Through the Lens, Clearly

Positively Creative Melo–

When Carmelo Paulo R. Bayarcal took up photography two years ago, it was for a very uncommon reason. He had to save his health from failing further. Melo had just been diagnosed to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Panic and suffered almost all the symptoms of the condition. He was experiencing recurring palpitations, choking, nausea, hypochondria, and unfounded fear, all due to work-related stress.

Raffy Paredes

With his condition getting worse every day, Melo relates that he needed a positive and creative outlet. He took a leave of absence from work and began on photography. He shares: “I devoted my time and energy in learning photography. I read photography books, took photos from a borrowed SLR, and browsed photography articles online.” He found that his new hobby helped him in managing his anxieties. “It helped me see things (and life) in a different perspective,” says Melo.

Viewers of Melo’s photography may find it hard to believe that he started shooting only two years ago. His images reveal a meticulous, yet adventurous and versatile photographer shooting varied subjects in different lighting conditions.

And while he shoots “almost everything – landscapes, nature, macro, portraits, artistic nude, night scapes, even abstract,” Melo says that what he is looking to capture is “the conflict and tension it poses.”

“I see every subject as the sum of all the contrasts man can see and feel,” he shares. “Light vs. shadow, smooth vs. rough, straight vs. curve, soft vs. hard, etc. – all these tell a story that makes us realize how little our eyes permit us to see. I always aim to present subjects in a different light and in a novel perspective. This way, viewers may have a new appreciation of subjects through my photos.”

Melo also treats his photography as a continuous experiment. He tries mixing different elements with his subjects to come up with images that are interesting and that draw a personal connection with the viewers. “I like viewers to look at my images and see not the subject, not the artist that took the image, but themselves.” He also wishes they may see in his work the beauty of life and living amidst all the conflict, tension and contrast around us.

Still a part-time photographer, Melo discloses that the majority of his photos find their place in family albums. However, he has also done photography projects for organizations and establishments with some of his works on display at 1962 Tambayanan Bar in Sct. Madrinan, Quezon City.

Aside from a DSLR, Melo also shoots with a Holga 120, a plastic lomo film camera. Like many creative enthusiasts, he believes that more than the equipment, “what matters is how you capture every moment and how you compose every photo. Consider your camera as a tool for seeing things differently,” he says.

To newbies in the craft, he advises: Read books. Be inspired. Never get discouraged. And respect your fellow photographic artist.

Readers are invited to see more of Melo’s artistic photography at www.flickr.com/photos/carmelobayarcal/.