 | About Me | Jan 13, 2006 |
This is just a temporary "parking space" of my pictures. To see more of them, please visit http://www.pbase.com/manny_librodo
|  | Right after my workshop in Amsterdam last June 2009, two of my favorite photographer-friends came to pick me up and drive me to where they reside: Munster, Germany.
Gary Kapluggin is a photoshop guru and my original idol when I started posting at www.dpchallenge.com. His wife, Nasti Kaplugging, is an expert in fashion photography and one of the best in studio lighting. Shooting with them is a dream-come-true.
Credits:
Models: Alice and Garik
MUA: Susann Chrapow |
| | Here are some pictures I took during my Workshop in Amsterdam. June 20th and 21st marked the day of friendship, creativity and passion. I made new friends with my participants. We shared the same passion - that of capturing images from the heart. Everyone threw in his/her creativity. I am forever thankful to everyone involved in this workshop.
ORGANIZER: Marc De Witt
MODELS: Linda, Claudia, Elzemieke, Moo, Sisley, Melany and Sofie
MUA/Stylist: Shane, Sofie
Creative Assistants: the world famous Gary Kapluggin, Nasti Kapluggin and Bianca van der Werf
As what Marc said – til we meet again.
To view the gallery with the participants' photos and some behind-the-scenes snaps, please visit http://www.pbase.com/manny_librodo/amsterdam
Thanks a lot. |
| | Manny Librodo's Landscape of Emotions Workshop in Los Angeles,
3-4 October 2009
Register now for discounts. Online registration at www.landscapeofemotions.com |
I've been pretty quiet about my recent activities. Not that I didn't have - I actually was quite busy with end of the semester crunch, weekend workshops, etc. And now - I am on holiday. FINALLY! And it's gonna last for one whole year. Yes, I am on a sabbatical leave and will be back to my full time job on August of 2010. Yes! Yes! Yes! I've been waiting for this for years. And when I made up my decision to do so this year - economic recession, swine flu and many others happen. But here I am taking the plunge. It's gonna be a hell of a bungee jump but hey, we only live once. AS what my good friend Bobby Wong said: Life is short...
Anyway, just want to share with you some recent online activities. As usual, I am a regular in online photography competitions. That's my only way of checking if I am doing the right thing. Also my way of marketing my workshops.
Last April, in http://www.digitalimagecafe.com I won 2 Photo of the Months in 2 Categories chosen among the Photo of the Day Winners. The categories were for PORTRAIT and BW respectively. My pictures were in the banner of the website for a month!
PORTRAIT 
Black and White (this was in full BW when submitted in competition)
Last May, I won Second Place in Portrait Category in Photo of the Month
And to top it all, my picture was chosen as Photo of the Quarter in Portrait Category. Thanks to my model and Stylist, Bianca and Marise.
AND, THIS PICTURE WILL BE A COVER OF A NEW YORK MAGAZINE FOR THEIR SUMMER ISSUE. I will post a picture of the magazine here when I get the magazine. Thanks to Bianca for agreeing to be featured in the cover.
Over at http://www.dpchallenge.com I won First Place in Glamour Category of their Weekly Competition with over 200 pictures from all over the world.
In the meantime, at http://betterphoto.com I won second place in People Category last April (announced end of May) with the picture below. There were over 20,000 pictures submitted during the month.
I am thanking God for His continued blessings. And these awards are for all people who have helped me create these images and for you, my friends, for your continued support. Every word of encouragement matters.
Have a good day everyone.
| | It was my second workshop with Studio 19. An outdoor portraiture session, we were so lucky that those two days were spared from the heavy downpour all throughout the week. We were so blessed. And the 2 Thai models who graced the workshop were heaven-sent as well.
Thanks to Khu Mailak for allowing me to do this workshop and to Khun Au for coordinating everything.
Thanks to Shogo for assisting me for 2 days. And to Day and Bom, thanks for helping out too.
To Ms. Kita and Ms. Fern, the models, you made our days sunny!
And to all the participants: YOU ROCK! Great enthusiasm and impressive results. Keep in touch!
Thanks to the stylist, the Studio 19 staff and everyone else who made this workshop possible.
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| | What is darkness like? Light? Colors?
We explored the depths of darkness. We cavorted with the passion of colors. We bathe in the glory of light. It was a magical workshop. 3 models, 2 stylists, 2 assistants and 3 talented participants. It can't get any better.
Thanks to everyone. (The photographer is indicated in the TITLE of the photo.)
Workshop Participants:
Harold Britos
Jeanette Bano
Endura a.k.a Soon
Models: Krystal Vee, Fabian and Chris
Stylists/MUA: Marise on Krystal and Fabian, Vikki Roth on Chris
VAs: Jose Tan and Jofferson aka Off
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| | 2 Ks
Krysta Vee and Kharu - rare, exquisite, classy.
I couldn't ask for anything more.
Having photographed them extensively is a stroke of luck.
I couldn't ask for anything more.
I ain't complaining. I want more...
These are workshop pictures last year and early this year. This gallery contains what I consider as my best pictures in my recent 2K gallery at www.pbase.com. It soared to the top gallery list after 5 days and stayed there for almost a week. These pictures were not featured here in multiply previously. To view the gallery, here's the link: http://www.pbase.com/manny_librodo/2k
Big thanks to Kharu and Krystal Vee
And to the stylists and MUAs: Kharu herself, Marise Hizo, Katrina Fanega and Pin Torres, thanks a lot too.
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| | March 14 started off dark and gloomy. Is it gonna rain? Where i will i get the light from? Questions raced through my mind - but do i really need answers to these?
When we picked up the participants in the hotel, everything changed. There was an unmistakable vibe going around. Once we've reached our location and saw our beautiful models - the gloom in the horizon dissipated.
It was a very successful workshop!
The participants flew in from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This workshop was coordinated by Steph Tan, a Pinay based in KL. Steph, Hanhan, BC and Mandy all came with so much enthusiasm matched by talent and passion. Thanks a lot guys for giving me joy in sharing what I know.
Pictures are by me and the participants as indicated by the title.
Participants: Steph Tan, Hanhan, Mandy and BC
Models: Krystal Vee and Jamie Lyn (my first time to shoot the latter)
MUA/Stylist: Marise Hizo
VAs: Jose Tan and Off |
2009 is very kind to me.
I got some of my wishes fulfilled. Blessing continues to come. My work continue to get noticed. And a lot of good things happen to people dear to me.
Story Number 1:
I finally made it to the cover of Digital Photography Magazine, Philippines. Nick Tuason contacted me to send a hi-res file of my Rosalinda picture to be considered as the cover of their BW issue. And it made it there - rightfully where it should belong (back to the Philippines) after gracing in the posters of a Music Festival in Poland.
Story Number 2:
Iloilo, my hometown, finally noticed me. I was in the cover of CREAM, the number one lifestyle magazine in Iloilo.
 
I also designed the pages of my pictures and feature story. Thanks to Joeboy Agriam and Mars Florete. And to Pong Yawagun for taking the picture.
Story Number 3:
Panay News (number one daily newspaper in Panay) also featured me in the lifestyle section last week.
Story Number 4
My latest gallery in www.pbase.com, made it to NUMBER 1 again last week. I called it 2K, and it features pictures of Krystal and Kharu in my many workshops last 2008.
Story Number 5:
Story Number 6:
I am happy for Krystal for the Hollywood movie where she starred in "Streetfighter" was finally released 2 weeks ago. My muse is finally a "Hollywood actress".
And last but not the least...
My parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary was held last December and it was featured in the Cream magazine. Congratulations Tatay and Nanay.
Thanks to HIM for the continued blessings.
| | Bangkok is once again on fire.
Mohamed didn't mind coming back
for the fourth time.
This time, he wanted a new model.
I asked Savi to join us. But by a twist of fate,
Marise, our stylist, modeled for us as well.
These are pictures from Mohamed, Jose Tan and myself.
Credits:
Models: Savinee and Marise Hizo
MUA and Stylist: Marise Hizo
VA: Jose Maria Tan
VA2: Shogo Kuma
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| | Smokin', searin', scintillating...
The temperature was boiling
and our models are burning.
This was a one-on-two workshop
with 2 very promising and talented fotogs.
Irene Fernando (her second workshop with me)
requested a guy model and veils for her daughter Tina.
Granted. And Irene delivered.
Gina Meola is an American gal with so much spirit
and talent. Young and vivacious, she infected
us with vigour and freshness.
Thanks a lot to our models: Bianca, Benz and Tina.
MUA/Stylists: Bianca and Marise
VA/Reflector man: Jose Tan
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A week after their formal announcement, I would like to also announce it here that 2009 started off with a bang for me. I won FIRST Place in the Dusk to Dawn Category of the Digital Camera Magazine (UK) Photographer of the Year Competition. This is significant for me because this is the third year that I joined this competition. Two years ago, I won 3rd Place in Travel Category and a special mention in the overall competition. Last year, I had a highly commended and a commended picture for the People category. This year... of all categories.... Dusk to Dawn! It is so not me.:)
Here's an excerpt from the letter they sent to me:
Dear Manuel
Congratulations – you’re a winner!
The judges in the Digital Camera Photographer of the Year competition have reached a decision – and we’re extremely pleased to tell you that your image, Misty Morning in Bhutan, has been selected as the winning shot in the Dusk to Dawn category.
More than 120,000 entries were received for the 2008 competition, and this was a hotly contested category. You should feel proud of your achievement.
Here's the link to the complete list of winners which include 2 other Pinoy First Placers (Congratulations!!!) and several others who were either highly commended or commended.
Incidentally, I also won second place in http://www.betterphoto.com in their December series for People category. Here's the winning picture which i also took in Bhutan:
I thank Him for His continued blessings.
| | What a homecoming shoot! 3 beautiful ladies and a bunch of very good friends joined me in some fun-shoot. Fun? Well not - if you are afraid of balete tree, cemeteries, tombs, etc. But my models were not.:)
Thanks to Sara, Nicole and Mariliz for gracing the "show".
Thanks Mars for organizing the shoot.
To Eric de los Santos - thanks for lending us the clothes.
Big, Small and Alan - salamat for alternating with the light!
And Mariz.... thanks for the styling! We'll do it again - next year.
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| | It was a cold Saturday - 17 January 2009.
But our shoot was HOT! We had 3 hot models
and Marise did a fabulous job in styling.
And Jose... the ever reliable "light-man"...
he's mastered the art!
Of course, my participants were a big factor for the success of the workshop.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Blondel is a promising team! Based in KL, these French and Malaysian couple are naturally talented photo hobbyists but they are still enthusiastic to learn. Thanks for being my first clients this 2009.
Modelsl: Krystal Vee, Sorana and Artem
MUA/Stylist: Marise Hizo
VA: Jose Santiago Tan
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Through the suggestion of my friend Marc Aviles, I joined this year's Travel Photographer of the Year Competition (TPOTY) because of the lure of the prizes- imagine a tour to India or Cuba, among others.
Since it's my first time to do so, I studied the winner's pages hoping that somehow, the idea of a portfolio shoot will sink on me. On the last day of the contest, I sent in my entries - 3 portfolio in all. How did I choose from my pictures? Instinctively probably. I should have shoot purposely for this competition because choosing pictures retroactively is like trying to squeeze in something big into a tiny hole.
After 2 weeks, I received a letter from TPOTY staff informing me that 3 of my portfolios were shortlisted from thousands that were sent in for the competition - two for Life and one for Joy of Travel Categories. They only chose 30 to shortlist in each category. They attached a file to show my shortlisted portfolios.
 And as promised, today, they released the names of the winners. WOW! Names I am very familiar with. Names who were authors of books I've read about travel photography. Names of famous travel photographers who had published books, articles, blogs and those who conduct travel safari, etc. And me, well, I am happy because though I didn't win, I was one of the Special Mention winners. And since it's my first time to enter ( the winners are veterans of the site and veteran travel photographers), I now know better.
Here's the page of the winners:
And my name appears here:
Incidentally, I also received an email informing me that I have two shorlisted entries for the Digital Camera Magazine (UK) Photographer of the Year in 2 categories. Though I don't really like my pictures that they chose for the short list - I must admit that being shortlisted alone is, by itself, an achievement. Winners will be announced next year.
For Documentary category, here's the photo:
And for the Dawn to Dusk category, here's the shortlisted picture.
Incidentally, I saw a lot of Pinoys who were shortlisted as well : Benjie Balmoris, Marc Aviles, Caloy Zamora, Molimar Molina ( I think he has a good chance of cracking it to the top 5 at least) and many more. Go Pinoy! Good luck to everyone. God bless.
 | Guestbook | |
| Love your stunning pictures... so creative..... |
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drday wrote on Dec 31, '10 Happy New Year and Happy Birth Day, sir |
 | Hi there......
it was really enjoyed browsing through your work :) |
 | Hello Very beautiful picture. ^_^ |
 | wonderful pictures.... a pleasant day sir... i like your multiply theme and layout... just asking what theme is this? and what layout? where can i get like this layout.... tnx sir |
 | everything is just blessed w/ inspiration ! kudos :) |
 | Your works inspired me so much to become a much better photographer, I am hoping to have a workshop with you in the future . |
 | OUTSTANDING SHOTS!!!... I love to attend a session with you here in the philippines. VERY CREATIVE,, =D |
 | cool site your work is very interest |
 | Happy New Year 2010 Manny...
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drday wrote on Jan 1, '10 Wish you a Happy New Year and Forever. |
 | Happy New Year and Happy Birthday... =D |
 | May The Year 2010 Bring for You Happiness, Success and filled with Peace, Hope & Togetherness of your Family & Friends....Wishing You a ...*HAPPY NEW YEAR* |
 | Happy Happy Birthday and Happy New Year Sir Manny! |
 | hapi birthday and hapi new year sir manny |
 | Happy Happy Birthday and Happy New Year too, Sir Manny! =D |
 | Happy Birthday Sir Manny!!!! |
 | Hi Many How r u?
Long time no see.
You r great photographer for me .
Thanks a lot for your inspiration.
Worachat Sodsri |
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own23 wrote on Nov 12, '09 love your work , that's a nice work. |
 | sir salamat sa add! great shots! proud to be an ilongo! tani mka workshop kaman d sa iloilo sir manny. we hope soon. |
 | hats off to you, sir manny! i guess GREAT would be such an understatement! :) |
 | ้ำhello sir.
i realy like your style.
i think you're my inspiration
nice to meet you ^^ |
 | Wwwwooowwww.. my mom emailed me the link to your multiply and I just want to say that your work is absolutely amazing! Thank you very much for sharing your talent! :) |
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