SHSQC Fotografika Talk 2025: Showcasing the Art in Photography
Written by: Julianne Espinas and Fritz Somyden
To look beyond the photograph is the art itself.
On January 22, 2025, a talk for the Fotografika members was held at the 12-Honesty classroom. The program entitled “Art of Photography” gave a glimpse of what photography is when you look at it from a perspective of taking more than just the picture. The speaker, Ms. Mercella (Merphi) Panaguiton, an alumna of the school from Batch 2010, surely inspired the Fotografika members.
To reiterate the statement by Danielle Saldua, photography is more than just clicking the shutter button of the camera. It is about capturing the moment—the most in-depth emotions and reactions—while reliving the moment that image was captured. That day, Miss Merphi Panaguiton inspired the Fotografika members to contemplate about the true meaning of photography as it is all about commemorating the memories, retelling the story, and capturing the most in-depth emotions.
The inspiration fostered at the event first of all came from Ms. Merphi’s experience in being a lecturer at Auxiliar de Conversacion in Madrid, her work at the ABS-CBN Corporation, and to finally being the Co-Founder and Creatives Director at one of the first companies in the Philippines to establish a self-photo studio at ATOMM Studios. But what truly radiated around the room was the way each member saw her passion and love for photography. As her enthusiasm and fondness for photography weaved with her life, clicking the shutter button of a camera became more than just a hobby. It added meaning, emotions, and color to her life—a platform to freely express her feelings and an escape from reality all at once.
The question prompt, “What do you want people to think of when they see your pictures?”, influenced a state of ponder within the club. Fotografika Treasurer, Danielle Saldua, says that “[the talk] deepened my love and understanding for photography. Taking good photos is not just about the pictures and your camera itself, [but] it’s also about the story and emotions behind it.” She ultimately shared that she learned how no matter the skill or experience, passion is the number one quality to look for in obtaining the true essence of art in photography.