TheONEMagazine
Life could be very tough sometimes, yet you need to get through all of those to magnificently capture your dreams. Capturing your dreams takes a lot of perseverance and determination and that’s what James wants to inculcate in our minds.
Mr. James Brian K. Ona is truly a pride of the college. He has proven himself as a great shutterbug when he took into his possession the grand prize of Art Petron's Photography Contest for two consecutive years; making him as one of the most sought-after photographer in the Metro. He took his degree in Journalism at our beloved Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication whereupon gave him an avenue to develop and embellish his gifting. With his compassion, he fervently helps aspirants to get encouraged in advancing their prowess and passion in photography through various colloquiums and workshops.
Consequently, let’s get inspired with his words as we grant you the gist of the interview we had with the endowed modest James Ona.
Capturing Your Dreams
Bachelor in Journalism
by Joshua Arevalo
Here’s a gist of the interview I had with James Ona:
What ran into your mind when you’re He was hailed as the Grand Winner of Art Petron's Photography Contest for two consecutive years?
“It inspired me to do better outputs” he said.
What is the significance of these achievements to your life?
“These awards are significant in the sense that it helped me in introducing myself as a good photographer and gain more clients”, he said.
Why is Photography important to you?
"Photography is important to me because it is my passion. It makes me complete”, he said.
When did you become interested in this field of study?
“My interest in photography started when I was in elementary”, he said.
What did you do to gain so much knowledge in this area?
“I believe that experience is the best teacher. For me to educate myself with photography, I tried experimenting with the settings of the camera (film-based) until I finally mastered how to play with those settings and have good outputs” he imparted.
Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?
“I was influenced by great photographers before who can capture good photos by using manually-operated cameras” he said
Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? If yes, why do you believe this is true?
“Yes. Even without a caption, a picture can tell a thousand words. A photograph is important because it is one thing that relives the memory of an event”, he said.
Do you have a favorite photograph? Can you we have it?
“The photograph of Quiapo Bridge (originally known as Quezon Bridge) is one of my favorite photograph. This photo is the one that gave me my 2nd Art Petron grand prize award. Petron Corp. also used this photo as the cover of their 2008 Planner and this year they also included it in their corporate desk calendar. This is the first photograph where I first stayed in just one area for 2 hours to wait and get the best picture. I started walking along the sidewalk of the bridge early in the morning at 5:30. Then I finished shooting at past 7:00 from almost 150 images, I selected only the best 2 photos for the contest”, he shared.
Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out?
He said, “I consider myself as a ‘PURIST’. For photographers, a purist means that a photographer doesn’t rely on the post-editing process of photographs. I only do minor editing.”
What motivates you to do what you do considering the handful salary in this profession?
“Money is just a material thing. The most important thing to be considered in photography is the quality of your photos. My two little angels motivate me in giving my best shot in every work I do. Being a single parent of two is hard but when I see my two little angels, I am motivated to produce the best that I can”, he said.
What is your message to your fellow COCians who also want to take the same path as yours?
“Pursue your passion. Don’t be afraid to try new things in photography. Always be humble. Don’t let your critics pull you down. Enjoy what you’re doing. Who knows, someday you might be one of the greatest photographers in our country”, he genuinely said.
As of now, he does differents projects in some of the leading advertising agencies in the country like: Studio 5 designs Inc. Some of his photos were used for Annual report so some private companies like Globe Phils., RFM food Corp, Phil Coconut Authority, Asia Institute Management Brochure, Centro Escolar University Brochure, De La Salle University Centennial Book, Pepsi Cola Phils., Coffee Table Book, etc.
Making this article has given me a sense of fulfillment for I had the chance to interview a humble mighty man. With his passion and compassion towards his angels, genuine commitment, devotion and professionalism, he has already made himself successful.
Being a professional photographer is really a hard career. Technical and creative skill aside, the competition can be brutal – and he had gone through all those. So to those who aspire to take same path as James’ you need to get through the tough times even when yourself doubt creeps in.
I believe one who advances confidently in the direction of his or her dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he or she has imagined; will certainly meet with success unexpected in common hours.
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and efforts.