Media Based Arts and Design in the Philippines

1. What two Greek words are the origins of the term “photography”? What makes
them fitting for this media-based art form?
 The term “photography” was derived from the two Greek words
“photos” (meaning light) and “graphos” (meaning writing); stating the
literal process of photography. Therefore, the term “photography” is a
compound word that means “to draw/write with light” which could be
considered as an art form.
2. How does technology contribute to the development of an art like
photography?
 In today’s world, photographers may further elevate art such as
photography by using photo editing software where they may
manipulate images with the myriad of photo enhancement techniques
and tools currently available.
3. Why is photography truly a “modern” art form?
 Photography may be considered as a modern art form because it focuses
on capturing moments deeply related to its current timeline. It may also
be contributed to the fact that it relies on gadgets and may be elevated
by modern technology. Moreover, Photography being a modern art form
means it is viewed as more than just beautiful, but as a powerful means
of communication that connects us through the details, authenticity,
and message each photograph gives.
4. What special talents and skills does a photographer have that make him or her
an artist?
 Discerning a significant moment or a unique expression, framing it in the
camera viewfinder with an eye for composition, and then clicking the
shutter is photography as art. That discernment and that eye for
composition are the factors that elevate a photographer from a mere
recorder of images to an artist.
5. What qualities make photography such a powerful communication tool?
 What makes photography a powerful communication tool is two
distinctive characteristics that it has: immediacy and detail. Images
recorded by a camera has a sense of authenticity; and because the lens
captures the images objectively, the resulting photograph is regarded as
‘true to life’ and ‘of the moment’ whilst taking every detail of an image,
giving photographs a sense of completeness.

6. Name some noteworthy Filipino photographers presented above, plus others

you may have researched on. Cite a distinctive achievement of each.
 George Tapan is an award-winning travel photographer who has won
two Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) Gold awards, an ASEAN
Tourism Association award, and first place in the 2011 National
Geographic Photo Contest. His highly-acclaimed work has been
published in five travel photography books.
  John K. Chua is best known as an advertising and commercial
photographer, with over 40 years of experience in this field and
numerous local and international award for his work. At the same time,
he has applied his photo artistry to showcasing the beauty of the
Philippines.
 Niccolo Cosme is a visual artist and conceptual photographer who has
tapped his talents as much to raise awareness as he has to express his
creativity. One of Niccolo’s best friends was diagnosed with HIV in 2008.
The experience led him to his first photo exhibit, “Aware,” which went
on to be featured at UNAIDS in Geneva.
 Jaja Samaniego, a Manila based wedding photographer and a part-time
photography professor at De La Salle University. She is the lenswoman
behind various wedding magazines such as Metro Weddings and
Wedding Essentials.
7. What type of subjects seems to be among their favorites to photograph?
 The type of subjects that they similarly like to photograph are landscapes
and sceneries that showcase the beauty of nature (in the Philippines)
evidenced by the various photographs in places such as the Gulf of
Davao Isla Verde.
8. Looking at the sample photographs shown, explain how the principles of art
(rhythm/movement, balance, emphasis, proportion, harmony, unity, variety)
are made use of by the photographer as an artist.
 To be able to convey the message or expression that modern artists such
as photographers want to entice into the viewers, these principles are
needed to clearly uphold what artists want to deliver. The principles of
rhythm, unity, harmony, and balance are needed for the strategic
placement of different elements with the right hints of contrasts while
giving the art work a holistic yet simplistic feel. Emphasis, on the other
hand, lets the photographer showcase the subject as the main
component that viewers need to focus their attention to. Whereas,
proportion adds emphasis on which elements are bigger or smaller to
make each piece notably important or less important, while also having
the ability to catalyze an unrealistic illusion to the image for abstract
sense of view. Moreover, variety adds stunning contrasts to different
textures, colors, and sizes making the artwork not bland or too plain for
the eyes.