Featured Photographer
 
 
 
Albay
2006
 
 
 
Roller Coaster
Shoot
2007
 
 
 
 
Manila Zoo
2007
 
Photo by Mike Ajero
 
 
“Quotes”
 
“Always think positive”
 
“Just do it”
 
“Nothing is impossible”
 
“You're only as good as your last job”
 
 
 
 
See some of John’s best photos
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visit Pinoy Photography
 
Photo by Regie Fernando
 
JOHN K. CHUA
John explaining how he took the Ford Everest shot in Vigan at the first Manila Zoo EB of PiPho
Depth of Field 8/8/2007 Text by Eric Isaac If asked for another single prefix to the word photographer that would best describe John Chua, certainly, adventure aptly applies -- John Chua, adventure photographer.  Because his approach to every project seems to convey a sense of adventure; undaunted by unchartered trails.  Take for example his use of a Garmin GPS which enabled him to locate the exact location of a ship in the open sea so he could shoot it at its usual cruising speed.  Had he lacked the necessary resolve to take on such daring adventures, he couldn't have learned to use any of those precision digital mapping instruments; thus, lose the client's confidence in him as well. Yet through it all, John humbly credits his positive outlook which empowers him to deftly explore and exploit current technological advances to his advantage. John's passion for photography began when he bought his first camera in 1969.  It was a second-hand Nikkormat which he always carried with him -- photographing anything and everything that intrigued him. Four years later, confident of having mastered the tools of his trade, he ventured into the professional arena by opening a studio and naming it Adphoto Philippines, which was later renamed, Adphoto, Inc.  Thereafter, during the ensuing three decades, John received multiple awards both here and abroad for his works in the field of advertising photography. His sense for adventure also became apparent during those early years.   He made his studio as one of the best equipped in the entire country; thus, enabling himself to meet the growing demands of his major clients.  In 1992, he built the country's first car photography studio for print advertising. In 1994, he invested in Aaron Jones' original Hosemaster Lightpainting System which allowed him to "shape" and "art direct" light to bring out the finer details, textures and colors of the products he was photographing. In 1995, his studio was among the first to combine photography and digital imaging. John began to explore digital cameras in 2000.  It took no time for him to master it; neither did it take much time for the advertising industry to hear about his expertise with it.  Unarguably, the digital camera technology was heaven-sent for most in the advertising community, especially for those creative personnel who regularly encounter seemingly unrealistic deadlines.  With it, instant results are generated within seconds; clients are also able to react to the competitors' ad campaigns with very short lead times.  Hence, John's reputation as both an innovator and a master digital photographer generated even more respect, as well as additional lucrative projects from his growing lists of clientele. Despite his continued successes, recognitions, and major projects, John also makes time for community service.  1979, he organized the first Imbayah (Festival of Ethnic Games) in Banaue, Ifugao.  Last year he went to Albay to document the devastation created by Typhoon Reming.  These days,  he works as a part-time volunteer at the Manila Zoo, taking care of an Asian elephant named Maali. John is also one to share his blessings with the entire photography industry. In 2006, he initiated the project to redevelop R. Hidalgo Street in Manila into a National Photography Center, which certainly boosted the popularity and sales of digital photography in the country. He also continually share his accumulated expertise with novices and serious enthusiasts.  He organized Walk the Talk at Baywalk by initially inviting 30 photographers of PinoyPhotography.Org on a strictly one-direction, no backtracking photo walk on Baywalk. Ultimately, 140 photographers signed up and joined him in this event.  He would also show up at Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation's basic photography seminars every now and then to inspire the attendees with his mottos – Nothing is impossible; Just do it; You're only as good as your last job; No excuses and Always think positive. To date, John continues to tirelessly challenge himself.  And in so doing, amazes his clients and colleagues in the industry to no end. John shares his studio and home with his wife, Harvey, and daughter, Kathy.  One of his two other daughters is married and living in Singapore, while the other is pursuing her graduate studies in the University of Toronto.  There are also beloved pets in the household: Lucas, a black Labrador; Ginger, a yellow Labrador; Patch, an apricot poodle; and a friendly and ever loyal African lovebird, Picco, who keeps John company whenever he's in the studio working overtime on his images.http://senorenrique.blogspot.com/shapeimage_2_link_0
Pinoy Photography’s Depth of Field