STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

In my previous solo photo walk around Manila two days before this solo photo walk, I may have overcommitted to do it on a daily basis (and that’s very usual of me, but oh well). We know for a fact that it is totally not safe to go outside very often because of the pandemic, hence street photography in Manila can’t be done on a very frequent basis, but since I have a #TakeSherlynToNatGeo project (which you can view at my Instagram portfolio @sherlynmaehernandez, I need to make this happen. And since I’m making the photo walk as a motivation to go out and do some Nordic walking every other day, I think I’ll do every other day.

Given this, I decided to spend my Sunday afternoon walking around and taking photos. I’ve been craving for some J.Pops lately and I found out that there’s a J.Co branch at the United Nations Avenue right across the US Embassy, and I decided to take that route for my Nordic walking session.

I walked along Taft Avenue north-bound and then the United Nations Avenue to reach Roxas Boulevard, where the J.Co Donuts branch is. I was actually planning to have a themed photo walk session today where I will try to take photos of the different transportations in Manila. However, I came across very interesting subjects along the way. I took photos of some transportations for sure, but I can collect more later and write a separate post about it.

One thing I learned from a friend who’s also into photography and filmmaking was to survey the place first before shooting any photos and videos. True enough, I came across so many possible good photos but I only saw them when it’s not the perfect time to take a photo (I’m very concerned about my phone getting snatched or something. Hey, this is Manila.) and when it’s already dark. The good thing, I can always go back and take photos of them next time.

Here are some shots of street photography in Manila, Philippines I took along Taft Avenue and United Nations Avenue:

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES: Taft Avenue

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Man on a Bicycle Creating a Reflection in the Puddle — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Man on a Bicycle Creating a Reflection in the Puddle Along Taft Avenue

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Woman Alighting a Bus — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Woman Alighting a Bus Along Taft Avenue

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Jeepney in Padre Faura Street — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Jeepney in Padre Faura Street

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Person with Unique Hairstyle Waiting for a Ride — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Person with Unique Hairstyle Waiting for a Ride

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Woman Sitting on an Barrier — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Woman Sitting on an Barrier

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Gasoline Station Staff Talking to Driver — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Gasoline Station Staff Talking to Driver

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Women Chatting in a Waiting Shed — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Women Chatting in a Waiting Shed

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES: Taking a Turn at United Nations Avenue

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Pedicabs Parked Waiting for Passengers — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Pedicabs Parked Waiting for Passengers Along United Nations Avenue

Hang on! There is a new McDonald’s branch here, WITH A MCCAFE??! I’m in!!!

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Man in Bike Passing by McDonalds — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Man in Bike Passing by McDonalds

Street Photography in Manila, Philippines - Couple Eating at McDonalds — Street Photography in Manila, Philippines – Couple Eating at McDonalds

TAKEAWAYS!

I’m still super sneaky about taking street photos! For one, it’s the random catcallers I get really disturbed and scared about. Second, I’m afraid of the possible confrontation I could get from people I’m taking photos of (so if you have tips on how to overcome this, please please I badly need it). Lastly, I should go out earlier because walking in the streets of Manila at night time is totally not a good idea.

With a few push on my lazyass being, I can make this a regular thing! I just need to practice my craft to make it to NatGeo lol! But seriously, I can read and watch all tutorials out there, but nothing will happen if I will not practice, right?