Digos SoCCom Armed with Liturgical Photography Workshop

In the hope of organizing the Parish photographers throughout the Diocese of Digos, a seminar-workshop on Basic Digital Photography and Photojournalism was conducted on February 4, 2023 at the Diocesan Seminar House in Digos City.

There were 13 parishes represented on said event namely: St Therese of Avila Parish-Malalag, Sto. Rosario Parish- Malita, St. Francis de Assisi- Banate, St. Michael Parish- Padada, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish- Guihing, San Isidro Labrador Parish- Digos, Sto. Nino Mission Station- Molopolo, St. Michael Parish- Matanao, Immaculate Conception Parish- Bansalan, San Vicente Ferrer Parish- Bangkal, Our Lady of Fatima Parish-Matti, Divine Mercy Parish-Sinawilan and St. Joseph the Worker Parish-Sta Cruz.

The day was split into two topics which were: Basic Digital Photography that also covers Liturgical photography and etiquette in Church Photography, this was tackled by RJ de la Cruz from St Joseph the Worker Parish SocCom Teaching & Training Team. De la Cruz has been a church photographer for more than five years now, he has covered several events in the diocese and other dioceses, including presbyteral and episcopal ordinations. He also represented Digos during the National Catholic Media Convention in Batangas and former president of Davao Photographers’ Club. His years of experience and expertise in photography inspire the young volunteers to improve their craft.

PHOTOJOURNALISM IS PHOTOGRAPHY, BUT PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT NECESSARILY PHOTOJOURNALISM.

The second topic was equally important as a Catholic Media practitioner. Photojournalism requires not just skills in photography but also knowledge in converting these photographs into a story material. This time, the participants were honed to write captions or short stories describing the photos they took and of chronicling events through photographs. The topic was discussed by Mr. Julius R. Paner, also from St. Joseph the Worker Parish SocCom Teaching & Training Team. Julius was one of the first participants trained by Davao Catholic Herald when they came to Digos. He has been into photography since his college days. He is presently the senior tourism officer of LGU Sta. Cruz, a blogger and a wildlife photographer whose works are featured in the national and international media outlets. Sharing some of his previous materials to the participants has inspired them even more.

“Every time we raise the camera to our eyes, we become morally responsible to ‘the photographed’ as well as the viewers.” Responsible photography is the embodiment of both the speakers. They emphasized the huge responsibility of the photographers toward their subject and toward the viewing public. Questions were raised after each topic, which were addressed accordingly by the hosts, Mr. Al and Ms. Blaze.

The workshop outputs were evaluated and given friendly ratings based on the standards set by these gentlemen. Certificates were given at the end of the day, which were signed by the Director of SocCom, Fr. Allan Joie Nunez, SocCom coordinator, Mr. Al Divinagracia and Ms. Blaze Cantaros as chief of Teaching & Training Team.

“We are going extinct and we need to thrive, not just for this modern society but for the Catholic communities. Let’s bring the church to the community by circulating our inspiring photos and stories.” Remember that photojournalists are as important as the writers, Paner said to seal his talk. (SUGID)