Photographer Mel Dolorico

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Manila, Philippines? :)

—There are lot of good photographers in Manila.. I mean a lot! it's very hard to pick one.

—Are you photogenic?

—Yes, i guess. lol

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—After I left my previous work (i'm an engineer). I decided to go full-time in photography, that was 5 years ago. Back then, I tried different genres of photography (street, landscape, product, etc.) But later on, focused on wedding and portrait photography because it has been my bread and butter since I left my previous job.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Composition, Story and Color grading.

—Do you love traveling?

—I don't travel a lot but i'm definitely in for some adventure!

—What do you like most about your profession?

—I really love it when the client really appreciates what you do for them, takes all the exhaustion and weariness in whole day's work. It also feels great to work with other phottographer whom I share the same passion.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—I absolutely hate inconsiderate wedding suppliers, well i have no choice but to deal with them and act professional.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Hahaha! I absolutely have no idea. LOL

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—We are working and with different types of people everyday, that is different set of emotions and we have to capture it artistically no matter what.

—How do you handle criticism?

—If it's constructive criticism, i will gladly accept it but if not, I just have to leave them alone.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—Quality and skills.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Uhhmmm... overexposed photos, and back focused photos

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—I have no idea we usually take the detailing and portraits very seriously in Manila. But I always wanted to have a creative family portrait

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—When you capture an untemplated emotion, that will always be a classic!

—Who do you want to shoot?

—I really love to shoot with my girlfriend Kat, see has this potential but she does not have that time. I would love to see the world with her.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—None at all.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Photographers that I look up to and beginners trying to step up. Sharing knowledge is very fulfilling. I also love to work with the people with equal amount of passion as I do.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—I am worrying if wedding photography is still that much in demand 10-15 yers from now.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—When a lot of people would give me their trust.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—Woody.

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—My family and Kat.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—Success is measured on how much stacks do you have in your bank! hahaha Kidding.It depends on your point of view, if you think you already fulfilled something and people around you appreciates it, you can call it a success.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Respected.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Being late.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—Camera. go figure! =)

—Is there anything that you wish you hadn't bought among the gadgets that you own? Why?

—I am absolutely happy with my gears right now but I do love to have Nikon 58mm 1.4

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Practice =)

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Too many to mention. Some photographers that I look up to was Mango Red and Metrophoto since I was starting. and Annie Leibovitz also!

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—Learn to cook! My Gooood i can't even cook a decent sunnyside up egg. LOL

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—My monthly bills. LOL! Just kiddingThis profession is passion driven, I always make sure at the end of the day that I'll always bring home the money shots... and the next day... and the next day.. and so on.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Not much, i love it how my parents raised me.

—What about life on other planets?

—YES!

—Who are your heroes?

—My Parents....

—Who do you have no respect for?

—Ungrateful people. Respect is earned and not easily given away.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Thrift hunting!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I see my clients are crying after viewing their photographs. We do have a service here in Manila called onsite photo presentation which is presented during the reception. You can see the couple's raw emotion first hand after they view the wedding slideshow. Also when the people I look up too appreciates my work, that brings spark to me.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—Hmmmm... Yes.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Most likely.

—Where would you like to live?

—New Zealand.

—Is there life after marriage?

—The first day of Marriage? Yes.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Cats

—Who or what do you hate?

—Irresponsible people.

—The best thing in life is:

—GOD almighty!

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—when you battery is drained and memory card is full

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—my beer belly!

—What would you like to change in the world?

—change corrupted people minds...

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Shoot everything yo can! Practice! Learn the rules, and break them once in a while. =) =) Learn from your mistakes. Be inspired. Do not imitate. If you learned all these, then educate others.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—Can we be friends?

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—Mafioso movies. 70s-80s setup.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—to be better than today. =)