Tag Archives: Phoneography Challenge

Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Nightscapes

“Night is a world lit by itself.” – Antonio Porchia

I have always loved the above quote because it is the embodiment of my love for nightscapes. There is something beautiful about shadows and darkness and light working together to create scenes that differentiate them from their daytime appeal.

In the morning, the above photo would have described a tropical paradise. The water would have been blue-green and there would be clouds and palm trees and white sand. Guests would be present, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or just plain swimming. Come night time, though, the scene takes a somewhat haunting tone, but it’s still as beautiful, perhaps even more intriguingly so.

I love night time so much that I even blogged about it here. An excerpt from that same blog reads,

The stillness of the night beckons to me. I don’t know but there has always been something about the dead of the night that appeals to me. Maybe it’s because there is a certain surge of power in knowing that while the world is resting, I am the solitary moving figure unclaimed by sleep’s spell.

The above still rings true. There are times when unclaimed by sleep, I would don my exercise attire and run off into the night. Or I would just set out, find my quiet spot then enjoy the views before me.

Sometimes, I get lucky and chance upon a full moon, or a sky blanketed with stars.

All photos taken at Plantation Bay, my workplace cum home in Cebu, with an iPhone 6. Editing courtesy of Apple’s photo editor, Snapseed, and Mextures.

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This post is an entry to Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge. Head to Lens and Pens by Sally to view the other entries. One is free to choose a theme on the 4th week, so I opted for Night Photography.

Phoneography Challenge: Sunrise at Kiltepan

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I love sunrises and sunsets by the beach, but it is only during this trip that I realized that a sunrise high up the mountains is a magnificent spectacle that everyone should see in this lifetime.

Sunrise at Kiltepan is definitely one of the most beautiful sights I’ve set my eyes on. It was amazing to see the cloud-blanketed mountains against a backdrop of hues of violet blue and pink, and it was an even more amazing experience to be higher than the clouds. There was a feeling of reverence as I took in the captivating views before me and marveled at God’s handiwork.

Photo taken using a 5th generation iPod Touch.

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This post is an entry to the Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Devices Photo Challenge by Lens and Pens by Sally. This week’s theme is Nature.

Phoneography Challenge: Isla Naburot as Seen Through the Lens of my Samsung Note 2

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Isla is our dialect for island so Isla Naburot means Naburot Island. I visited this private island resort in Jordan, Guimaras last year and immediately fell in love with its serene ambience.

I asked the owner what Naburot means and he said it is a root crop that was once abundant in the island.

Upon arrival, we were immediately taken to our room, which was as charming as the resort itself. Here’s our view from the balcony.

Isn’t it breathtaking? Just look at the lush beauty of the greenery that surrounds the island. What more, Isla Naburot has no electricity so it’s the perfect getaway for those who want to get away from it all. Just to be clear, though, the island uses solar power, but it’s not available the whole day.

Each time our meal is served, we had to go to the main hall, which afforded us views of its private beachfront.

Because the island is well-surrounded by other islands, its beach lacks the usual waves and looks so placid it can be mistaken for a lake, though we verified its saltwater when we went for a swim.

Here’s a panoramic shot.

What I liked and remember most about our stay here was the food. During each meal, we were treated to sumptuous meals of fresh seafood and fruits.

And yes, Guimaras does have the sweetest mangoes in the country.

I have many more beautiful photos of this serene island, but I will save them for my detailed post about Isla Naburot.

All photos are unedited and taken using my Samsung Note 2.

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This post is an entry to the Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Devices Photo Challenge by Lens and Pens by Sally. We have no theme this week since the 4th and 5th week’s themes are picked by the challenger. This 4th week, I chose Travel because while I was freeing space from my smartphone, I found so many stills from my previous travels.

Phoneography Challenge: The Angkor Wat in Black and White

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The Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world. We visited this architectural wonder in November last year.

The above was my first glimpse of the temple. Needless to say, I was amazed since this has long been in my list of must-sees.

The temple is beautiful and we couldn’t help but marvel at its intricate details, especially when our guide told us that it was built in the 12th century.

Angkor Wat was built by King Sryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. It was originally a Hindu temple, but later became a Buddhist temple.

Over the years, Angkot Wat has become Cambodia’s symbol (it’s in its flag) and main tourist attraction. No wonder the place was packed with tourists.

These are all panoramic shots because I find it easier to use this feature on a mobile phone, than on my Sony RX 100 II.

Photos taken using a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and edited using Snapseed.

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This post is an entry to the Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Devices Photo Challenge by Lens and Pens by Sally. This week’s theme is Black and White.

Phoneography Challenge: I Choose to Bloom

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“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin

Who doesn’t love the feeling of being ensconced in warmth? Of knowing that she is always safe and comfortable?

Who won’t panic when gradually, the petals open one by one and she finds herself suddenly exposed to the elements?

I will, and I would have dug deeper into the flower in search of a snug place where I can again feel safe. Except that when the sun’s rays reach me, I feel warmer than I have ever been.

Life’s pretty much the same. We’re always scared of going out of our comfort zones to venture into the unknown. We do not want to take chances especially when the situation entails great risk. We worry when change challenges what we hold dear and wonder, “Will the outcome be worth taking the leap of faith?”

But really, we won’t know until we try, will we?

So take the chance and choose to bloom. It feels nice and warm to be ensconced within the flower’s petals, yes, but it’s warmer to be out in the sun. (And the views outside are more beautiful too.)

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This post is an entry to the Phoneography and Non-SLR Digital Devices Photo Challenge by Lens and Pens by Sally. This week’s theme is Macro. Photos taken using an iPhone 6.