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

Travel Bloggers Confessions: All The Things You Need To Know About Traveling

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

~ Mary Ritter Beard

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, traveling (adj) going to different places instead of staying in one place. Does this mean that one can be called a traveler as long as he/she goes from a place to another even just by hours, days, months or even months? Can I be called a traveler for I come from Purok 7, Brgy. Maria Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and have gone to Mindanao State University-Main, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur (studied there for college) and Cagayan de Oro City (where I'm currently employed). But I think I really am a traveler. Traveler at heart. :)

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears."
~ Cesare Pavese

Yes. I can call myself a traveler for I've been to other places. I tell you, Mindanao State University-Main in Marawi City is a university slash community. Inside the campus, there are tricycles, jeepneys and pedaled-tricycles. There are also restaurants located at what they call the Commercial Center. Restaurants that offer carbonara, lauriat, shakes, pizzas, and other halal foods (since there are Muslim communities here). Mind you that students who are enrolled and would likely stay for years in this campus usually come from any corners of the Philippines. Indeed, the Melting Pot of the South. How I miss Jeco's carbonara. :(

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."~ Martin Buber

Currently, I'm staying in Cagayan de Oro, specifically at Zone 1-B, Crossing Iponan where I live with my Aunt's family. It was necessary for me to stay in Cagayan de Oro for I was being employed here, and I can't afford bus in a daily basis (nowadays, I get easily get seasickness in bus rides). Aside that I get to stay here in CdeO, I also got to experience how Kagay-anon's life is. So far, I've conquered Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting. I've had the taste of Kagay-anon dishes through restaurant hopping at malls and leisure centers. I've had the best rides of my life at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park. But there's still a lot Cagayan de Oro has to offer. I'm just taking one experience down at a time. :)

"How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else."~ R. Buckminster Fuller

 All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Through all these, part of me still saying that I'm not one of those certified travelers. Those who have gone to farther places, local or international. But I've been reading a lot of travel blogs already. I feel inspired with their journeys. I admire their bravery of quitting their corporate jobs (well, some) and start a challenging and unexpected travels in life. Some was even able to manage their jobs while traveling to places. Might as well learn about traveling from these travel bloggers.

Glen Santillan of Escape Manila

Escape Manila
Escape Manila is a blog that tackles about food, travels and lifestyle. The author, Glen Santillan, share his experiences in the Philippines, Asia and beyond through his blog posts. Meeting people along the road and be able to impart his journey to them is his goal whenever he visits a place. So if you think you share the same interests with Glen, you'll definitely love his blog.

What was your life before you started traveling and what made you think of traveling?

"Before I started traveling, life was a little bit boring. One day, I stumbled upon a travel blog about backpacking. After few days, I found myself in a train going to KL from Singapore. That was the beginning of my 15-day backpacking trip around South East Asia."

~ Glen Santillan 

"Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience."~ Francis Bacon

Allan Barredo of Lantaw

Lantaw

Lantaw is a travel blog that promotes Philippine tourism, providing obvious tracks among the unexplored destinations in the country. With his weapon, he captures two thumbs up images taken from the places he have been. You might get interested with his cave explorations, attended festivals and travel tips.

How traveling has taught you about life?

"Taught me to see things in proper perspective, that there is more out there than what we usually see in our own little bubble."

~ Allan Barredo

"The trouble with travelling back later on is that you can never repeat the same experience."~ Michael Palin

Bino Chua of I Wander

I Wander
I Wander is the product of Bino's goal which is to share his experiences on the places that he's gone too. Places that only few have visited, giving rare information that can change misconceptions. Based in Singapore and Manila, Bino manages to do travels while working. Learn traveling tips and tricks in his blog. There's a lot of information there, you might get drown.

How traveling has changed you?

"Traveling has taught me to be more open-minded and more conscious of my surroundings."

~ Bino Chua

 "Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs."~ Susan Sontag

 All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf En Route

Ironwulf En Route

Ferdz is a professional photographer which evidently shows in his captures, and I really like his travel blog's logo. I always get stunned with his captures, telling a more interesting story about that specific place. His travel in Batanes had me attached and that made me to always get updated of his posts in his blog and even on social media. Mind you that his photography works has been published in publications. Impressive, right?

How do you earn from traveling?

"Lately my travels is part of my work. I get assignments from publications or projects in some companies. I also sell stock images and prints. Partly I also get some income from my blog advertising."

~ Ferdz Decena 

"People who don't travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what's in front of them. Those people cannot accept new things because all they know is where they live."~ Martin Yan

Nina of Just Wandering

Just Wandering

Nina started Just Wandering in 2006, when she was planning for her first solo backpacking trip to Thailand. She shares her experiences, tips, and trip expenses to help and encourage other Filipinos to travel. Who says a pinay can't travel. Bet none. Her recent blog post is a review about a suite in Bohol, Philippines. 

How were you able to sustain your traveling?

"I have a full time job that pays for my bills and leaves me with extra money to put towards my travel fund. Apart from my monthly bills, I don't spend much on other things (except for food and transportation), so most of what I earn go towards my trips."

~ Nina Fuentes

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries."~ Aldous Huxley

All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author. 

Potpot of Travel Trilogy

Travel Trilogy

Potpot's Travel Trilogy travel blog is a personal blog that mainly showcases the author's recent travels. I've read one of his posts about a place in China that changed my views about this said country. With his way or writing, you'll get convinced and enticed that you're with him on his travels.

What you hate about traveling, if there is?

"What I hate about traveling is the thought that you need to be ready to leave the wonderful people you meet on the road."

~ Potpot Pinili

"You develop a sympathy for all human beings when you travel a lot."

~ Shakuntala Devi

Jon and Gia of Mismatched Passports

 Mismatched Passports

Mismatched Passports is a tandem travel blog by New Zealander Jon and Filipina Gia. They may come from different countries but sure they share the same love for travel. This travel blog also produce excellent photos. I always get stuck in an image before proceeding to the next lines in their posts. Their recent activity was in Hong Kong where they rode a helicopter to have the best view over Hong Kong.

When are you going to stop traveling if you have reasons to? Then why?

"The reason I will stop travelling is to give way to other aspects of my life like my career. I miss engineering a lot. Although travelling is a fun and exciting part of my life, my career also needs some attention. By the way, the answer is only for me. Jon will keep travelling while I go back to work. He plans to focus further on travel writing as a career."

~Gia

"Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen."~ Benjamin Disraeli

No Barriers Just Horizons

 No Barriers Just Horizons

No Barriers Just Horizons is a moto journal containing all of the author's rides, reviews and real stories as what can be seen as it's welcoming slogan. And he is being true to his words for in every blog post that he post, he always impart his very heart and opinion. I get carried away with the way he tells his stories. And here's the catch, I haven't known his true identity for he conceal his name and face in this blog and even in social media. He's just being awesome and cool, let me mention his rides with his bike. :)

Why should people start traveling?

"For me it's really simple. I travel to gain wisdom. That's pretty much all I can say."

~ No Barriers Just Horizons Author

"I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."

~ Hilaire Belloc

All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author. 

I really have learned so much about traveling from these travel bloggers who are so committed with what they input in their respective travel blogs. Following them really helps for I always get updated about their new journeys and challenges. Who would not get inspired whenever they post about where they are and what they do during that specific time? Plus, giving me hints of the great wonders that those places can offer. So, did I fuel your flame in traveling? Or, are you a traveler too? I'd be happy to hear anything from you. Share your story with us. :)