Pagsanjan River, a photo from Laguna, Southern Tagalog

Photographer's Note

I had worked for a year in Australia, and decided to come back "the pretty way" via the Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand. This photograph was made on the three-day stop-over in Manila. The Pagsanjan River (aka Bumbungan River) is justly famous, and an important tourist honeypot, largely as a result of the Pagsanjan Gorge, Rapids and waterfall, further upstream. But the river is still used as a transport link and the locals still fish its waters. Here is a fisherman in his dugout canoe, which presumably hasn't changed its design for millennia. At least I presume he was fishing: I can't see any nets or lines...

Gigidusud, marina7, jhm, tedesse, fabbs99 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

siudzi (23857) 2013-02-03 2:38

Hi Will,
I'm sure that this three-day journey must be something stunning! The shot is great and presents the man so nice with such a wonderful tropical forest in the background. Well done!

Best,
Gosia

Gigidusud (8044) 2013-02-03 2:55

Hello my Neighbor,
The same theme as me today but with a different fishing.This place is beautiful you were very lucky, I love the palm trees in the background.Photo I like!
Have a nice sunday.
Gigi

JFS (32107) 2013-02-03 3:16

Dreaming scene with human presence and a BG so nice that seems unreal. Good light and definition. thanks for sharing Will!

marina7 (5822) 2013-02-03 8:22

Hi Will,
don't know if he's fishing or what, looks like he's considering his next move looking at something lying on the bottom of his canoe.
But I have a picture of two guys fishing near the opposite bank of the river where the village is. They don't use any canoes whatsoever. I tried to figure out what it was keeping them squatting above the water. It looked like one or two long bamboo shafts immersed in the water and they were squatting on them with their fishing lines and a bowl of bait. How they managed to keep their balance is just beyond me.
Looking at the greenery in the background I presume you were moving fast past the guy:)
Cheers
Marina

ACL1978 (5773) 2013-02-03 12:16

Beautiful shot, Will, and a great scan as well. The wall of greenery behind him is quite impressive! The man in the boat does seem to sort of just be standing around... nevertheless, a good shot of river life here.

Andrew

jhm (122410) 2013-02-05 3:25

Hello Will,

The world is wonderful, alone you must find the just place and make the perfect picture.
This is a wonderful picture almost middle of the nature, what a lovely surrounding.
Nice depth and excellent perspective.
Excellent composition, nice presentation, TFS.

Regards,
John.

marabu61 (3900) 2013-02-05 7:06

Hello Will
Your itinary doesn't only sounds pretty but outright gorgeous, good for you.
And what a sight you bring us back from the Philippines, that river and the lush vegetation around it is amazing and the man and his boat add a good touch of live to it.
have a good day
Daniel

tedesse (22116) 2013-02-05 11:38

Hello Will!
Nice postcard from Pagsanjan, showing everyday life!
Excellent POV, beautiful colors and light.
Regards
Tadeusz

fabbs99 (5407) 2013-02-12 19:47

Hello Will,

Excellent shot.Great sharpness and contrast.Nice warm colors.Very well shot.TFS.

Regards
Farhat

Miguel82 (7757) 2013-02-17 2:26

A wonderful shot Will, the landscape in the background with so many high coconut trees is magnific
Excellent framing and superb colors
Have a nice day

i9l2y1m8a8t3 (4435) 2013-02-28 2:07

Hey Will!

When was this taken? Does the date say 1993? if it's mistaken, had I known I should've shown you around Manila. Anyway, haven't been here yet I think that man is one of the "bangkeros", people who bring you to the falls I suppose. Anyway Interesting shot. Thanks for sharing!

Matt