INTERVIEW:
#1 Please introduce yourself:
Mon Corpuz, 29 yeard old, Ilocano, and residing in Makati.
#2 How did you get interested in photography?
I wanted to do photography since I was young, but for many reasons I have started photography only in 2006 with a DSLR. Until last year (2008) I didn’t have an artistic approach, but I’ve discovered landscape and long exposure techniques.
#3 Do you have an artistic/photographic background?
I graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising Arts. I have both artistic and commercial photographic fundamentals I supposed.
#4 Which artist/photographer inspired your art?
I discovered the work of Jim Paredes in 2003. I love the ‘zen’ part of his work. I also like the work of Jim Brandenburg and Eric Laforge.
#5 Most of your photographs were landscapes and taken using long exposure time. Why have you chosen to present them in this form?
The discovery of the landscape and long exposure technique was a real revelation for me. These techniques best fits my sensitivity for many reasons:
- I am very sensitive to the mood, to the light, so I like taking the time to feel the place where I am. When I don’t have the right light I observe, interview locals then I come back as often I can until I get the mood I am looking for. So, for one or two photos, it can take me one year and five attempts (and a lot of kilometres) to get what I look for.
- I’m an eternal dreamer and the long exposure technique allows me to capture a calm and imaginary world.
- I’m a solitary person and landscape provides me the space I need to breathe and commune with my inner self.
#6 Some of your works have a really minimalist feeling, is there any symbolism in it?
As an artist, I am very impartial of minimalism because it gives us the freedom. The minimalist side allows us to open a door to the imagination because it gives the viewer the freedom to make his own story, his own interpretation. I only place the elements; I leave the freedom to spectators to leave their imagination to work.
#7 Trees, clouds, seascapes are your favorite themes for photography. What fascinates you in these places?
I like the concept of infinity of clouds and seascapes and the triumph; a solitary tree communicates. Besides, I love the early morning or late afternoon mood when I’m alone in the mountain or a beach feeling the air, the sea. These are magical moments.
#8 Could you tell our readers how to reach such excellent results in photography?
In an artistic approach, I think everyone must find a mode of expression that best fit his own sensibility and then work and work again. It is only less than 1 year that I practiced serious landscape and the long exposures technique, but I have the impression that I needed much longer so I can fully express my thoughts clearly.
#9 Do you work as a professional photographer or do you pursue the art as a hobby?
For now, I’d like to keep it as hobby. Seriously.
#10 What do you do in your life besides photography?
I’m a web producer and a creative director. I teach interface design in College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts. I co-run a small advocacy groupd called Black Pencil Project; we do visits remote communities and bring pencils and other school art materials.
#11 Can you tell us about the equipment that you use (digital or traditional)?
I started photography with film in college, but I can’t afford to keep the hobby and it was very expensive to print that time. After several compacts and bridge cameras, I got myself a pre-owned Canon10D in 2005. In late 2007, I bought a brand new 40D. I now use a 1DM2 with 3 main lenses (17-40, 70-200 and 300), a tripod, a remote timer release cable, several neutral density and square filters (CPL, NDX400, ND8, GNDs…). I discovered Lomography lately and its addicting.
#12 Are you planning any exhibitions of your works in near future?
I’ve been asked several times by the province (Tarlac) but I feel its too early to mount a solo.
#13 How do you prepare your prints? (LAB, darkroom, digital printing, etc.)
I always shoot in RAW format and then process my photos with Adobe Photoshop CS. Then I work on the density and the contrast of the photo, and if I need to I make local adjustments. I don’t print myself but I work with a lab whenever there’s a requirement.
#14 Is it possible to purchase your prints and, if so, where?
Yes, I regularly upload my shoots in Flickr. Hopefully an arrangement with a gallery will be made soon.
#15 What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
I’d like to continue my Black Pencil Project advocacy, and hopefully with that, I’d be able to go around the archipelago and see how beautiful our country was and at the same time be an inspiration to other people.
About the photo above:
Southern Light
Taken in Cagangohan, Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, May 2009
