Jimbo Cruz
Photo by John Panelo

When and how did you start photography?

• My interest in photography goes way back.. almost 10 years ago. During that time, things were very different. The only person I knew who had a similar interest in camera was ex-pres Joel V.

Tell us more about your photography history

• Joel and I were both busy with other things, so there was really no chance to practice and learn. Anyway, to cut the long story short, my Minolta Dynax 500si didn’t see much action until my interest in photography almost vanished. But alas! In 2005, an old friend of mine asked me to take their family picture using his Nikon D70 camera. As soon as the thing landed on my hands, I knew my wallet was going to take a hit.. big time! Two months later, I was holding on to my very own Nikon D70s! Then the rest is history…

Basic body and lens setup (name just one body and one lens that you always use)

• I usually go with my Nikon D300 paired with my nikon 16-85mm lens… good range!

Would you consider turning pro?

• Right now, I’m still 50-50 on the idea. I think the main reason why I’m enjoying photography now is because I don’t get stressed by it. Right now it’s just a hobby, an outlet of some sort. But eventually, it is still a possible business venture that me and my wife are thinking of. Most probably, we’ll be setting it up in the Philippines. I think the market back home for this kind of business hasn’t peaked yet. It’s on a steady climb, but way too far from its peak…

Favorite subjects to capture:

• Right now, I’m trying to focus on portraiture. So subject-wise, people. But on the side, taking photos of lightning also challenges me.

Favorite photo captured to date:

• For now, it would be this one. I guess I can safely claim that it’s one of a kind!
  

Name members whose photographs amaze you:

• Ka-Rommie on portraiture, LeoB on macro, dannyS and alvin on street ops, glensky for his style.

Do you have a visual on a dream image you want to capture?

• Nothing as of yet. But I do visualize on being able to create images with minimal effort on setup, shooting (no machine gun mode),
  framing and lighting. I think it’s achievable with enough practice.

Name one non-electric camera gear that you cannot live without.

• My nikon remote cord mc-30. I’ve always been fascinated with capturing lightning (my other fav subject). I can’t imagine taking those shots without it.

Approximately, how many gb of photos do you have to date?

• i’ve got around 1TB of photos including the backups.

Ever experienced an embarrassing moment related to photography?

• none so far… *crossing my fingers*

Where can we see your portfolio?

• I have my flickr collection here and our pbase website here

How did you found out PinoyCSers?

• Through Joel V. I was asking him to join the group that I was with then but I ended up joining PinoyCSers instead.

Give readers one tip to capture great photos.

• Always be wary of the background. A noisy background will always find a way to ruin an image, no matter what.