Capturing Images The SATR Way: How I Take Shots Using A Smartphone

"Taking pictures is savoring life intensively, every hundredth of a second."~Marc Riboud

Taking photos may be easy to some, however, there's more with just taking photos. And since Surprises Along The Road is about traveling and lifestyle in which won't be complete without photos, I might as well share to you how I shoot the photos I have shared in my blog posts.

I always bring with me my phone, iPhone 5 specifically, to entertain calls and messages from my contact list, browse the internet, play games, and take pictures. Know that I'm not that kind of person who always take pictures of himself but rather prefer to fill the gallery with landscapes, portraits and any random things. I always find taking pictures of my travels and food trips fascinating for it does provide me such satisfaction. It's like a refreshment in my mind that every time I browse my gallery, the photos bring back the moments when I took it and the people I was with during those times. Don't deny, but you know what I'm talking about. :)

Since I don't have a huge camera, such that DSLR and the like, I rely on my smartphone all the time. And I'm proud that all of the images I've shared in this website were all taken using my smartphone and nothing else, not including the photos that I just borrowed. Enough of the blab, I'll be explaining to you how I take pictures using my smartphone.

In a recent trip I had which happened to be the prenup pictorial of my sister who just got married last month, I took the opportunity to take pictures of the unfamiliar place we were in, well in my case. 

It was definitely my first time at Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape so you could imagine how I was amazed with the place. A forest that seemed untouched, so quiet that the singing birds and roaring waves are the only sounds you can hear. And there's this specific spot where I fell in love instantly.

You can get to witness this very scene at a near roofed shed, just beyond a cemented fence. I just stood there for a couple of minutes holding my smartphone, trying to figure out the perfect angle to take a picture of it. And since I am fond of balanced and symmetrical things, I focused my eyes on the horizon where the sky meet the vast sea on the background and made it sure that it is almost to perfect horizontal. And then tapped on the screen of my phone to find that perfect lighting. For a few shots, I was able to take this very shot. And my trip was fulfilled. It was really overwhelming.

Then we moved farther and arrived at a stunning cliff that was not fenced. That scene looked romantic and dramatic at the same time. Unfortunately, my smartphone's battery was drained for I wasn't able to bring a mobile bank and even forgot to bring the cord. A bit sad for I wasn't able to capture more shots that day, however, that very scene which became my favorite did satisfy me and completed my trip. I'm looking forward to visiting the place again in the near future.

So basically, I only tweak my smartphone a bit whenever I take pictures. Then I just consider the angle and the lighting, and of course the subject. You can have many shots as possible and just pick that one you think is the best among your captures.

Since DSLR is expensive in which I can't afford in the mean time, my smartphone will remain as my buddy until that time I can own one of those large cameras. *fingers-crossed

Summer Getaway at Del Carmen, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

~Russell Baker~

 Summer. The most awaited season among people who prefer to lay down under the sun, or chase after waterfalls, or float on beach waters, or learn new sports or hobbies, or do seasonal crafts, or just being lazy. I would like to count myself as one doing all of these during the summer, but for the latter, well sometimes. ;)

I usually spend my past summers writing songs, doing arts, mostly things that I can do at home. Yes, you heard it right. I always stay at home. But that was never a problem to me for I get to always do what I love doing. You know that feeling right?

However this year, I was able to enjoy more the summer season. Last April 30, 2016, that was Saturday, together with my officemates, we headed to Del Carmen Beach and Swimming Pool at Kauswagan, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. An hour or 2-hour ride from Cagayan de Oro City proper.

It was an overnight outing so it did excite me a bit, knowing that I'll be able to witness the very sunset view of the place. I've always hoped to watch a sunset by the beach for the past few months already and at last, it did come true. I'll be sharing some of my captures of the sunset that I was talking about later in this post. :)

Aqua Park consisting of Trampoline, Slide, Mountain climb challenge and others

Del Carmen features two swimming pools, one is for the kids and the second is for those who can conquer a 5.5 feet deep pool. The pools are not that wide but you can still enjoy swimming in it. Also, they have a beach front with many water sports to choose from. Aqua Park (150/hour), Banana Boat (120/person), Flyer (150/person), Jumbo Dog (100/person), Whale Ride (100/person), and Bandwagon (150/person) are just some of what you can enjoy at the venue. Life vests are provided once availing any of the rides or you can rent it for P50.

I wasn't able to experience the rides for I decided not to drench and bathe until the sun sets. However, my officemates were able to enjoy the Aqua Park. That was 4:00 PM in the afternoon, where the sun is not so harsh. They said it was exhausting but sure they really enjoyed the obstacles and the rides, most especially the trampoline. Wondering where was I while they were enjoying the sea? Well, I was doing my own stuff, calligraphy works. ;)

And then, the sun settled down dramatically stunning every eye that feast the view by the sea.

Who would not appreciate this kind of sunset?

Sunset shared with 'em photo-bombers

Heavy Sunset

All of the people I spent and shared the sunset with were in awe. We can't take off our eyes from the view. Then we took a couple of captures. It was very fun! Definitely the most beautiful sunset I've seen so far. :)

Later that day, I was able to go swimming at their refreshing pool. It rained for a couple of minutes so the water was freezing cold that night. But all of us were unstoppable. While at the pool, we had a worthwhile chat. Then went back to our cottage. Know that most of the time, we spent it playing with UNO cards. LOL :D

Then we slept that night. The overnight idea just meant that we'll be sleeping by the beach. :D

Early morning, I woke up then spent some me time walking by the sea side. Here are my few shots.

All images shown in this blog post are owned by the author.

On the opposite side lies the mountains

One of my favorite captures. A boatman on a calm morning.

Early swimming

Mom and child bonding by the sea

Lone bird caught in motion

All I can say is that I really had a great time at Del Carmen. A bit disappointed with the sand being black cause I was really expecting to step on white sand but nevertheless, it was still a nice venue. With complete facilities, plus their bathroom and shower rooms are very clean. Might as well compliment the maintenance staff there. 

Know that you can do grilling, bring food, buy at their store, and rent tents plus foams. Mind you that their cottages are covered with nets so flies and mosquitoes can't get inside and annoy you. How convenient could that be?

So, if ever you decide to spend a summer getaway near or a bit far from the busy life in the city, Del Carmen is definitely your best option.

Del Carmen calligraphy work by IG: @calligraphyprints