Visual symphony

He walks about the busy and grungy, but curiously photogenic streets of Quiapo. Mirrorless camera with his favorite 16mm lens casually clutched in one arm, on an early morning, like an eagle scouts for its prey. He patiently waits for that precise moment when light, movement, and the story align to click his shutter. He is at home in places where the chaos of everyday life produces a symphony of visual elements that are seen only by the discerning eyes.

Rommel Bundalian, or "Omeng" as he is familiarly known in the local photography circles, is highly experienced in both film and digital photography. A professional photographer since 1995 and a graphic design artist at same time, Omeng has an especially strong following among street photographers. His street images are characterized by effective use of lights and shadows and smart use of composition techniques that exude simplicity and at same time depth. He is equally skilled in the travel and outdoor photography genres, specializing in 360 degree photography.

Omeng has garnered numerous awards and citations for his exemplary works and has been featured as both design artist and photographer in various publications. In the 2001 Philippine Graphic Expo, he was finalist in the Digital Design Competition and in the 2002 Expo had won both grand and first runner-up prizes. In 2004, he was named Master Digital Artist of the Year by IDN Club Philippines. In 2007, he ranked eighth place and honorable mention in After Capture Magazine's Adobe Contest worldwide. In same year, Omeng had multiple exposures in print and online publications including i-Mag Photography, Digital Photographer Philippines, Wacom Asia website, and photoshop.com (U.S.A.). In 2011, Corel Painter Magazine U.K. Edition and PAL's Mabuhay Magazine (In Focus) featured his works.

Laiya, Batangas

Nazareno, Quiapo

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Carmen Public Market, Cagayan de Oro

Laguna de Bay

Manila Bay

Downtown Cebu

Laguna de Bay Sunrise

GenSan Fish Port

Cambodia

Palawan

Quiapo

As a professional photographer, he is affiliated with various companies (including 360 Unlimited Arts & Photography Studio). He is currently a faculty member of the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging, specializing in Street and 360 VR Photography and is creative director/photographer of Imageworkz. He is a member of the World Wide Panorama Organization and is a contributing photographer of 360Cities.net.

As a brand ambassador for Fujifilm Philippines since 2013, Omeng has been spending a great deal of time promoting the "mirrorless revolution" by conducting workshops on his photography genres, as well as leading photowalks in various places around the country. Since 2013, he has led his own Scott Kelby Photowalk.

An avid mountaineer and outdoor adventure lover, he has ticked off one item from his bucket list—a life-changing Himalayan trek and photography safari via Nepal last April 2015.

As a photographer who is constantly in search of unique, eye-catching, and compelling images, Rommel sets no limits on himself.  His adage:  "There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what you see is what you are."

For more of Omeng's works, visit his websites: www.rommelbundalian.com / www.360unlimited.com.ph. (Arlene Donaire)

Source: Visual symphony