Gian & Jel Photography’s Big Shot

Where did the year go? We were just welcoming 2018 the other day it seems, and here we are getting ready to usher in another year.

A fascinating personal story of Ernesto Pagobo, Jr. the master photographer behind Gian & Jel Photography, who shares his passion, tips, and advice on how to become successful in the field. It’s always interesting to see him in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear his unique story on how he got into photography. That’s the aim of the interview.

Ernesto Pagobo, Jr., known as Jan-Jan or Ernie, is the master photographer behind Gian & Jel Photography based in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. He has worked professionally as a photographer for over two years, specializes in the genre of street photography. His work is well known for its elegance and the special use of emotional expression. I am extremely excited to have a close talk with one of the greatest photographers in Cebu!

Please tell our readers about yourself, how did you develop an interest in photography?

Ernie: During my younger years, I easily get annoyed having photos with a messy background. Then, I accidentally came across with Photoshop and I got really curious on how it works. When I had my first digital camera, I had tons of photos and every time I look at them, I get very emotional.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Do you have any formal training? How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

Ernie: No, there was no formal training at all and the internet became my virtual friend. I went on an adventure in search for a local photography group. Luckily, I found one. The street photography amazes me and this was the time I met Shamgar Dean along with the other street photographers in Cebu.

Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

Ernie: Sir Shamgar and Bai Francisco Yosores to name a few. Some are local and international photographers. I always incorporate street photography in my wedding and events shoot whenever possible. I want my pictures to look different or far from what is called “standards”. I always look for a decisive moment. I took what interests me; it may be funny, weird, mysterious, or dramatic. When I am on a shoot I always give my best and I love observing people. I usually anticipate and wait for the right timing as to when to push the button.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?

Ernie: I’ve always dreamed of becoming a businessman. I was lucky that doors opened at the right time for me. My photography was a hobby, I needed to take photos for my street photography groups. Because I understood the industry I was in, I could photograph it in a way that was attractive to the clients. A lot of it was hard work, people say I had a lucky break to be able to do what I do, but then I took the transition from working in a BPO industry to photography, which means I was shooting weddings, parties, head shots, babies, and everything. Everything and anything to pay the bills. The one thing I always stuck to was giving myself time every week to be creative and shoot what I love, this kept my passion.

What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best, as you photograph?

Ernie: – Two Nikon bodies
(1) D7100 and (2 ) D3300.
– Lens
18-55mm kit lens, 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8m and the newly added 85mm 1.8 primes. I am currently using Adobe Lightroom CC 2015 and Photoshop Cs6.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Which is your favorite lens? Why?

Ernie: Prime lens, because it’s sharp, renders nice looking colors, and good in low light.

When you go in one of your travels, what all you take with you? Why?

Ernie: Of course my camera, to take a photo of something that interests me. For example, a scene in the street won’t happen again.

Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought? Why?

Ernie: Yes! The Tamron 28-70mm 2.8 macro. I am not satisfied with the outcome of the photo by using the lens. Good thing I was able to trade it to someone else.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

In the field, what are your settings?

Ernie: Manual Settings all the way.

How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?

Ernie: If it is a candid shot, you need to just wait for the right moment or anticipate, go to a perfect spot where framing is just right for the subject, with good lighting, composition, and emotion. However, if it is a staged shot, you have to really direct them with their poses and choose a good location where you can have a good foreground and background. A good photo must have 3 elements: (1) good light, (2) composition, and (3) emotion.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

What kind of tools do you use for post processing? Explain your work flow.

Ernie: I often use Lightroom and I have tweaked presets saved. It is easier, I still examine each photo and edit it according to exposure and color correction/color grading. My workflow goes like this, Apply tweaked presets I made and just tone adjustment and I’m good to go.

Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

Ernie: There’s no such thing as favorite because I am looking at it as a learning process every time I shoot on a project. While creativity is limitless sometimes I am running out of ideas. So much to work on specially learning and applying new techniques and concepts. My favorite works are those projects with a beautiful location and nice weather. I prefer sunrise or sunsets, this is the perfect time to really take photographs.

How do you get paid to do what you want to do with your photography?

Ernie: It’s more of a package deal system. Prospects/clients often don’t see the art behind it. They focus more on the pricing and the inclusions that comes along with the package than how photo is being captured. My clients came from referrals and word of mouth.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?

Ernie: Money doesn’t motivate me, unfortunately, I need money for a living. Aside from my family, this is for the sake of art. I think all can take pictures but only a handful are real artists. The challenge is to keep inspired, keep the passion, and keep creating. Most people have their work and their hobby, they get to leave their work and go to their hobby. Because my work and my hobby are the same, the challenge I have is having a balance to pay the bills and keep me happy. I don’t try to make myself look better than anybody else.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?

Ernie: I must say that my photographs are made to represent myself. Putting twists into photos that a lot of people don’t see, telling a story, capturing expression. Making a mirror which means people look at it and tell me about themselves by their comments. I’m deeply in love with candid photographs because there’s something more into it being just a photograph. There’s a hidden message into it based on how someone interprets it. I really don’t settle for anything less that’s why I like to capture every moment that interests me in any situation I am currently in. I am much more motivated by telling a story or creating beautiful visuals that please the eye to look at.

Gian & Jel Photography, Exclusive interview on Joaren Miral Virtual Services. Image: Copyrights to Gian & Jel Photography © All rights reserved

On a final note, it’s hard for a visual artist to critique his own work. Pay attention to where the criticism is coming from. Learn that criticism is part of being an artist and a professional but don’t let it cloud your mind. Even the most successful artists in history have been criticized, often. Their resilience is why we know them today.

The more you put your work out there, the more opportunities you will be creating for yourself. Opportunities don’t come knocking at the door.

For Events and Collaboration:

I would highly recommend Ernesto Pagobo, Jr. of Gian & Jel Photography for a very reasonable price for his services. Please contact Ernie via 09093691244 or email him at gianandjelphotography3@gmail.com.

Disclaimer:

The owner of this website is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this website are purely the website owner. If I claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, I will only endorse products or services that I believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.