Issuu

practice of perception

color exercise inside! Issue : february 2021 - 100pgs

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A photography magazine that builds on the people, our families, economies, and the society concept of seeing the world with enlivened we belong to. eyes! The February issue is a collection of January's from my Instagram account The Contemplative Maniniyot (“Maniniyot” images @enlivenedeye. It is the first month or 31 days is a Bisaya word for “Photographer” is my into the project 365 for the year 2021. It will be a photographer’s moniker and Facebook page. VIVID issue. The high contrast photos provide an As a contemplative photographer, I strive to excited form of energy to welcome the new year. reflect and respond to each moment presented. With exception of the front cover photo which is a To achieve this, I practice in awareness through contemplative photo, all of the expressions here regular brain exercises, meditation, are from concepts using everyday common mindfulness leading to insights left by walking household objects with their current state of built, Life’s meandering path. The result of this is a color, orientation, texture among other elements creation of interesting images. This magazine, contributing to the overall composition. therefore, is all about seeing the profound in the mundane and sometimes profane. I also discovered , to my amusement and delight, while updating a profile photo on Instagram, that I encourage you, dear viewer, to appreciate the these photos could be way the photo is presented. SEE it as a presented in a round conceptual expression from my initial color format! perception. Further in this and every month after, I am going to focus ABOUT THE FEBRUARY ISSUE on photographers that I SEE who are The start of the new into the practice of decade was not p e r c e p t i o n that great due to (whether they are the New Corona aware of it or not). Virus and the The maiden issue will focus disease that on Hermano Marc Lozano and I will be ravaged the excitedly sharing with you his enjoyment of the world. It process of the practice of perceptual (p.o.p) a f f e c t e d photography with curated photos. everyone and brought a low, Lastly, I will be giving a simple "color exercise" d e p r e s s e d that may help you See with Enlivened Eyes colors emotional state for that are around us. ~OtO~ 3 OtO

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12 pg 32

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28 pg 86

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30 pg 92

21 pg 71

31 pg 95

24 pg 78

20 pg 68

22 pg 74 23 pg 77

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In the world of form, color is such a basic element yet it is one of the most

influential. It is such a important and subjective component in almost all visual arts. A color can induce different reactions for different people based on their cultural, prior experience or even personal taste. I will not be discussing color theory. However, I would kindly encourage you to study this important area on your own because, I believe will really help you in your practice in what ever photographic genre . I am sharing with you this exercise because color is easy to recognize and it can ignite and capture your attention. It is such a practical training you can work with over and over again.

adapted form: Karr, Andy , and Wood, Michael " The Pracice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes" Shambala , 2011

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wk 1 1~7 365

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A new rotation. Start of a revolution. Elipses galore!

01 January 2021

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Laundry day today. Refraction in action. Purple In-the-go!

02 January 2021

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Wandering about. A rather damp Sunday morn. Spotted quite clearly.

03 January 2021

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Random elements. Random associations. A figure and ground.

04 January 2021

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Looking into it. A flash of perception shines. Seeing into it.

05 January 2021

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Just cleaning away. Then I saw this in my view. The chore almost done!

06 January 2021 OtO 18

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Playing with pieces. Tupperware party for you! Violent playground!

07 January 2021

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Color is not subtle. Colorful things can have meaning but color itself have no meaning. It is what it is. When you shoot color gives us something to look that will help us synchronize the way we see. The intention here is quite simple and clear. Keep focus on color in a simple and be open to it. Avoid distractions of other elements and see it as it is. Though the photos I made are conceptualizations and contextual, it was initially made with initial perceptions of color. Be child-like in looking color out of concepts Look at red as red; blue as blue; yellow as yellow; etc. Eventually you will experience color as is, as it is

adapted form: Karr, Andy , and Wood, Michael " The Pracice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes" Shambala , 2011

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wk 2 8-14 365

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Not quite vivid here. Once distracted, I'm focused. Flowing from flow state.

08 January 2021

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Last of the nine pics. A SEEmple graphic period. Nine points dotted now.

09 January 2021

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A sweet gift of food. Colors just popped right up front. Laying and playing!

10 January 2021

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What ifs and if I? Stimulating creation. Eye with brain in mind.

11 January 2021

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Yuletide days had passed Most familiar colors p.o.p.

Xmas everyday!

12 January 2021

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End of the process. Started way before today. A play of two thoughts.

13 January 2021

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Early this morning. Just saw what I needed to. Two becoming one.

14January 2021

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#makKita

PHOTOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Makki started his interest in photography as a curiosity in Manila during his teenage years using a film camera owned by the export company he worked for. He shot baskets and woven products intended for the company’s sales catalog. At the time, he could not pursue his photographic interests due the cameras being expensive. He only truly delved in it in 2015 while working in the middle east where the funds needed to pursue his decades long interest finally came! Describing himself a “late-bloomer” in photography, he is I had the pleasure of interviewing Hermano Makki last now “playing catch-up”. June 2020 and this was the article introducing him as Camera on and in hand, he trained it on the surrounding one of the new Administrators of “The Philippine wildlife and natural scenery where he worked. He did his Minimalists”, a Minimalist Photography Facebook group photo walks every afternoon, usually on his own. He ( h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m /g r o u p s / occasionally goes to the city to document the urban philippineminimalists. I recently interviewed him again to activities as well. It was also a chance for him to walk ask him how he was doing after we worked on his as a form of exercise. “Why”. I included the update in the third and fourth section. Please enjoy some of his vivid While in Qatar, Makki virtually connects photographs on pages 40 - 53. He sincerely with his friends back in his hometown in expresses his experience thru his own Iloilo City and encourages them to take words for some of the photos. up the hobby as well.

the JOY of marc lozano in the practice of seeing

EARLY YEARS

In 2018, after twelve years in Qatar, he finally came back to the Philippines to set up his business. He is currently an entrepreneur.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and of Spanish Bicolano-Tagalog descent, Marchelo Marc “Makki” Lozano, migrated with his family of four As for his photography, he joined some to Iloilo City for work in 1990. Makki took Ilonggo photographers and worked in root in the “City of Love” where he and his paid event photography projects. wife are now its adopted children. He seemed to When I asked what photographic genre he is truly love it so much that he added two more children. Three interested in, his “cup-of-tea” is in minimalism. He said it of them are now working successfully with one left in “grew organically” and seemed to only fully realize in it college. (Let us just keep this to ourselves: He doesn’t late 2019. This continues to be evidenced with the look it, but he is already a “Lolo”!) acknowledgment of his peers, local and international on Makki worked with the government under the and off-line photography groups through multiple Department of Natural Environment and Resources awards and recognition of the quality of his work. In fact, (DENR) for most of his career. From 2006 - 2018, he he is now known as “The Minimalism Guy of Iloilo”. He worked overseas in Qatar as a Botanical Curator where is the go-to-guy for some photographers seeking he managed a huge high-tech greenhouse within a information or advice about minimlalism. Other genres wildlife park personally owned by a Sheikh who he is interested in are in Street Photography, Landscape collected rare plants from all over the world. and Black and White photography. OtO 38

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE AND MINDSET Practicing photography helped a lot in Makki improving. Even during last year’s strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he made time to shoot. He made no excuses. As a result, he noticed that his mind-eyehand coordination was getting better and better. In recent months he is now focused on the contemplative process to further improve the synchronization. For him, it is all about the constant learning. Through books, inspirations, collaborations/co-learning with other photographers and most importantly the daily exercises.

SEEKING A DEEPER MEANING IN PHOTOGRAPHY

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practice of seeing. In fact, he experiences more the joy of seeing than the joy of shooting.

He also is aware at the end of the day, it is all about perception and subjectivity and as such, lessens the pressure the need to take good images all the time.

While Makki used to provide indulgences to his external wants , he now focuses on his internal needs through the joy he provides his family, friends and those seeking help or photography advice from him.

F o r M a k k i Makki disciplines himself by creating a guide: a better photo “...must convey the mood, tell a story and present it j o y in an eye-catching composition. Not all of these must be

“... Ang importante sa photography ay upang #makKita ko ang kagandahan at maranasan ang tunay na kagalakan ng buhay.”

H e r m a n o life is full of and this #purejoy he gives to o t h e r s through his photography.

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present though, at least two and this for me, is a good picture.” Adding to this is being “fluid” or adapting to what ever comes to aid or disrupt him as it happens. If he is having a bad practice day and self-criticizes for not getting the photos he wanted or when photos did not come out well as he expected, h e would fully experience these lows. He tries not to have any disappointments because he understands this is just part and parcel of THE process. “I’ve no regrets and simply focus on what I could do better.” “Our mindset or mood and the images we make are in some way a visual representation of those at the time of shooting.” While this is important for Makki, the most valuable element is the “PURE JOY” he feels from the

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“

Walking inside a famous hardware store looking for grass cutter, I instead saw these

stacked up mono block chairs for kids. Such lovely arcs of pink! I wasted no time and pulled out my camera, and without thinking much, composed and took a shot of it. Took another two shots but it's not the same as my initial one. I walked out the store quite happy. Oh, and yes, I completely forgot the grass cutter!

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“

This is a great example of seeing color on a busy street. I had to cross the street, and

really got close to see it and eventually captured the perception as how I saw it. Soon after, I saw more yellows around it, and since I still had the time, continued to capture what was given to me.

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“

My photography buddies and I walked across a bridge. While walking, I saw the

painted colors on the wall at the small ledge along it. It made me stop. I remember walking a few more steps to simply appreciate the bright colors. I then walked back and took photos and soon after, my friends were already at the other side of the bridge waiting for me to catch up with them!

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“ I

“

was not consciously into the practice of perceptual photography when I made this. At the time, I was out on an errand to buy something at a 7-11 sconvenience store. Right beside it was this tall and rather wide yellow wall. Homogeneous like, except for that sprayed dark red paint which instantly caught my eye. Without thinking, I got close to it, went down on my knees, took out my camera and shot it. Just one shot. This was as close to what I saw that day.

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“ I

“

saw this one, this exact image, frame and composition, from a distance. And as I walked nearer, the image became clearer, and my excitement grew. Good thing there were’nt people around occupying the space. It felt wonderfully satisfying clicking the shutter button and catching the exact image, I gravitated to.

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“

I planned on going to this container yard to shoot, however, the guard

on duty told me I needed a permit and since I did not have any, I should leave. So, I complied and on my way out, I looked up, and saw these coloured container vans against a pretty blue sky, and took shots, all in just a little over two mins ( between 4:26 to 4:28pm).

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“

Ihis is one of the outputs from an eye and mind synchronization exercise I had with

Hermano Migs. This photo had a lasting impact on me. Although there was another image that he said was another appropriate image to come out of the exercise, this one, however, was more appealing to me. I vividly remember seeing just the colors in this, and the feeling is, to put it excitedly, MIND BLOWING!

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INFLUENCES Allan Schaller Dan Zarate Fan Ho Jay Gadong Kevin Mullins Maarten Rots Sean Tucker Sebastião Salgado Vivian Maier

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OFFLINE & ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP AFFILIATIONS

Mega Pixel International (MPI) - Administrator The Philippine Minimalists (PHm)- Administrator Ilonggo Street Photography Initiative (ISPI) Noble Shooters of Iloilo (NSI) Street Walkers Philippines (SWPH) -Minimal Top ONE Minimalist Space - Minimalist Corner - Minimal Colors Art Corner - Minimal B&W Corner Various Fujifilm Camera Groups GEAR & IMAGE PROCESSING SOFTWARE USED

Fujifilm x100F 23mm (35mm equivalent) - workhorse @marchelolozano

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T he following guidelines are not value judgments. They are practical instructions. Try to stick with them. They will help you to see. Things not to do: • For the purposes of this assignment, black, white, gray, and beige are not colors. Look for bold, vivid colors. • Do not shoot graffiti or graphic designs, even very colorful ones. • Do not shoot words or letters or numbers. • Forget about shooting flowers and nature. • Do not shoot color from across the street, or up high, or from far away. Get in close, so that what you see in the viewfinder or on the screen is just what stopped you. • Do not include anything extra. Things to do: • • • • • • • • •

Use any image capturing device you have on and in hand. Be clear about the assignment and the intention to shoot color. When you are stopped by a flash of color, just let your mind stop. When you are stopped by a flash of color, stop physically. Spend half a minute looking further, contemplating what stopped you, without lifting your camera. Understand what you see: Where does the perception start, and where does it end? What's included and what's not? Is the perception vertical or horizontal? Raise your camera and look at your perception through the viewfinder or on the screen. Ask yourself if this is what stopped you. Make any necessary adjustments to exposure, focus, and depth of field. Release the shutter. Enjoy yourself!

Remember, there are infinite perceptions. When you find yourself struggling to take a picture or you lose track of what stopped you, walk away and start over.

adapted form: Karr, Andy , and Wood, Michael " The Pracice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes" Shambala , 2011

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wk 3 15-21 365

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Went back for something. A quickie ms. clickie shot. My boy's awaiting!

15 January 2021

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The flash was brighter. Experiencing the moment. Equivalence met.

16January 2021

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Somehow it works, yes? For four fingers and a thumb. How about a high 5?

17 January 2021

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Got to be fluid. Plan for one do another. Going with the flow.

18 January 2021

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Once SEEn, it combines. Conceptualization's gift. Worth the time taken.

19 January 2021

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Spaces in places. As such, there is much a rush! Feeling the filling.

20 January 2021

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Early in the morn. Before the hour of seven. Just about seven.

21 January 2021

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When you have finished shooting, keep looking! Sometimes it is only

when you put the camera down and relax that looking turns into seeing. Try to maintain a light intention to look and see. When you get home, take time with your images. Do not rush to pick out the good shots and reject the bad ones. Try not to be harsh or judgmental with yourself but keep looking. Recognize what you have and try to see what worked and what did not. When you have a good sense of that, delete the images that did not come from real flashes of perception. Sometimes you will want to hang on to pictures that don not quite make it. That is okay. You might need to give it some time before you are ready to let them go. The main thing is to take your time and be honest with yourself about what is fresh and what is not. It is not unusual to have to throw away three-quarters of your shots when you are starting out. That is how you will learn.

adapted form: Karr, Andy , and Wood, Michael " The Pracice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes" Shambala , 2011

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wk 4 22-28 365

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Chore never a bore! A swishing and swooshing move. Barney doesn't mind.

22 January 2021

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From seed to the fruit. Thanks @donrobertdinero Cool capsicum!

23 January 2021

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Last generation. Still around and connecting. Ubiquitous thing.

24 January 2021

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Doing morning chores. Tidying up my son's bed. Weaved mat or "banig"

25 January 2021

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Bar of fat et. al. A plethora of choices. Cleans potty mouths too.

26 January 2021

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A classic combo. From Mcdo to the Jobee. Getting hungry yet?

27 January 2021

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Back to ellipses. Keep on SEEing and clicking. Love doing dishes.

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After you’ve experienced the exercise, you may send four of your better expressions with your full name, Instagram account name and a short sharing of how it went for you to my email matangbuhay@gmail.com by 25 February 2021. These may be featured in next month’s p.o.p. phOtOs. Keep on shooting what moves you! ~OtO~

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wk 5 29-31 365

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A pink and I blink. Stuck as I stick the sticker. I mind minding it.

29 January 2021

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Been busy today. Oh what expression I'd make? Relaxed, I saw it

30 January 2021

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31st of Jan. 1st month of '21 done. 11 more to go!

31 January 2021

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ABOUT MIGS

A growth service oriented person for the past twenty-five years, Jose Miguel “Migs” Lisbona, worked in the hospitality, academic services and human development fields. Migs is a visual artist interested in the street, documentary, panoramic 360°, minimalist and contemplative photography genres. Photography for him is all about seeing the profound in the mundane and sometimes profane in moments seen. He describes his minimalist / contemplative photography as a “reflective/equivalence” style where he shoots as he sees it (as-is-where-is) using mostly his smart phone camera to create the pictures. Post processing is also done minimally on a phone app. On occassions just like in this issue, he will conceptualize minimalist shots from experienced perceptions to create something simple, subtle or loud (yet quiet). He encourages fellow visual artist photographers to shoot what moves them with purpose. Composing poetry is likewise an interest for him. Often linking haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines having five syllables on the first and last lines and the middle line having seven syllables, with photography. Originally from Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, he and his family are now residing in Davao City for the past decade and considers themselves as “adopted children” of Davao City and Mindanao. Migs is a practicing life-coach. A “fire-starter” if you will, and encourages others and groups to express, connect with their purpose and expand their strengths and abilities. Preparing a safe space for his friends and clients to connect, play and practice their expressions formally through one-on-one, group sessions or informally in his role as an on-line curator/admin/ moderator in various social media on-line groups. He loves and enjoys being with them through collaboration in their hopeful journey until they shine in whatever passion they follow. He believes in the brilliance that resides within each person, and it is his fervent desire to inspire that spark so each can become centers upon themselves, and ultimately inspiration for others. It is his sincere purpose to remind and encourage a BRILLIANT LIFE! For consultations or coaching please connect with him via email matangbuhay@gmail.com 97 OtO

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https://www.facebook.com/matangbuhay The Contemplative Maniniyot https://www.facebook.com/enlivenedeye

Contemplative and Minimalism @enlivenedeye Street Photography @seeingstreets 360° Photos @eyesee360 All photographs & texts © Jose Miguel Lisbona 2021 publishing

mvm

No part of the e-publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission in writing from the the authors OtO 98

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Vivid February Issue pOp phOtOs