A visual stream of consciousness

5 reasons why street photography is more fun in the Philippines

I’ve been in great cities around the world but in my experience, these are the 5 reasons  that makes street photography fun and exciting here in my home country, the Philippines. 

1) Photography is legal almost everywhere

A security guard giving a shy pose

Majority of the capital except the central business district wherein most of the embassies are located is a fair hunting ground for street photography. As long as it is on public soil, street photography is allowed. There is still a small chance of confrontations here and there but not as paranoid and unfair as I have seen on viral videos and experienced overseas.

2) The camera conscious Filipinos will challenge your stealth skills.  

3 Night workers taking a break from work posing in front of my lens

Filipinos love the camera. Doesn’t matter if it is a DSLR, a point and shoot or a rangefinder, whatever camera it is they know how to pose or smile when one is pointed at their direction. Stealthy street photographers will have a challenging time to go unnoticed for taking candids.

3) Little or no language barrier.

A Caucasian kid playing in the fountains of Fort Bonifacio High Street

English being our second language, it’s ok to get lost and just wander around the city. If you want to find your way back, look for a great food spot, or if it is your style just want to ask permission for a portrait, it won’t be a problem as long as you speak english, you would be able to communicate.

4) Each street is different.

A religious rally in Luneta Park, Manila City

It may not be as busy as downtown Manhattan, as architecturally interesting as Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, or as crowded as Shibuya district in Japan, the streets of the Philippines have a character on it’s own. The Bonifacio highstreet has the posh neigborhoods, Quiapo area has the gritty urban setting, while the Philippines’ summer capital, Baguio and the famous Session Road is great if you want a cooler environment to shoot in. We have a different street for a different type of subject.

5) Everyday there is a fiesta.

Dragon Dancers fooling around during Chinese New Year 

Somewhere in the Philippines I guarantee you that there is a fiesta that is going on right now. It could be a religous celebration (Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Manila), A bright and colorful fiesta (Pahiyas Festival in Lucban Province), a cultural celebration (Chinese New Year) or even a festival celebrating roasted pigs (Lechon festival in Batangas). The fiestas are filled with fun, color, and decisive moments.

Whatever type of street photographer you are, I’m sure the streets of the Philippines has a surprise for you. Grab your gear and catch a flight now especially that summer season is coming soon because I guarantee you, Street Photography: It’s more fun in the Philippines 

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I hope you consider having a trip here in my country and if ever you are in Manila, drop me a line and I will gladly show you around :)