Photographers, in essence, capture the moment as they’re able to witness history happen and capture photos at the right time– and while not everyone who just has a DLSR instantly becomes photographers, it takes years of skill and the drive to improve your craft to learn key techniques. For 2018 TFT Photographer of the Year Christian Calumberan – he has managed to hone his craft to be an ambassador for leading photography brands such as Fuji Film, Henzel, and Jinbei.
When he arrived in Dubai in 2002, he wasn’t into photography yet – he was initially a web designer for an IT company but from there on, he found his true passion. “My skills in designing brought me to Dubai and from there, it opened an opportunity to be a photographer at Phototechnics. I had a very long self-denial stage of calling and claiming myself as a photographer. There was that stage where I have put photography as a craft on a pedestal. The day I accepted and decided to call myself a “Photographer” was one of the turning points to my career,” said Calumberan.
As years went on, Calumberan continued to learn new photography skills and techniques and became well-known for his signature photos when it comes to commercial photography for advertising and magazine editorials.
He has also won accolades for this works in the Middle East and on international waters as well. Today, Calumberan from Dubai is the owner of Chris Calumberan FZE for Photography services where he now continues to practice his craft and train the next generation of photographers. “In my professional life, one of my loyal assistants have mentioned and made me realize that most of the mentees I have become professional photographers. This assistant that I have is now a published food photographer,” shares Calumberan
Calumberan has also been instrumental in many community initiatives in Dubai and the UAE, aiding the Philippiune Consulate, as well as various Filipino support groups in the UAE to document their eventful occasions. “Photography for me is not just showing up all shiny and clicking the trigger. It is merely problem-solving in steroids. Life is full of problem -solving, it is up to us whether we become a part of the solution to succeed or a part of the problem to fail,” said Calumberan.
His advice for fellow photographers? Keep everything professional. “I will never compromise Professionalism. We should be proper, just, and inline with any situation. While being compassionate and emphatic to what our clients, suppliers and colleague’s needs from the start, you should always have the will to practice diplomatically the measures that will represent the brand and the values that it protects,” said Calumberan.
