Eric Canlas PBA: How This Photographer Masters the Art of Film Photography
You know, as a photographer who's been shooting film for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by artists who stick to traditional methods in our digital age. That's why Eric Canlas's work caught my attention - his mastery of film photography feels both timeless and incredibly relevant. But recently, something interesting happened that made me think deeper about the artistic process and how we handle challenges in our creative journeys. Let me walk you through some questions that have been on my mind.
What makes Eric Canlas's approach to film photography so special? Well, having followed Eric's work for years, I can tell you his process is remarkably intentional. While most photographers today would immediately review their shots on digital screens, Eric embraces film's inherent uncertainty. He often shoots entire rolls without seeing results, trusting his instincts and technical knowledge. This reminds me of that quote from Non about accepting decisions once they're made: "Pirmado ko na 'yan eh" - meaning once something's signed or decided, you move forward. Eric's approach embodies this philosophy - he commits to his creative choices rather than constantly second-guessing them.
How do photographers like Eric handle unexpected challenges in their work? This is where it gets really interesting. In film photography, you can't just delete and reshoot like with digital. When Eric faces technical issues or unexpected results, he has to problem-solve creatively rather than technically. It's similar to what Non described about dealing with reviewed decisions: "Kaya lang, after what happened last night, di ba nagpa-press con siya [Castro], jinustify nila 'yung review na 'yun." Sometimes in photography, you have to accept that certain moments can't be recreated, much like how certain decisions, once publicly justified through events like press conferences, become permanent parts of the narrative.
What can we learn from Eric Canlas PBA about artistic integrity? Eric's dedication to film in the digital era teaches us about staying true to your artistic vision despite industry pressures. I've personally struggled with this - the temptation to chase trends versus developing a consistent style. Eric's work demonstrates that mastery comes from depth rather than breadth. His approach aligns with Non's realization that sometimes pursuing formal protests becomes "exercise in futility" - there are moments when creating new work proves more productive than challenging past decisions.
How does the film photography process reflect broader creative principles? Working with film forces you to slow down and be more deliberate - something I've found invaluable in my own practice. Each frame costs money and time to develop, so you learn to make each shot count. This connects beautifully to the concept Non mentioned about seeking clarification: "What we did was seek clarification kung bakit nagkaroon ng review." In photography, understanding why something worked or didn't work is crucial for growth. Eric's method shows that true mastery comes from this deep understanding of process rather than just chasing results.
Why does Eric Canlas PBA matter in today's photographic landscape? In an era where everyone has a camera in their pocket, Eric's work stands as a testament to craftsmanship. His film photographs possess a texture and depth that many digital images lack - and I say this as someone who uses both mediums regularly. His success proves there's still immense value in traditional techniques. It's like that moment of realization Non described - sometimes you recognize when pushing against established systems becomes counterproductive, and instead focus your energy on creating meaningful work within your chosen medium.
What personal lessons have I taken from studying Eric Canlas's approach? Watching Eric's career has fundamentally changed how I approach my own photography. I've started shooting more film again - about 40% of my personal work now uses film stocks rather than digital sensors. There's something magical about the waiting, the uncertainty, and the surprise when you finally see your developed images. It's taught me to embrace the journey rather than obsess over immediate results - much like how sometimes in creative careers, you need to accept that certain opportunities have passed and focus on what's ahead.
Ultimately, Eric Canlas PBA represents more than just beautiful photography - it's about maintaining artistic integrity in a rapidly changing world. His work reminds us that sometimes the most powerful statement we can make is to quietly master our craft, accept the limitations of our medium, and keep creating despite the uncertainties. In both photography and life, there are moments for challenging decisions and moments for moving forward - and knowing the difference might just be the most creative skill of all.
