Mountain Province Landscapes and a Portrait

[Toto Gamboa]

Got this during my Mt Province vacation last easter! Together with the cold weather and the Mountain Shrike, what more can one ask from these mountains.

Taken along the Halsema Highway, I never thought I would see anything like this in the country. I got these shots on our way down to Baguio.


Canon 550D, 18-55mm Kit Lens
Shot @ 18mm, f9, 1/1250", ISO100, Full Frame, Handheld

Here is another.


Canon 550D, 18-55mm Kit Lens
Shot @ 18mm, f9, 1/1600", ISO100, Full Frame, Handheld

When we stopped by Baguio, I thought it would be a nice time to shoot those renowned Igorot faces in the botanical garden. Didn't know it was that expensive to shoot them though.

As we arrive, slapped my cam with an 85mm and started shooting them. They posed but the expressions on their faces shout money, money, money and the background isnt desirable as they would only pose with their backs against the facade of the garden giving little bokeh. Each native would ask for 20 pesos per photosession. I shelled out P240 in all so I can get shots from those faces that I like.

Went to the parking area and scanned my shots, it turned out that everything was horrible. The expressions on their faces scream for more money. It was that horrible.

Enough, I want more candid shots .. I said to myself. So I slapped my birding lens and positioned myself from afar, where they wont notice and hound me for P20. ;D

Caught in one of her unguarded moments, unmindful of money, leisurely filling up her lungs with good old smoke, I got the facial expression and creamy background that I want from this photogenic Igorota. I got this gem for free. Thanks to my birding lens


Canon 50D, EF 400mm f5.6L
Shot @ f5.6, 1/400", ISO160, Full Frame, Handheld

I left the area smiling!

[Romy Ocon]

Wowwwww...... spectacular shots of the Cordilleras, both the place and its people! Excellent work, Toto. Driving through the Halsema Highway above the clouds is indeed an experience one will never forget.

[ppaaoolloo]

Glenn another winner in my book. This is how landscape and street photography are to be done. Naturally and unguarded. ;D

As for the 'posed' shots I am guessing this is what every tourist wants. Hopefully by July I would be able to focus on Mountain birds.

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

nice shots of the locals toto!

I went to Baguio too but all I got of a local was..

Take note of how the gentleman standing at the right is posing

[Mark Itol]

Breathtaking landscapes and beautifully captured portrait, bro.

Yes I can recall those Igorots at the Botanical Gardens who charge a fee in exchange for a glamor shot; the ones at Mines View Park ask for a higher talent fee.

[Lydia Robledo]

Galing, Glenn. I wish I can take photos like that. telyds

[Toto Gamboa]

Thanks guys for the generous appreciation. These were lifers for me too. Will surely go back to the Cordilleras soon. I wonder how cold it would be up there during the coldest months of the year. Hmmmmm.

[Ariel Matias]

Nice and beautiful! I remember when my family and I went to Peru and Macchu Picchu last year, the locals would also ask for money whenever I take pictures of them...somehow, their physical appearance have some similarities...just want to share..

[Ely Teehankee]

Beautiful scenery. I have been wanting to go there but the long drive and scarcity of birds makes me think twice about going. Your pictures certainly gives me a second thought. Well done Toto. Mabuhay.

[Toto Gamboa]

Apr 12, 2010 22:26:51 GMT Ariel Matias said:

Nice and beautiful! I remember when my family and I went to Peru and Macchu Picchu last year, the locals would also ask for money whenever I take pictures of them...somehow, their physical appearance have some similarities...just want to share..

Wow Ariel! Great portrait shots! At first glance, I thought you were in baguio too. Seems these people are on the same bloodlines!

Apr 12, 2010 23:40:50 GMT Ely Teehankee said:

Beautiful scenery. I have been wanting to go there but the long drive and scarcity of birds makes me think twice about going. Your pictures certainly gives me a second thought. Well done Toto. Mabuhay.

Thank you sir Ely. You should try going up there. It would be worth the trip. With an 800mm, you will surely have a bountiful harvest by just shooting along the road.