Opportunities come abound in Olongapo City when it comes to landscape photography. Thus, there’s much logic when Subic resident Dr. Diosdado “Dodi” Dominado has embraced the field as a response to his photography hobby. He is now the president of Olongapo Camerabugs Photography Club, Inc. For three years, the club has established itself as a winner’s group, with some of its members taking home big contest trophies as if it's just a regular thing.
"Here, my friends and I can easily go to the beaches and forests in pursuit of the perfect picture," shares the 70-year-old hobbyist who is a doctor by profession.
Three of his first-place photos in different competitions were Subic-based, proving there's much to capture at home. These included the Subic Clicks Photo Contest (Olongapo category, 2009), Clark Hot Air Balloon 2008, and Subic Bay Biay Festival in 2007.
Dodi's age may suggest that he is one who sticks by his generation's ways, not wanting to deal with what the present offers. But he works only with digital SLR and most of the time he's into colored shots because, in his own words, color allows him to clearly show the beauty of his subjects.
A close look into his portfolio reveals no clue that Dodi is at the prime of his life. His photos are timeless and the photographer in him is ageless. The photographs communicate with the soul of the viewer, thus the barrier that age gap separates has disintegrated.
"My goal," he points out, "is to capture images to show how beautiful, precious, and fragile our surroundings are. I like to get up close to show the beauty of a flower, to show the grandeur of a landscape. I strive to capture the moment in such a way that it reminds me how it felt to be there. My hope is to take the viewer to each location, offer the beauty of each scene in order for them to appreciate the land we live in."
Born in Botolan Zambales, Dodi studied in Metro Manila’s three top universities. He spent high school at the Ateneo de Manila, finished pre-med at the University of the Philippines, and wrapped up medicine at the University of Santo Tomas. He is for years a physician affiliated with Olongapo's Mother and Child General Hospital.
His weekend hobby began in the early ‘70s when a friend in the medical profession introduced him to photography. At that time, he had an improvised dark room to develop his pictures as it took two decades for him to own his first digital camera – a Nikon Coolpix 5600 which practically gave him a new freedom for creativity. That liberty resulted to more wonderful shots. During the Photoworld Cup last year, he took four of the magic ten places after the contest judging, including the top spot.
Speaking in almost technical tongue, Dodi explains, "Camera angle, depth of field, exposure time, and lighting are effects that alter the mood of my image. Slanted angles, jagged edges and corners give a definite sense of tension and unease, while soft focus implies safety and warmth."
For him, the three basic principles in shooting are: learn the basics of photography, understand the rule of thirds and why lighting is central to photography; take your camera with you and take pictures of anything that is of interest to you; and use a tripod and four, invest in the right equipment.
Words of wisdom naturally come from senior citizens, regardless of what they have achieved through the years. But Dodi is one who has credentials to prove – his job which cares for the sick and putting his heart each time he shoots, knowing that eyes are bound to see his work. That heart keeps beating, and it was what pushed him into joining an exhibit for a cause done in 2008 at the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay.
The challenge to deliver the perfect image is a continuing concern for Dodi so as to remain competent despite his age. He's been successful at doing that and his love for the environment has given photography a purpose in his life that is sure to last for years. "Photography is a powerful tool in today’s environment, so much so that people have expressed concerns about its objectivity. It is all around us. It influences all our daily activities, including attitudes and opinions."
The doctor is no doubt “in” and so as his alter ego being a photographer.