FORGOTTEN LENS

We're often amazed at witnessing things that go down with our history. The time that has passed was inculcated and evident with these things. Vintage was used to describe these timeless pieces. With the continuous emerging of technology and the global market, one question lingers in the minds of the people and things that witnessed the history of yesterday. Would the art of skilled workers last and how would they cope up with this cliché thing called "change"?

Photography was invented in the 19th century. It is the combination of Greek roots phōtos, "light," and graphé, which means "represent by drawing lines". With that, photography essentially means "drawing with the light". The art of capturing images using light has expanded far beyond what the original photographers could have imagined.

With the staggering rise of technologies, there are still workers and businesses who prefer to make it conventionally. Consumer perception relies on the evolving advancement in the market. Trendy goods became fast-moving goods as if it was a need rather than just being a want. The product life cycle for goods and even skilled workers often decline and come to an end in a short time probably for the reason that they've found it hard to manage the changes.

One thing that points us to these situations is the story of ---- forgotten lens. Way back then, we were not familiar with photography. 1990's babies would remember photography with the cameras that have films and have it developed or portrait pictures with the family that is done in the studios. From the very popular Kodak film cameras, digital cameras, manual development of pictures to images that can be store and edited to our mobile phones. We can already take a snap in an instant. But how does the development of technology particularly the birth of mobile phones lead us to forgetting our photographers or in General Santos' colloquial term "maniniyot" or "kodaker."

At the city plaza of General Santos City, we have bumped into these photographers. With them are the barely hanging digital cameras that are accompanied by the skills that they have accumulated through time to bring wonderful pictures. With the package deals that cost thousands of pesos for different occasions, these photographers offer a large price difference.

As young as 12 years old, Tatay Clede Salvacion Sr. started his journey with photography. He shared with us his passion and love for it that until now, at the age of 82 he keeps on taking photographs. Over the years it was his only job that feed his family and was the way to provide for the academic needs of his children. A big smile on his face would tell how proud he is that his children are now degree holders.

We asked him how he was able to cope with all that has happened in these trying time of pandemic. He told us that even if it was hard, he will continue to pursue photography until he is still able to do it physically. Right now, it wasn't just about the money that he earns, but more about living his life and passion. He hopes that there are still people who will approach him to take a photo for them – this simple gesture completes his day at the plaza.

"I'm on the verge of surrendering" that was the words of Tatay Rodrigo Narrido, the second photographer we had bumped into, we were slightly taken aback as we were expecting an answer about his job in general, but we were glad he could openly express himself during that time. During the pandemic, he continued doing his job. He strongly agrees that photographers like him walking and offering his service in the plaza were unfortunately forgotten by the time so does the work that once gave joy to people in capturing and materializing their moments.

He has been working since 1987 in General Santos City, he already tried another job but out of passion he keeps coming back to being a photographer. When asked about his daily income during this trying time, he revealed gaining 100 pesos sometimes and none on other times. Along with Tatay Clede, they are both in an association but independently earning their income. As we interview him, he got emotional talking about his job but still keep saying to himself and us he have to keep fighting and be strong because 'this is the life.'

Those little talks with us might have helped them feel better even for a little moment. That time, we might have let them say what they want to say, to let them vent. We all had it hard, and we should be kind to every people we meet. We can also help them in little ways, if you are a tourist or just a Heneral that has a budget and can afford to help someone, then you should. You could ask them for a click but that one or three clicks for them is what puts food on their table.

They hope that there are still people who would appreciate them even in the continuous rise of technology. We might have invited them first but at the end of our encounter, they have left a gift and a lesson for us—resiliency.