I got myself one of those CebuPac Go! fares (P99+P2000 tax/surcharges) and flew in and out of Sinulog yesterday (Sunday). I hope to document/share some lessons (and images) from my first really-short photo 'safari' for the year so I can be better prepared on the next one. I'd like to thank my new found Cebuano friends - Odik and Chay - for helping me with an unrestricted photo pass and their friendship to someone they've just met.

First off, I brought my D200 and borrowed a D70 (for the 1/500th flash sync) and miraculously squeezed the 2 bodies and a 15mm fisheye, 18-35, 28-70, 80-200, SB800, 2 sets of AA's, charger, Lenspen, 8Gb of CF cards, and a roll of bathroom tissue in a Lowepro Toploader 75 (plus a couple of lens bags).

I forgot to bring my sherpa as I didn't realize that, unlike a 12-hr wedding, you have to carry your gear with you all day! I even saw a couple of photographers who have 'assistants' bringing around alumnimum ladders of all shapes and sizes! That's Lesson #1.

Lesson #2 : Check-in early (duh)! I got bumped off the first flight as I arrived the check-in counter late daw (20 mins BEFORE departure time). I guess I got so used to last-minute midday flights in the smaller provincial airports that I treated my flight like an impromptu trip on a provincial bus. I guess a late first flight means a negative domino effect for that particular plane for the rest of the day too. Lesson learned!

Lesson #3 : Don't take the term "online booking" too literally. The following note on my phone was all that I managed to present when I appeared before Airport Security.

http://www.jerry.ph/DSC_8631.jpg
I had to explain why I didn't have a printed ticket and why I thought my name and my booking number was all that I needed to prove that I belong to that flight. Buti na lang medyo napakiusapan ko ang security officer and assigned PNP personnel. (Translation: It's a good thing we Filipinos are a flexible, trusting lot!)

More lessons later, in the meantime, this Queen 'greeted' me when I got there:
http://www.jerry.ph/DSC_8655.jpg

More to follow... Monday things muna.

very nice first sinulog image jerry! love that pose.

Before any more lessons, here's a couple of images that shows how well-prepared these 'contingents' are.

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210118.jpg
Hard Day's Work
It was a long day of non-stop performances for these warriors. After performing the full-version on stage, they not only have to do street version all day (from 10am-6pm) while parading around the city, but they had to do it under a cloudless hot tropical day. I'd give these guys AAA++++ for effort alone! (1/320s @ f/9, ISO200, 28mm)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210064.jpg
Bad Fit
Despite an ill-fitting headdress that covered her eyes (instead of just the forehead), this young lady made the best of it and gamely posed for me to display this tapestry of colors and detail. Her costume reminds of ceremonial dresses worn by Empresses of a bygone era. (1/500s @ f/9, ISO200, 15mm)

Nice Bad Fit image Jerry :)

nice documentary and pics, jerry. there's a lot to learn when going to the next sinulog from your experiences and tips. :)

Subscribing to this thread...

Love the images Jerry!

More, more, more.........:)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210722.jpg
Title Image
If ever there would be a traditional title image for this series, this would be it. :) (1/800s @ f/14, ISO200, 15mm)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210632.jpg
Lipad, Uwak, Lipad!
The challenge when shooting at high noon on a cloudless day is that you lose the ability to use low shutter speeds to convey motion. This image of a baby crow (look at the Momma crow in the back) was made with a combination of low shutter speed, small aperture, and a little bit of backward panning. Here's hoping that the right sense of motion was conveyed. (1/15s @ f/22, ISO200, 15mm)

Hi, Jerry! Fantastic shots! I specifically like the "Bad Fit" picture and the "Lipad, uwak, lipad" pictures.

would likewise be subscribing to this thread so that i would know the do's and dont's as well as what to expect when i get to iloilo on friday for the dinagyang fest. :D

They're nice, Jerry! Love the expressions on the kids' faces! Can't wait for the other photos! And thanks for the lessons as well, useful indeed! :Grin:

I went to the Sinulog prepared like I would a wedding shoot - hence I brought more gear than I needed (and would have brought more if I had stayed longer). I was hardly insconspicuous and I couldn't stand the weight on me.

In hindsight, all I would have needed is the super long and the super short lenses - 80-200 (70-200VR preferably as you shake more when you're tired) and the 15mm fisheye.

I captured 972 images to be exact and at least 70% of those were shot with just the 15mm fisheye. But I guess that's just my personal style - up close in-your-face but w-i-d-e.

In my next Sinulog, I'd probably just make sure I have more CF, more batteries, a very comfortable bag, 2~3 cameras, flashes, a 15, a 35/2, 70-200VR, a tilly hat (straw hats don't work in crowds unless you want to poke people in the eye while weaving through the crowd) and sunblock!

That's a lotta gear I must admit.

When I shot the Black Nazarene, I was advised to use only 1 lens so of course the 18-200 was the obvious choice. Bokeh doesn't seem to be as important so lenses at F4 isn't a disadvantage. I'll opt for your load if NatGeo or Life pays me ;)

Love the "backward panning" shot BTW, gotta learn that myself :)

If I had this 2-way foldable ladder, I would have brought it with me to Cebu:

http://www.jerry.ph/219552xi.jpg

It folds into a pole and the last time I saw one was about 7~8 years ago in Rustan's. Does any know where I can get a 4' version? :)

The challenge when shooting at high noon on a cloudless day is that you lose the ability to use low shutter speeds to convey motion. This image of a baby crow (look at the Momma crow in the back) was made with a combination of low shutter speed, small aperture, and a little bit of backward panning. Here's hoping that the right sense of motion was conveyed.

Jerry, maybe you have to get an ND filter for that full sunlight-slow shutter speeds next time. Nice shots btw.:)

If and when i go to a Sinulog, I'll bring a porter. :) Local hire lang po. It's always after events like these, and i see your photos do i get this feeling of regret :(. Anton has been telling me years ago to join this event. Funny, I did'nt see Kai in the list....last time I remember he was with Anton.

Aly, next time sama ako, tira tayo sa bahay mo!:)

@Nap. The problem with shooting with ND filters is that it zaps the batteries of my flash too quickly. All these shots were lighted by flash with the sun as fill.

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210632.jpg
Lipad, Uwak, Lipad!
The challenge when shooting at high noon on a cloudless day is that you lose the ability to use low shutter speeds to convey motion. This image of a baby crow (look at the Momma crow in the back) was made with a combination of low shutter speed, small aperture, and a little bit of backward panning. Here's hoping that the right sense of motion was conveyed.

I love this shot!!!!pag sidelights

@ Jerry
I like the BAD FIT too...great shot jerry!!!

:Grin: nice shot there Sir Jerry! hehehe.. maybe next year, we should put on sunblock para naman di tayo magmukang lechon after the sinulog.. hehehe..

@All, thank you for the kind comments - from them, I hope to select my entries for the photo contest. :)


Some lessons on battery and storage capacity:

I had 2 bodies - a D200 with 2 batteries and D70 with 1 battery. I also brought 3 2Gb CF's and 2 1Gb CF's for a total of 8Gb. As part of my new workflow, I now shoot 100% raw and I was concerned with having enough capacity and/or battery power to last me the entire day.

Thank God I did! I used up all the batteries just as I filled up the CF's and just right when the day ended with a marvelous fireworks display at the venue.

Shooting raw, the D200 should give you about 260 images (3Gb) worth of images per charge while the D70 will give you 500 images (3Gb) worth with 1. I also used up 2 sets of 5xAA 2100mAh batteries with the single SB800 I have.

On my next trip, budget permitting, I'd probably bring a D70 and 2 D200's with at least 2 batteries per body and 4 sets of 5xAA batteries for the SB800. Then charge them all again at the end of the day on a multi-day trip.

@Jerry

I think two bodies are more than enough. As for the cam batteries, 2 extra batteries per camera (for sure peace of mind). And yes, lots for flash as most of your photos were shot with flash.

Sayang, we missed you there. Where were you situated?

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210225.jpg
The Red Queen
My first Queen in the series. The Sinulog contingents (there was at least 30 of them) is each headed by a Queen who holds a Sto Nino and dances to the 2-step Sinulog dance routine. The Photo Contest has a category dedicated to the Queens only and they do deserve the special attention given the endless dance, the elaborate costume, and the endless shine/smile they have to project as they lead their 'Tribu' through the streets of Cebu. (1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO200, 15mm)

If and when i go to a Sinulog, I'll bring a porter. :) Local hire lang po. It's always after events like these, and i see your photos do i get this feeling of regret :(. Anton has been telling me years ago to join this event. Funny, I did'nt see Kai in the list....last time I remember he was with Anton.

Aly, next time sama ako, tira tayo sa bahay mo!:)

Derick, bahay ng pinsan ni Ines yon! Nakikitira lang kami! But if you're going next year, sama ako, huwag mo lang akong gawing porter. On second thought, sama na lang ako kay Jerry. Baka mas conspicuous ka kaysa kay Jerry sa dami ng gamit mo!

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210225.jpg
The Red Queen
My first Queen in the series. The Sinulog contingents (there was at least 30 of them) is each headed by a Queen who holds a Sto Nino and dances to the 2-step Sinulog dance routine. The Photo Contest has a category dedicated to the Queens only and they do deserve the special attention given the endless dance, the elaborate costume, and the endless shine/smile they have to project as they lead their 'Tribu' through the streets of Cebu.

Another fantastic shot, Jerry!

Derick, bahay ng pinsan ni Ines yon! Nakikitira lang kami! But if you're going next year, sama ako, huwag mo lang akong gawing porter. On second thought, sama na lang ako kay Jerry. Baka mas conspicuous ka kaysa kay Jerry sa dami ng gamit mo!

Ganda ng mga kuha.... Ey Aly, I just remmembered your "Ines" jokes from a long time ago when I saw this post... hehehe you had lots. :D

Fingers crossed that the weather will hold up till the weekend.... Dinagyang.:)

@Dindin - yes, missed you too! :)

Lesson on Location
I learned that the parade moves around the city and one of the stops is the stadium where they present their number to an audience and a distinguished panel of judges. With that realization, I decided to stay put in one location and let the parade move through me.

I chanced upon a 'Judging Station' where each contingent also stops to give the street version of their stage number. The station I found is right in front of the University of San Carlos. It helped that they had bandolitos as they not only serve as a canopy from the heat, but as an accessory to frame the subject and impart a more 'fiesta-like' ambience while breaking the monotony of the blue cloudless sky.

The Sinulog is such a huge event that it is better shot as a team. Since I was there by myself, I missed the fluvial parade, I hardly have any shots of the stage performances, I wasn't able to drop by the church, and probably a bunch of other good shooting opportunities. I'm preparing for the next really grand one as this festival continues to draw tourists from all over the world.

Ganda ng mga kuha.... Ey Aly, I just remmembered your "Ines" jokes from a long time ago when I saw this post... hehehe you had lots. :D

Fingers crossed that the weather will hold up till the weekend.... Dinagyang.:)

Peter,

"Ines" is no Joke, she's my wife. hahaha...... kidding aside, I wish I had the luxury of time to go to Dinagyang. Unfortunately, I'll be away this week to Naga for my uncle's wake. Next year, probably, sinulog and dinagyang!

hey jerrytieng! the RED QUEEN is definitely a winner! :D congrats on an awesome capture! keep 'em coming!

On my next trip, budget permitting, I'd probably bring a D70 and 2 D200's with at least 2 batteries per body and 4 sets of 5xAA batteries for the SB800. Then charge them all again at the end of the day on a multi-day trip.

I think 2 bodies is more than enough... :) What time did you start shooting the parade?

@Michelle, thanks! Hope it will be! ;)

@Rosalie, I arrived on the 8am flight and started shooting 9am. And you?

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210220.jpg
The White Queen
Well, she has my vote as the prettiest Festival Queen! :D (1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO200, 15mm)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210326.jpg
The Flower Girl
Each contingent is easily 60~80 kids and I believe that most of them came from middle-to-lower income families. Despite the heat, their enthusiasm, excitement, and zest permeates the entire celebration and I just have to wonder at what point in their lives do they give up our way of life and decide to leave the country for so-called greener pastures? (1/500s @ f/6.3, ISO200, 15mm, D70)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210225.jpg
The Red Queen
My first Queen in the series. The Sinulog contingents (there was at least 30 of them) is each headed by a Queen who holds a Sto Nino and dances to the 2-step Sinulog dance routine. The Photo Contest has a category dedicated to the Queens only and they do deserve the special attention given the endless dance, the elaborate costume, and the endless shine/smile they have to project as they lead their 'Tribu' through the streets of Cebu.

THIS ONE HAS MY VOTE SIR JERRY...:)

too bad i didnt see the white queen would love sana to take pics of her...:)

Hi Taks! Close-up smile huh! :) Too bad I didn't get to meet you there!

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210425.jpg
Take 5!
(1/1000s @ f/3.5, ISO100, 120mm, D200, 80-200/2.8)

Hi Taks! Close-up smile huh! :) Too bad I didn't get to meet you there!
hehehe oo nga e too bad oh well there's always next year..more time to save up for a second body...:) kept on changing lenses...have dust on my sensor grrr :Grin:

Wow galing ha.....

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210195.jpg
The Fairy Queen
(1/500s @ f/5.6, ISO200, 15mm, D70)

nice thread jerry.

it was my first time to shoot sinulog... and what an experience!!

lesson learned?

listen to PROs and friends who have covered the event in the past - bring FLASH!!!! :)

Hey Levi, it was my first time too and definitely a lot of lessons learned!

I missed the solemn ceremony on Saturday and on my next trip, it's gotta have to be a 3-day trip at the very least. Another lesson is that I should have acquired a 70-200VR before I went! Grrr :)

But man, this is the grandest Philippine Fiesta I've ever attended and it was WORTH IT!

Lesson learned...dont leave Monopod inside the taxi....oh welll!!!

Another lesson learned - I got weighed down my gear and decided to stick to one spot and wait for the parade to come to me. I should have instead walked 'upstream' against the flow of the parade so I can shoot more in less time and move on to the other venues.

@Allan - OUCH!

Here's another lesson - shooting/travelling alone may be fun, but when it comes to shooting your own souvenir photo - things can go really wrong!

http://www.jerry.ph/HA2109xx.jpg

(I had to prove to the wifey that I was really there! :))

Lesson learned: do not run after the parade. :-)

Major workout for Rosalie and I!!!

lessons learned
1. the fill flash!
2. gotta take note of the shadow i cast. sometimes i dont notice my shadow in the frame...

none the less, still had a blast shooting!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/367524147_eaf78bca43.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/367524039_eb609c9107.jpg

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210205.jpg
Flower Girls
It's hard pala to get the contingents to line up nicely (and symmetrically). They tend to try harder when on stage than when on the streets. This is one of the few that may pass off as such. (1/320s @ f/9, ISO200, 70mm, D70, 28-70/2.8)

Great share Chep!

I just found this one...
http://www.jerry.ph/HA210744.jpg
Send in the Clowns
I remember running backwards with them and trying to get them all floating on air. I was hoping someone will do a cartwheel and juggle some balls. Hehe (1/500s @ f/6.3, ISO200, 15mm, D70)

Great shots boss...

Lesson learned...dont leave Monopod inside the taxi....oh welll!!!

Big OUCH! :(

Lesson learned: do not run after the parade. :-)

Major workout for Rosalie and I!!!

Hahaha! No wonder we got exhausted... at least we know better next time! :D

great set mang jerry! i'm glad you enjoyed your one day trip to cebu :)

Another lesson learned - I got weighed down my gear and decided to stick to one spot and wait for the parade to come to me. I should have instead walked 'upstream' against the flow of the parade so I can shoot more in less time and move on to the other venues.

You sure brought a lot of gear... :Grin:

@Otep, you've finally joined! Thanks for looking and too bad we weren't able to shoot together!!

You sure brought a lot of gear... :Grin:

My back is still hurting.. now when is Nikon going to stop using metal and switch to carbon fiber instead!? :)

What a trip! Kainggit.

The White Queen is stunningly beautiful :D

@jerry: OT: i joined na matagal na, i just usually read the posts hahaha :D see you here in manila na lang :D

mang jerry, the last time i shot at sinulog, i only brought the 16mm fisheye and 80-200 with me :D

@Otep, that's the best combination for this one, as long as one get's an unrestricted photo pass. I just gotta love the 15mm fisheye! :)

@jerry, true! i just love the distortion on the 1.5x crop sensor. although i'd probably hate it if the full frame bodies come out, although the 18-35 or 17-35 would be superb at that time :D

I love the Red Queen pic. Such wonderful captures for somebody who was trying to catch up on the action. Bow ako sayo sir! :)

oh man i like the Fairy Queen... great cpture :)

thanks jerry! :)

loved the red queen and bad fit! ganda ganda naman ng nikon! hehe :D

Thanks John, Edwin, & Ian - glad you enjoyed the pics. Hope to do better next time around. Missed a lot of good shooting opportunities on this trip.

Great images as always Jerry! I miss shooting festivals tuloy. :(

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210220.jpg
The White Queen
Well, she has my vote as the prettiest Festival Queen! :D (1/500s @ f/7.1, ISO200, 15mm)

All nice images, but this is by far my favorite. To nitpick, I'd clone out the white line on the road as it seem to break the flow of the photograph.

I like your overall style. Very photojourn.

Thanks for the C&C, I needed that. And yeah, street shooting seems about the only genre I seem to have a knack at. I look at your studio work and I go, "Man, I couldn't imagine creating images like that!" Hope to share some more in the future for more C&C.

@bb thanks for dropping by. When am I going to have the honor of shooting with you? :)

Yup, the Red Queen, Jerry! :)

Next time I'll try this as well... :)

Trip expenses:

original air fare : 2,800
upgrade and penalty : 1,100
terminal fee : 200
taxi to parade area : 375
straw hat : 20
photo contest ID : 500
lunch : 76
water : 10
dinner : 140
Sola : 30
taxi back to airport : 300
terminal fee : 200
taxi home : 160

Grand total : 6,000 pesos thereabouts
Experience value : priceless!

@ Jerry - Thanks for the breakdown... At least the idea got more concrete now! :)

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210413.jpg
Pit Senyor!

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210329.jpg
Fishy
This boy has to walk bent over during the entire parade inside that oven of a fish!

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210880.jpg
Queen of Queens
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia led the finale at the Coliseum.

ok guys. the gallery for the SINULOG is open (actually has been open for a couple of days). start uploading.

@bb thanks for dropping by. When am I going to have the honor of shooting with you? :)
It's gonna take a while before I come home but I'm starting to miss shooting festivals already when I saw your images. Why don't you come and visit NZ?

NZ must be beautiful! When are you sharing your images? I'd love to visit and trek, but I'll wait till CebuPac adds NZ to its destinations and sell tickets for 5t :)

NZ must be beautiful! When are you sharing your images? I'd love to visit and trek, but I'll wait till CebuPac adds NZ to its destinations and sell tickets for 5t :)

A lot of my NZ images were taken with slide film so no point in posting them here :)
I'll be returning to the South Island next weekend for two weeks. This time it's more focused on digital photography not mountaineering, although I'm still deciding if I should hike up Hooker Valley in Mt. Cook.

Jerry the White Queen is a sure winner to me.....

Great share Chep!

I just found this one...
http://www.jerry.ph/HA210744.jpg
Send in the Clowns
I remember running backwards with them and trying to get them all floating on air. I was hoping someone will do a cartwheel and juggle some balls. Hehe (1/500s @ f/6.3, ISO200, 15mm, D70)

i like this one.
did u join the photo contest in cebu?

Hi Arnold, just sent in 3 entries but I don't think I met any of the criteria so no expectations there hihi

But I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to my Feb photo safari.

http://www.jerry.ph/HA210425.jpg
Take 5!
(1/1000s @ f/3.5, ISO100, 120mm, D200, 80-200/2.8)

i love this one sir

Hi Arnold, just sent in 3 entries but I don't think I met any of the criteria so no expectations there hihi

But I had a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to my Feb photo safari.

Winners of the official have been declared already. Don't know of anyone from Manila who won. :(

Where are you going February?

@Jerry

I'm curious, too. Where to?

Negros my girl-friends. Trying to put it together pa lang at this point. :)