A Festive...
my growing need for better gear. These acts of kindness had encouraged me to explore even more my genres of interest and endeavor to keep improving.”
A computer operator and data entry specialist from Ibaan, Batangas, Lanz currently works as freelance events photographer and on-assignment photographer for FlashStock, Canada. His approach in photography has also varied over the years, gaining confidence in experimenting with angles and style.
“I always shoot candid moments, low and high angles, and silhouettes and I like to explore new creative shots. I prefer to capture photos in my own style, to create interesting angles and framing, using reflections and shadows, and, whenever I have a reference or peg image, to do better.”
He is now keen on mastering portraiture. His favorite subjects are ordinary people going about their daily lives like farmers and fisherfolk. He continues to look for unique portraits among the dancers in festivals that he shoots, recognizing that behind the dance moves are the stories of men and women who aim to please the audience with their gesture and smile.
For Lanz, a photographer must first believe that the mind, eyes, hands, heart, inspiration, and creativity are all elemental extensions of the camerato create effective images.
“What you see can be quickly composed into a memorable and uique image if the heart, mind, and hands are in synch with each other. Vision and technique will compliment in creating a photograph whose value and meaning will transcend time. I prefer both colored and black-and-white photography, but more often I shoot in the former and convert. What is more important is that the story is present in the image because for me, editing can take care of the rest like adding the dramtic shades/tones found in black-and-white images,” he explains.
He admits that his process involves many trials and errors, so he is open to keep repeating until he finds the right formula. He is also not particular on his moods when creating images; what is more important for him is finding the interest to undertake his photo projects. He is prepared to spend as much time needed to get his desired results. For him, this is a stress-relieving exercise.
Lanz is a memberof Team Juan Makasining camera club and he has accumulated an impressively long list of awards and citations for his photography since 2014, including the IPA, World Photography Cup, and Neutral Ground Reborn. These have inspired him endlessly and pushed him to aspire for greater heights.
“My goal is to have my own commercial photo exhibit one day and to eventually donate some proceeds to charity that supports education for disadvantaged children. I also dream of joining a medical mission as a documentary photographer.” For Lanz, the higher purpose of his photography, which is to help others in need, would be the ultimate blessing. This, to him, is the best thing about being a photographer— the capacity to use God-given talent as a means of easing other people’s lives.
“I always say that photography is like music where photographers compose the lyrics and melody, putting the right notes to create the harmonious tune. In photography, we need to study the scene, compose, and apply techniques, which together with our creativity, all contribute to produce a good photograph with a story to tell,” Lanz concludes.