By Macel Feliciano PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK Raymond Tanhueco Raymond Tanhueco, or RT to his friends and colleagues, is administrator and curator of Street Walkers PH, a founding administrator of the Gen-X Project, and a former administrator of the Filipino Street Photographers. He joined a few international contests early on and even made it as a finalist in the Urban Picnic Street Photography Competition in 2013 with his photo making it to an exhibition in Essex, UK. He says he is not a credentialed photographer. But his eye and sense for excellence are definitely recognized in the industry, especially in 2017, when he got significantly involved in the local photography scene. “When I’m asked to judge contests, to curate for group exhibitions, to lead photo walks, to give talks on street photography, to mentor participants in a contest, to critique individual works, or even messaged privately for advice on an individual’s images, it tells me that I have value to them and that I have something to share for the betterment of their craft. That, to me, is the recognition I consider best—the belief and confidence of peers and fellow hobbyists in the type of photography I do,” Raymond explains. It is evident that street photography is Raymond’s genre of choice. The genuineness and beauty of the mundane are what inspire him to create images to express his view of the world. “My favorite subject is daily life and the people, objects, and activities that imply it. It is real, it is authentic, and it is relatable. Images may turn out to be quirky, naughty, funny, eyecandy, creepy, or even poignant, but they are all that I make up of what is out there.” According to him, one of the best things in practicing street photography is the opportunity to link up with like-minded individuals with whom he can share in the process of making photographs and the endless journey of learning more and more about the craft. Raymond first took up photography to escape the rigors of corporate life. He was an OFW in the IT field when he joined his company’s photography club. “I experienced shooting different genres but sadly, I felt that the group discussions were dominated by very technical aspects in post-processing skills and output. The pictures shared seemed unreal depictions of what actually is. I almost lost interest in photography in general.” Forrtunately, he was encouraged anew when he stumbled upon the Filipino Street Photographers on Facebook. “I found this type of photography’s rawness closer to reality and to my heart. Capturing unposed, unstaged, unadulterated scenes of daily life with little to no technical post-processing and manipulation required to maintain its authenticity, is a significant influence for me to take it up as a serious hobby.” Wanting to supplement his own study, Raymond underwent street photography workshops by Kevin Wy Lee of Invisible Photographer Asia or IPA, David Gibson of iN-Public, and an editing and curating workshop by curator and expert in Southeast Asia photography history, Zhuang Wu Bin. As a hobbyist, Raymond considers a photograph effective when it gratifies the purpose of the one who took it. But to him, the success of an image also depends on the eye of the beholder. “In street photography, there is always a confluence of unrelated elements or strange subjects that the photographer can put in a frame to form, show, or say something. Technical and traditionally accepted treatments aside though, its effectiveness may be subject to other factors like the viewer’s visual literacy level and the background or type of assembly it is being presented to. Loosely, a photograph is effective when presented to the right audience.” Raymond sees his craft as an extension of his very self. Its impact and importance in his life are very evident in how he views it.“Photography now serves as a personal visual diary for me. It reminds me of where, when, why I’ve been to a certain place at a certain period of my life. Oftentimes, it also helps me relive memories and experiences—good or bad, they serve a lesson and influence how I live every day of my life.” His goals as a lensman include many that other photographers hold in common. But he goes beyond his personal aspirations to dream for the whole industry. “Many photographers, hobbyists, and professionals alike secretly dream of a solo exhibit, perhaps publish a photozine or a photobook in the future. I must admit that I am no exception. That is personal. On the other hand, I also hope to continue to inspire and challenge fellow hobbyists. Continue what I am doing now and grow with them. And I wish that someday, we can have our own Manila photography festival dedicated to the type of photography we love—street photography— much like what some American States and European countries hold annually.” Raymond leaves these words of wisdom culled from years of experience in the streets to other aspiring street photographers: “Keep your mind open and yield to new knowledge. Savor the experience and shoot what the streets give you.”