Monday, January 21, 2008 Love above the clouds By Jojie Alcantara
A FEW years back, a pre-wedding shoot (or prenuptial) was unheard of. These were optional sessions upon request of the bride and groom. When Rhonson Ng, noted photographer in Davao, put up his portrait studio a year ago, he decided to concentrate on weddings and special events.
A pre-wedding shoot was his specialty because it encourages him to bond with the couple before their wedding day. As much as possible, he doesn't like doing pictorials in the same location.
Rhonson's background in photography is varied, having been the photographer for the Department of Tourism XI for a few years before moving up on his own.
Rhonson is an outdoor gypsy, traveling from Luzon to Mindanao and around the islands in search of stunning landscapes, portraits, and local color.
He is a caver, having explored the underground depths and was among the pioneers in a group who discovered unexplored caves in Tuguegarao. His stamina allows him to dive, rapel, participate in "amazing races", and undergo rescue training as guide. His most particular passion, though, is mountain climbing.
He has remarkable experiences in ascending our country's prominent peaks: Mt. Pulag (Philippines' 2nd highest), Mt. Mayon (a very difficult ascent for him); Mt. Halcon in Mindoro (one of the most technically challenging for him); Mt. Kanlaon in Bacolod; Mt. Pinatubo; Mt. Banahaw (as the most supernatural and mystery-filled); and other lesser known mountains.
In Mindanao, he has climbed Mt. Candalaga in Maragusan (where he photographed a rafflesia in the wild); White Peak in New Bataan (moss-filled and dreamy); Mt. Hamiguitan in San Isidro (home to the vast wild pygmy tree forest); and his dream destination which he conquered in 2002, the majestic Mount Apo.
Upon leaving the hustle of Manila's metropolis and settling here in Davao, he has been climbing Mount Apo every year as one of the guides. One of his photos at the peak made it to the cover of Mabuhay Magazine, in a coffee table book of Philippines' Best 200 Images (Epson Epix), and in an ad for the Asean Tourism Forum in Action Asia international magazine. His images are often seen in tourism brochures, tarpaulins, billboards and other promotional materials.
His passion for photography and mountain climbing was again put into test when he accepted his client's request: this bride and groom-to-be wanted their pre-wedding pictorials at the top of Mount Apo. With an assistant photographer and videographer (Ronald) in tow, four porters, and fellow photographer friend (Arjay) who wanted to tag along for a first time experience, they set out on a clear day, only to be besieged by a storm midway up the peak (sudden weather changes up in the mountains are normal).
Jong Peloton (the groom) was also a mountaineer buddy of Rhonson. It was the bride, Rubi Ong, who was a first timer. Instead of getting freaked out by the experience, they wore their gown and suit at the top of the peak and declared their love above the clouds, right where the sunset suddenly transformed the skies into a fiery red and orange. For Rhonson, he got his pre-wedding dream images.
The climb, though tricky and hazardous because of the rain, was well worth the experience for the couple, even if a risky one for Rhon's equipment. Congratulations to the lovely couple's wedding last January 12.
After having viewed the images on a screen projector presentation (backed up by Jack Johnson's music), a guest came up to him and asked if he can do a pre-wedding session in a cave. Rhonson's chinky eyes lit up at the idea.
Rhonson's studio is located at Matina Town Square. He teaches basic and advance photography workshops and for more information, you can email him at rhonson.ng@gmail.com. More of his images can be viewed in www.rhonsonphotography.com. (E-mail writer at jojiealcantara@gmail.com and view her website www.witerary.com.)
