Hot Spot : Ian Calimbahin

Who is Ian Calimbahin ?

Ian Calimbahin ay isang kaibigan mula sa mundo ng mga photograpiya, nagkakilala kami ng personal ng taong ito noong ako'y dumalo sa isang pagtitipon na inorganisa ng Jaywalkersph (isang sikat na photography group sa tumblr), isa siya sa mga taong hinahangaan ko pagdating mga magagandang street photography at portriat photography.

Isa din siya sa mga finafollow ko sa tumblr dahil sa galing niya sa photography at sa mundo ng tumblr isa siyang tinuturing na royalty, dahil sa dami ng followers at commentators niya.

Unang kung pagkikita sa kanya akala ko maangas ang dating dahil nga sikat siya, pero nung nagkausap-usap na, boom! Sobrang down-to-earth na tao at sobrang kulit pagkakilala mo na siya ng personal.

Naku baka kung anu-anu pa masabi ko sa kanya..

Tara na simulan na natin ang aking munting interview kay Ian.

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Full Name and Alias: Ian Calimbahin
Website/Blog: Pinoyshuttr.com
Twitter: @iCalimbahin
Location: Mandaluyong, Philippines
Age: 20
Education: Currently in 3rd Year College
Genre of your Photography: Table Top and Abstract

Tell me about yourself that people don't know:
I like donuts. A lot.

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?
I feel like going out and spending my free time over a cup of coffee.

How did you get started in photography?
Mom bought a camera for herself and she ended up having a hard time with it. That’s when I got my first DSLR and that made me inclined into photography.


Did you go to school to study photography?
Nope. Youtube was my master and teacher.

What camera did you use?
Canon EOS 1100D

How would you characterize the style of your photography?
My style focuses more on the visual impact rather than the message. I like it when people just sa “wow” without making them think of a hidden message whatsoever.

Can you share with us some recent images?
Sure! I have a few exclusive shots for this interview!

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?
The internet. I got inspired by the people who get recognized by simply doing the thing they love.


How did you become a photographer? And When did your career start as a
professional photographer?
Like what I’ve said, I became a photographer when I got that hand –me-down 1100D. I got nothing to do with this so I tried learning about it and learning how to use it. I got that camera in September of 2011. It’s been almost 2 years since then but I still can’t consider myself professional.


How did you go about selling your first photograph?
I never sold a photo. Well, I never attempted to do so. I don’t think people would actually pay to have my shots.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
A good photographer is somebody who knows his camera and how to use it but most importantly, a good photographer is somebody who tries, makes mistakes, and learns from all these experiences.

Do You Have A Favorite Walk Around Lens...If So What Is It?
Yup! My Canon 18-55mm kit lens!

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
My off-camera flash/es! I like doing table top and creative shots and these off cam flashes help me a lot in playing with light.

What is the most rewarding part of photography?
Having a lot of people appreciate your work.


What is your most embarrassing experience as a photographer?
Well this happens everytime – leaving my lens cap on while aiming for a shot.

How photography change your life?
It made me start up a blog (pinoyshuttr.com) and through that I met a lot of new friends! Hooray!


Here the five exclusive pictures of Ian Calimbahin for AXLPPI.

I know you been working with some of the famous and influencial people
in the country but may I ask whom do you wish/dream to work with and
Why?
I have nobody specific in mind but I would like to work with professional product and fashion photographers.

What tips can you give to someone aspiring to be a professional photographer?
Just practice. I myself went through a lot of “unsuccessful” shots but all these made me realize my mistakes. I do a lot of trial and error until I discover what is right. Make mistakes. Learn from them.

What are the best tools for a beginner to learn on (besides the camera)?
Internet! Learn from sources that can help you learn the technical aspects. From there, you can start being creative and letting your imagination fly.

What are the pros and cons of being a photographer? Please be specific.
Pros: you can meet a lot of people, you can explore new places, you can be more creative

Cons: YOU WON’T HAVE PHOTOS OF YOURSELF DURING EVENTS (unless it’s a party dedicated to photographers)


I know you like traveling for shoot or even for chill-out, can tell me
where is the best place to be to do some shoot? and why there?
I like UP Diliman. There are a lot of locations where you can shoot depending on your theme. UPD has a wide variety of locations to choose from. And they have a lot of good food you can enjoy after the shoot!


What goal are you working towards within your photography and when
will you know you have reached it?
I would love to do commissioned work! Hahaha. One great feeling is when you get paid for doing something you love.

What photography organizations do you belong to?
Jaywalkers Philippines (#JaywalkersPH)

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Myself :p

If you weren't a photographer or a multimedia artist, what would you
want to be? Why?
I want to be an App developer for Apple or a tech blogger in my own website.


How do you see yourself 20 or 30 yrs from now?
I see myself having my own business and spending all my free time give the best life to my family.


Any final message? Its your time to shine.
Never give up on something that you like. If you like taking photos, do it. If you think you are not good enough, practice. If you think you are still not doing good, practice more. And always remember this… never give up. At the end of the day, you’ll still do what you love doing.