PhotoWorldManila.com

by Joseph Galian

Remember when commercial photography then was rudely revolutionized worldwide by digital “film-less” capture around the start of the year 1999? It was both bitter/sweet to the taste to the market: bitter because it rendered conventional photography as obsolete and expensive; and sweet because it was cheaper and more instantaneous!

A decade later on November 5-6, 2009 in the hallowed halls of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. (FPPF) was conducted the revolutionary, first-ever, national assessment on Basic Photography National Certification (Level) II! The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under Senior TESDA Specialist, Mrs. Mercedes E. Javier supervised the assessment in tandem with Joseph F. Galian, the first certified TESDA assessor for Photography NCII and FPPF faculty. TESDA is the Philippine government’s national arm in certifying, standardizing and promulgating vocational courses that are income-generating.

Hearty congratulations to the famous, power-cast Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) who bravely and boisterously trooped to the FPPF studio with their president Mr. Gerald Carual of the Laguna Times publication. They passed the assessment as the first group of photographers to be certified. The next day, November 6, two photography lecturers, Mr. Edwin Celestino and Toti Abdul, of the College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts under the Multi-media Arts Program (MMA) became the second batch to be assessed. Congratulations to them too!

PPP members enjoying a happy moment with Joe Galian (standing, 3rd from right). They were all there, the famous men of the PPP who bring you your daily news photos: Dennis M. Sabanga, Michelle Alquineta, Julius B. Reyes, Alberto P. Garcia, Virgelio S. Noveno, Edwin C. Tuyay, Francis R. Malasig, Voltaire F. Domingo, Gerardo N. Carual and Leo Solinap. Photo by Joan Mazo, TESDA.

Senior TESDA Specialist, Mrs. Mercedes E. Javier supervising the assessment process.

Photo shows, from left to right, Joe Galian, Toti Abdul, Mercedes Javier and Ed Celestino.

Like the digital revolution that swept photography and photographers by surprise, national assessment was met with bittersweet reactions again. And that’s very good because it shows that our industry is indeed thriving! It can be bitter to some accomplished photographers; and sweet to others who want government credentials, validation and documentation without spending a bundle of cash going to a college. However you view it, it is certain that TESDA is taking photography seriously enough to professionalize its teaching practices and methodologies, thus, mandating to any and all individuals, schools, academies or institution teaching photography to be assessed plus adhere to established, measureable competencies – if they want to be national, legal and certified! Institutions under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have different laws by which they operate.

Here is an axiom: you don’t need a TESDA certification if you think that you don’t need it. The government isn’t a “Big Brother” to hound you for a photo license every time you touch a camera. It’s still a free world here with an open market economy so there is no need to feel “guilty” or “incompetent” if you don’t have certification. And no self-righteous TESDA-certified photographer has the right to look down upon “unlicensed”, self-taught photographers – be they hobbyists, amateurs or pros. Heck, Ansel Adams didn’t have a TESDA certification, yet we respect him and his artworks. I hope the point is driven: it’s not TESDA’s fault if they finally realize that photography is a valid vocational course. It is up to all photographers and educators to see to it that Photography NCII is refined and update the syllabus, and, maybe in the future promulgate Advance Photography NCIII!

Since general photography falls under the Arts (as opposed to the exact Sciences), TESDA will assess a candidate based on direct observation with oral questioning on four (4) Core Competencies which can be measured: 1) Operate camera and compose a subject, 2) Setup studio light (equipment and accessories), 3) Perform post-capture processes and 4) Present finished products (prints). It’s roughly a two-and-a-half hour practical demonstration exam per person. Digital photography is strongly preferred by assessors due to its expediency during assessment. You will have to setup your DSLR, shoot a model and print out your shots (on the spot) all the while the photo assessor asks you basic, technical questions. It’s either you pass or fail only-there are no magna-cum laude awards here. If you have you basics right then there is nothing to fear. If in doubt, then get a refresher course or workshop on basic/advance photography somewhere.

The “short-cut” to certification is to just submit an impressive, printed photo portfolio (commercial/personal) for the assessor to inspect. I think this is the more “dignified” route for well-known practitioners, should they feel “over-qualified” going through the menial motions of demonstration with oral replies to questionnaires. Ansel Adams said that “the negative is the score, the print is the performance”. In other words any photographer is ultimately judged by his artworks or photographs. A great, printed photo is generally attributed to a skilled photographer who has mastered proper exposure, digital darkroom and printing techniques. TESDA certainly has the experience in measuring competencies in this our visual industry, kudos!

TESDA NCII and assessors’ certifications are valid for five (5) years, after which a renewal is optional. The cost for assessment has yet to be finalized next year, but rumor from the grape vine has it in the range between Php 1,000 – Php 3,000. Both the photo assessment center and assessor will have a modest fixed fee yet to be finalized. Due to the rising cost of operation, logistics and inflation TESDA will soon appeal to the government to have a smaller share in the assessment fees too to keep things viable. If anybody needs certification on photography just visit your nearest TESDA satellite office.

Did you know that there is need for more accredited Photography NCII assessors nationwide? Just aquire your Photography NCII certificate then attend TESDA’s five (5) day seminar on how to be an assessor. The seminar fee is around Php 5,000. There is also a nationwide need for TESDA certified assessment centers for photography. For any queries please visit www.tesda.gov.ph for more information.

Filipinos are among the best photographers in the world! We can be glad our government is doing something right regarding our industry-our passion. Three cheers for the FPPF under Ms. Eduviges Huang for making this dream in 2007 into a reality by galvanizing known and learned Filipino photographers, educators and business personalities in the industry to establish and craft Photography NCII with the future in mind! It’s revolutionary indeed! And a revolution is no tea party, according to Mao.

Mabuhay ang litratistang Pinoy!