On April 12 and 13 (which was yesterday and today, as of the time of this writing), I risked the tax deadline on April 15 just to attend a workshop-seminar conducted by one of my most idolized photographers, Dustein Sibug.
I admire Dustein because he's a self-taught photographer who produces wonderful results using very limited means. He uses a simple DSLR (a Nikon D40, like mine), simple lenses (the 18-55mm kit lens, and his magical 1940 Takumar Asahi Pentax lens), and simple accessories (car reflectors, available light, etc.), and yet, a lot of photographers regard him today as one of the most promising young talents in the field of photography.
So, of course, I made sure that I could attend his workshop and learn his workflow.
I've always admired the quality of Dustein's work... his choice of subjects, his processing technique and his composition. I've been trying to recreate the feel and texture of one of his works but I could never understand how his pictures are so sharp and high contrast, yet at the same time the blur on his shots are so creamy. And there's a shiny, metallic feel to all his photos, I don't know how he does it.
Fortunately for me and the photographers who attended Dustein's seminar (two guys even came all the way from Ormoc just to attend the workshop), Dustein is someone who's so down to earth and will not hesitate to share his secrets. Even if people can now easily copy his technique, Dustein is only happy to share what he knows with other photographers.
As if that was not enough, he even brought with him a beauty queen and a professional model to pose for us, the lovely Natasha Mills, 3rd runner up to the recent Ms. Cagayan de Oro beauty pageant. We were treated not only to having a professional model with highly emotive eyes and intuitive poses, we were happy to find that Natasha was also so accommodating and patient, willing to strike a pose even when all the photographers were snapping away her picture during those times that she was supposed to be taking breaks.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable weekend for me. A great photoshoot at Fort San Pedro with a wonderful model, followed by a comfortable and highly educational post-processing workshop. Does life get any better or what?
I have to thank Dustein for coming all the way here to Cebu in order to share his knowledge and talent with our small group. Thank you also to the beautiful Natasha for being so patient, emotive and accommodating with all our requests. Thank you to Dustein's support-photographers, Jonathan and Jeboy (?), for assisting us in taking our shots and processing during the workshop. Of course, I have to send props to two great manager/organizers, without whom none of this would be possible: to my cousin Danny Ybañez for persistently inviting Dustein to come over to Cebu, and to our super support manager, Michol Sanchez, for not only taking care of our guests' needs, but also for providing us with a great venue and a diligent support staff too!
Finally, I want to also thank our friends, guests and fellow photographers for coming (found a new cousin, Eugene Ybañez from Ormoc!). I had so much fun taking pictures with you, the camaraderie and fun.
Hinaot nga mo-usban sa sunod nga higayon.So here are the results of our photoshoot. I am attaching the original unedited photos, accompanied by the ones which I had processed during the workshop. Thank you again Dustein, especially for sharing your technique in skin treatment and sharpening!
LESSON 1: GOLDEN SKIN TONESThe Original Shot:
The Finished Work:
LESSON 2: HIGH KEY PROCESSING The Original:
The Finished Work:
LESSON 3: TEXTURESThe Original:
The Finished Work:
Black & White version:
You're right about him being down to earth. :) He's meant for greatness. :D And now you know his secrets. Haha. :) All the best. 
