THE HISTORY of markanthonylim|photography

The History of

markanthonylim|photography

It is truly an honor for me to share my modest experiences to all of you and  especially to a highly respected and celebrated newspaper (Manila Bulletin, Philippines).

I’m a Nurse by profession currently working in a hospital here in Singapore.

My fascination in photography started back when I was in my senior year at the university.

The Journalism club organized a photo contest for students. I was a bit hesitant that time because practically I did not have any background in photography; moreover, I didn’t own a DSLR or even a smartphone that time. Despite these constraints I still tried my luck and signed up for the competition.

Photography has always been a marvel for me.

The biggest challenge was to think of the best subject for my entry.

I candidly took a photo of an endearing canine with lush green trees as its backdrop. It didn’t really occur to me how painstaking it was to choose the right subject. Luck must have been on my side, because I won my very first competition. I placed 3^rd in the environment category. It was quite an experience.

After graduating from the university and passing the board examinations in July 2010, I have had the opportunity to travel abroad with my brother. He is currently working here in Singapore as a registered nurse. 

My brother introduced me to one of his good friends who happens to be a professional photographer.

I was so astonished that time because he was so accommodating enough to lend me his camera – a Sony DSLR. He even taught me some of the basics of camera control.

That was officially my first time to get a hold of an actual DSLR. I didn’t know how to operate the camera. He was patient enough to help me out and asked me to take photos for him to check out while we were touring. I showed him some of my shots and was quite stunned because of the encouragement I got from him. He told me that I had potential.

My firsts shots using a DSLR.

With enough reassurance from my first mentor I started to do my homework and really learned on my own. I started modestly by using the digital camera of my brother and my smartphone. I always make time to study and learn by checking out books about photography and tutorials from the internet.

My stay in Singapore gave me a lot of opportunities to take photos and relish the buzzing streets of the city and its famous tourist destinations.

My Nephew and Wallet

The 'Pai Hung Ch'iao' Bridge at Chinese Garden, SG

Bedok Cactus

Spiral Pagoda

Singapore Flyer

My mentor taught me how to use watermarks in all of my works. I first started using - “mapl@rts”

I literally took photos of all the things I could see during the tours. 

When I came back to the Philippines, I was more than driven to continue learning.

Back in the Philippines a good friend of mine referred me to join a photo club since I would really want to hone my skills further. I know that it was going to be a great prospect for me but I had second thoughts since I don’t own a camera, but if it was the only way to polish my skills I guess I had to take the chance.

I joined the Subic Bay Photography Society(SBPS) as a guest member. I was allowed to join their organized competitions for an entire year. Each month, the club sets a theme and the members of the club have to submit their entries.

I had really supportive friends, who lend me their DSLR cameras whenever I need to take photos for my entries. I submitted my first entry on one of the themes set by the club last March 2011 entitled “Market Places” Out of 12 competing members, I ranked last.

 Competing with highly experienced photographers made me realize that I had so much to learn and unlearn. I took everything as a challenge and as a learning experience for me. I definitely learned a lot from SBPS. My mentors in the club have taught me tips and efficiency techniques.

Having been acknowledged by the club for the very first time was indeed an accomplishment for me. On one of the themes set last April 2011 entitled – “Something with Wheels” I was fortunate enough to rank 2^nd

Despite personal constraints, I have always believed that nothing is impossible. Everything pays off if you put your mind and heart to it. I have received recognitions from the club on certain occasions. For the themes “Main Dish” “Waters” I got the top spot. I got the second spot for the theme “Wind” and became a finalist in three different themes – “Church”, "Fire" and “Friends” respectively.

(Ms. Cleo Nodado, founder of SBPS (right), me in my nursing uniform (center) Ms. PhuttieTallada, 2011 President (left))

Working full time as a nurse and pursuing my love for photography became quite a predicament for me. I had no other option but to become deskbound in the club’s activities. However, that did not stop me from exploring and learning new techniques. Whenever I have the chance, I borrow my friend’s DSLR and put those techniques to work.

I eventually got interested in travel photography and tried my best to attend local festivals in the Philippines.

Having had the chance to witness the Masskara Festival in Bacolod, the Dinagyang Festival of Ilo-ilo and the Mango Festival in Zambales City gave me more reasons to pursue travel photography.

Travelling was more than just visiting the splendor of the sites. Capturing it through the lens immortalizes the experience.

Masskara Festival of Bacolod City, Philippines

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, Philippines

Dinamulag Mango Festival of Zambales, Philippines

These escapades gave me the chance to develop my skills about macros, capturing landscapes and  trying long exposure techniques.

I tried to independently join national photo competitions when I have the chance to travel.  Fortunately, my hard work paid off when my work acknowledged by the organizers of Dinagyang Festival 2013.

“Iloilo’s Warrior” – Finalist in Dinagyang Festival 2014 – Ati Category

“Ngiti ngKasiyahan” – 9^th Place in Dinagyang Festival 2014 - Street Category

It’s so amazing to witness these heartwarming festivities. The ecstatic drum beats  in each festival will truly excite anyone. Rediscovering and capturing the rich culture of the various provinces that I have visited gives me pride.

“Tindera” – 1^st Place – Worldwide Photowalk 2014 – Olongapo City Walk

“Beauty of Subic City” – 1^st Place in Subic Ay Festival 2014

I have always been grateful and relied on the kindness of other people. I have been capturing images and pursuing my passion for photography for the past four (4) years not owning a camera.

This for me is more than an accomplishment but a humbling experience.

I finally received my  very first DSLR camera last September 2014. - Good things come to those who wait.

Me, getting the camera

The rest of my travel journey were published respectively in this blog itravelbymaplrn@blogspot.com 

I can attest that my dedication in my profession as a nurse is as resilient as my passion for photography. 

Even if there were bumps along the road, an individual’s effort, coupled with an undying desire to learn and succeed does pay off. 

I will not cease to learn and I will never be complacent to what I know now.

- Mark Anthony Pamituan Lim, RN

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER