Photographer of the Week
Dan Douglas Ong - The Man Who Knows His Subjects-
by Yugel Losorata–
Some photographers take images of people they don’t know and come up with stories and interpretations of how they have reacted without having to know even their names. But what is important here is that they are able to capture expressions or emotions of their subjects that spell some significance.
However, in the book of 24-year-old Dan Douglas Ong who loves to shoot portraits and fashion, knowing the subject is short of saying it is a must. For him, it makes more sense to photograph someone he already talked to or has knowledge about even in not-so-personal level. That is visually evident after his shutter clicks. Viewers can sense communication going along between the persons captured and the man behind the camera. The connection brings positive effect to the pictures, making faces appear to be talking to anyone looking at them.
“For portraits, it is best to know your subject more, or what they want and who they are. Making one comfortable with you makes the work easier,” explained Dan, a graduate of Computer Science whose interesting portfolio as a lensman makes him more than just an ordinary fellow who finished school.
This talent from Cebu bought his first DSLR back in 2003 – a Canon EOS 300D. But by that time, he was already into Photoshop and editing photos, mostly of his friends. That’s already a telling sign that he puts premium in establishing relationship or good rapport with people who go into his frames.
Using a point-and-shoot camera, his potential as a photographer was noticed, with edgy shots of different faces as proof. Just like a writer doing a profile feature, he does it cool when he knows much about the person in front of his camera.
He straightly emphasized, “I love to shoot fashion and portraits. I love to deal with people!”
Dan is obviously a man of few words, especially when writing down his thoughts. But his photographs seem to tell he converses a lot and will rather let one speak his or her heart first before a shoot. “Let’s have a coffee first then strike a pose” is somewhat the rule in his studio or wherever the shoot is.
Dan’s surname alone suggests his link to the Asian giant China. And destiny made sure he does the great leap forward and study photography in Beijing. For four months, he harnessed his skill at the city where the most recent Olympics was held. Like the Chinese athletes during that great sports spectacle in 2008, he ended up triumphant.
With his works getting published in various newspapers, magazines, ads, and billboards, it’s not far-fetched that he will soon shoot for Vogue Japan or Italia – admittedly his ultimate goal.
A member of Cebu Images Camera Club, Dan, the stable bachelor, enjoys traveling and shooting models. It is for him a kind of liberating oneself. He expressed, “Photography is our right, our freedom. And it makes me proud and happy.”
He surely has the license to shoot, having created photographs of elegance, glamour, and stunning beauty. As always, his subjects are willing targets ready to pose upon his instructions.
An artist truly improves if he is not afraid of making mistakes. That is why perfectionists spend most of their time correcting what they perceive are mistakes. “Make more mistakes because you will learn from them,” he said in a brave manner.
Dan’s young age may logically explain why he thrives in the digital boom. Black-and-white photographs are attractive in some ways. But the dynamic Dan is used to a world that is growing a lot more colorful each passing year. Having developed his in-born talent, his shots come out filled with colors.
