantern/float. Notice the kicking foot? ;-)
I do hope to witness this again next year! Happy new year, everyone!
--View the rest of my UP lantern parade photos in my flickr photo set here.
--WARNING: all photos (and video) are owned by yours truly, Alaric Yanos. Unauthorized use is punishable by law.
Great great!
ReplyDeleteI so miss UP.
Welcome to blogosphere, alaric.
Let's organize the Ilocano blogging commune soon.
Cheers!