Stalking the most beautiful places in the Philippines


Welcome, welcome 'o weary traveler... from where do you cometh? Are you seeking new lands to conquer, perhaps planning a visit to the Philippines? Or are you simply feeling home-sick and hungry for photographs of home? Whatever, feel free to look or share. An adventure awaits.

I try to post new images weekly from my travels across this beautiful land. If you like what you see, please leave a comment or two. Or write me a note, I'd love to hear from where you cometh. Enjoy. Bobby (bobbyw59@yahoo.com) Join this group to receive new postcards weekly or become a fan of my Facebook page.


Monday, December 14, 2009

#45 Getting Closer









www.PostcardsFromManila.com

I've often been asked, how did you get that shot?

It was July, the start of the planting season for rice, in the municipality of Iguig in Cagayan.  Parked by the side of the road, we had our eyes on some brightly colored umbrellas further off. The fields around us had been fallowed and filled with water. As the women harvested rice seedlings from nursery plots, the men hauled them away to plant. It was "bayanihan" at work, a merry sight if you've seen one.

But sometimes, getting close enough to take a shot meant navigating narrow dikes with expensive gear in hand. And splatter mud all over our shoes? As this photograph showed, those who got close enough took home defining images. But those of us who took off their shoes and socks got shots none of us brought home. Truly, sometimes you just have to get closer. 

Would you have taken your socks off? Enjoy.

12 comments:

  1. Bobby, I'd rather wade in the water with socks on, than barefoot. Wash 'em later and bring more pair of socks for later shoots. I wonder if there are long rubber socks in the market, hehe. Thanks for sharing this beautiful, significant photo. Without rice, no Filipino would be happy. My fav here in Weatherford, TX is Jasmine rice. No Pinoy rice available yet.

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  2. hmm...you made me think. i mind mud icky hehehehe! but for that shot, i'd go wade without the socks. Nice shot!

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  3. You are a genius with these shots. Your blog rocks.

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  4. Uh, no thanks. If I had my rain boots, then yes.

    I'm intrigued by the umbrellas on the sticks. Do the women move them as they work?

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  5. Another great shot from a great photographer. Thanks for sharing them with us. From Jun of Union City, California.

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  6. Are these authentic umbreallas? They are too pretty - like a parade.

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  7. These umbrellas seemed too pretty! Are these aunthetic or were these placed there for this shoot. Colorful idea - you are a genius photographer.

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  8. Hi Everyone thanks for coming by.

    Regarding the colorful umbrellas, yes they belong to the farmers. As they move around the fields harvesting the seedlings, they move them umbrellas around with them. Yes they are a sight to behold, that's how we spotted them from a distance!

    Enjoy.

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  9. the boy in green says it all: oh great, yet another photog in the picture. he he. -b

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  10. i love the color and the feeling in this shot

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  11. Thanks for the picture. It reminds me of my previous life as a farmer. I used to oversee the planting of rice in my small farm in Bicol so I am used to mud and all...so take off the socks...

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  12. love every piece you post, ty for sharing with us

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