Alabang Ladies International Group

September 2008

One of the great things about living in Manila is the plethora of affordable training
courses offered in English.  If you are looking to hone (or in my case, find) some photography skills, then Manila is certainly the place to be.  In any given month there are numerous courses offered ranging from the basic (how to switch on your new SLR) to the specific (food photography, fine art nude photography..  etc). 

Typically these courses are run by industry leaders, so you really can learn from the masters, for a fraction of the price you would pay at home.  The only trick is figuring our which course is right for you, although who says you only need to do one?

To help make the choice a tad easier we’ve listed some of the main course providers.  This is not an exhaustive list, ask around for more tips, or read one of the excellent locally produced photography magazines, I-Mag
Photography or Digital Photographer Philippines.

PCCI – Philippine Center for Creative Imaging
2nd Floor, Kodak Bldg., 2247 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
Work +63 (2) 759-3087 | Fax +63 (2) 892-5281
Generally regarded as the premier digital training hub in the country, PCCI offers a comprehensive range of courses for photographers and digital artists.  The Basic Photography course is run over 3 intensive days, and they also offer specialized photography courses.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about portraiture, wedding, food and product photography check out their online schedule.

Jumpstart – Doods Tanabe
Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
Husband to Realkid’s Issey Tanabe, Doods runs the “Jumpstart Program”.   A five day course teaching good technique and foundational photography. All students will be invited to display their photography in an exhibit after each course.  Next course runs mid September.

Joy Jesena Barcelon
0916 497 1180
Joy is the President of the Alabang Camera Club and has a studio here in Ayala Alabang.  She runs specialist workshops and will also come to your home for private one on one tuition.  All skill levels.

Jo Avila
Unit 114, Gold Building, 15 Annapolis street, Greenhills, San Juan,0917 5305133.
Jo Avila is one of the great personalities of the Philippines Photography scene, and it is with good reason he says one of his course requirements is a “sense of humour”.  He isn’t kidding.

Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation
302A Femii Building Aduana Street, Intramuros, Manila
(63)(2) 524 7576
Offering basic and advanced photography, every month. Over 1600 graduates have attended the workshops since 1995, many of whom have gone on to become professional photographers and to win national contests against more experienced photographers.