Myktography: Translating Music into Photographs

Armed with a camera and a keen eye for photography, Myktography has captured moments from small bar gigs to large concert venues. His images, which mostly feature local bands, have been making rounds in the internet letting his audience appreciate the art of live concert photography.

His fondness for watching local gigs led him to this craft he is most passionate about. And he is happy to share not only his photographs but his love for it, too. From shooting family reunions to the Eraserheads, let’s know more about Myktography in our interview below.

Hi, Myk! Please tell us something about yourself and Myktography.

Ako si Myk, a freelance photographer from L.A. (Lower Antipolo.) Nagsimula ako magshoot around 2008 gamit ang lumang digital camera. Uma-attend lang ako noon at kumukuha ng photos ng mga favourite kong bands and artists.

Myktography dahil shortcut siya for “Michael’s Photography.” Usually kasi kapag photographer, ang format is photographer’s name + Photography so para maiba, ginawa kong Myktography.

1

When and how did your passion for photography begin?

Hindi ko na matandaan pero noong bata pa ako, madalas akong inuutusan mag-take ng pictures sa birthdays ng pinsan. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na mag-turn ng moments into photographs kaya photography ang inaral ko. Pinangarap ko magkaroon ng sariling camera at maging photographer dahil eto lang ang gusto kong gawin. Hindi pa ako nanunuod ng gigs that time (not into rock ‘n’ roll pa hehe) at hanggang ngayon inaaral ko pa rin siya.

6

There are so many fields of photography … Why did you choose to focus on shooting concerts and live events?

Around 2005, nadiscover ko ang Eheads and doon nagbago ang taste ko sa music coming from Pinoy hip-hop and rap. Kaso wala na ang Eheads nung naging fan nila ako so bumili ako ng songhits with complete Eraserheads and PNE songs plus short histories and gig photos noong ‘90s. Doon na nagsimula.

Nakita ko ‘yung bar gigs/concert photos na kuha ni Brutal Grace (Ed’s note: a photographer from Pulp Magazine) at sobrang natuwa ako. Parang ang rare kasi nun – na-capture niya ang moments na hindi ko naabutan at doon ako na-inspire na magshoot din ng music; umattend ng mga gig at picturan ang paborito kong bands. Para ma-capture, ma-preserve, and ma-immortalize ‘yung moments into photographs.

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na alam ko, kahit papaano , na nakakatulong ako sa mga musician thru photographs. Nagagamit nila ‘yung photos pangpromote ng gigs or minsan posters. Para rin ako nagiging part ng band history nila. J

markmaya

What is your most memorable shoot so far? Why?

Ely Buendia sings his greatest hits, August, 30, 2012

Medyo matagal na siya pero parang siya ‘yung unang pumapasok sa isip ko kapag sinasabing memorable gig. Dahil syempre fan ako ng Eheads at Ely Buendia ‘yan!

Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, eto yata ‘yung first greatest hits concert nila at nakakuha ako ng photographer access. Eto ‘yung unang gig na nakakuha ako ng photographer’s ID na may name ko – ang sarap sa pakiramdam. At ang sarap magshoot kapag alam mong may karapatan kang magshoot sa event.

After nung concert, sinama ako ng sponsor sa dressing room ni Ely and doon niya ako pinakilala bilang photographer. So nakapagpa-picture ako with him wearing my ID. Hehe.

10

Aside from photography, what are your other interests?

Pag-akyat ng bundok – hiking, trekking, camping. Adventure.

What should we look forward to with Myktography? Any collaborations or exhibits?

Punta sa mga gig, mag-shoot. Collaborations or exhibit? Wala pa namang plans pero game ako ‘dun!

sandwich with mayo

Myktography’s TeamManila Three on Three

Top Three Favorite Local Bands to Listen to
1. Pupil
2. Sandwich
3. Eraserheads

Top Three Street Food
1. Pork and chicken isaw
2. Kwek-kwek
3. Siomai

Top Three Local Destinations to Shoot
1. Mt. Pulag with a sea of clouds in Benguet
2. Mt. Sicapoo in ilocos
3. Nagsasa Cove in Zambales

See more of Myktography here.

TEETH live 2014

Categories Art + Design, Lifestyle