Introduction
Ocean: specifically marine conservation, climate change, single-use plastic
Project
Hesitant to take on this project, which was focused on forests and flora, as it wasn't my expertise.
I felt like I was a fish out of water.
Especially because the focus was on trees, plants, and flowers.
However, I took the project as an opportunity to learn. 10 years ago I was TV commercial director that was transitioning into ocean conservation. What did I know then? I took it upon myself to learn, and more importantly learn from the experts and scientists I worked with. I figured I can do the same. Always good to learn.
Plus, I have a working relationship with Masungi Georeserve, having worked with them for a couple of projects.
It's timely that I do this project since Masungi is once again under threat from DENR and the DOJ.
P60
Phone as a powerful conservation tool (citizen science, awareness, communication, documentation)
The best camera is the one that you have with you, and the P60 is the pinnacle of mobile innovation especially in terms of photography.
Photos
Diptych
One of the prevailing barriers to forest conservation is that we usually see plants and trees as ornamental.
We pass by a forest and appreciate it for its landscape, and at most, appreciate trees and plants for their colors, size, or appearance.
We miss out completely on their functionality, value, conservation status, and contribution to our environment as we know it.
We fail to look closer and understand better, and the Huawei P60 allows just that with its features.
Let's explore some.
Scroll through photos.
Carousel
Balete Tree (Ficus sp.): In Philippine folklore, Balete is associated with mythical creatures and supernatural beings.In reality, it serves as a habitat for animals and its fruits serve as food for birds. It can grow up to several meters highand creep over rocks and other trees. I wanted to show the massive tree and contrast it with the root system.[Native to the Philippines]
Ultra-high dynamic range / Low light
Bolong-eta (Diospyros pilosanthera): Also known as the wishing tree, the Bolong-eta was named after the katutubo's practice of whispering their wishes and problems to the tree. It is an endangered tree species characterized by its dark trunk and bark. Ants bringing home food on the tree’s surface. [Endemic to the Philippines]
1.4 aperture for a tree! / tele macro
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa): This tree is most known for its medicinal properties. Tea made from its leaves and bark. Can help lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. Its flowers may also be used as a laxative. [Native to the Philippines]
JC’s Vine (Strongylodon juangonzalezii): The JC’s Vine has only been documented in four known spots in the Philippines, with Masungi being one of them. Scientists say that the most prolific blooms of this flora species can be found in Masungi. Bees, butterflies, wasps, and other insects sip the nectar found deep inside its flowers. [Endemic to the Philippines]
tele macro
Hard, texture limestone is characteristic of Masungi’s karst landscape (right). The Masungi Microsnail (Hypselostoma latispira masungiensis), which is endemic to Masungi, thrives on karst formations. It is the size of a worker ant.
supermacro
Moss covers small limestone rocks jutting out of the vast limestone cliffs of Masungi.
Details from the 48MP main camera
P60 Favorite features
Super Macro + 1.4
Exposure Compensation
Image quality and sharpness SOOC
Outro
This whole project was transformative for me--a true learning experience. I absorbed everything our guide from Masungi had to offer.
The project allowed me to literally stop and smell the flowers--and take photos of them.
If anything, I hope my photos are able to enlighten you all as well, at least visually.
These plants, flowers, and trees have stories, and knowing them is the first step to empathizing with, and eventually treasuring, our natural heritage.