We recently connected with Ian Joseph Panelo and have shared our conversation below.

Ian Joseph, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I did not have the edge to take the risk when I started taking photographs. I do not have the money to buy what I need to capture the photo that I want. I just dream of it. One day, I tried to borrow a Canon digital camera, thinking that it would help me grow as an individual. I feel bad about my shots. I watch, study, learn, and apply principles from other photographers. I take the risk of being laughed at about my photographs. Then the right time comes that I learned to appreciate my own photographs and take the edge of competing with other aspiring photographers. Gladly, I’ve won a few photography competitions. I’m just getting started. I take the risk of entering the world of videography. Taking videos around me. Mastering manual settings to train my eyes with the accuracy of colors, lights, and focus. After a few months or years of doing it personally, I joined film-making contests and gladly won 2nd place for my first film taken. These things would not happen first without God’s help and without taking the risk of reaching the top.

In relation to Pexels, I am also doubtful of how I could start my portfolio and if I could be able to stand out with the vast amount of very good photographers and videographers there. I just uploaded my photos and videos with the confidence in my heart that I could stand out even if it is impossible. Now, I’m at the 66th place worldwide having almost 845 Million Views and 2.7 Million Downloads for my 5 years of being a Pexels contributor.

It is worth it to take the risk while you can. It will take time but the most important thing is you take the risk.

Ian Joseph, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into this industry because it runs within our blood. My grandfather was a photographer before, and he loves photographs. I do love photographs too. I took photos using my simple camera phone before just for fun, and I enjoy it. I’m amazed at how cameras could take close-up shots with objects around me. Since the time I gained the interest in taking photos, I never stopped. Everything that I see around me, I try to take photos of them and edit it on my phone. It had been my passion for so many years until the time came that I sought to earn money from what I did. It pushed me on my limits and gained more knowledge on how I could improve my service and outputs. I’ve been entrusted to cover a pageant event, birthday celebrations, wedding events, and many more. What sets me apart from others is that I do not have a color theme for my outputs. I love taking different colors of everything that surrounds me.

I’m proud that I could enjoy what I do. This should be the character that every photographer and videographer should have. Enjoy what you do, whether you earn from it or you are just doing it passionately.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Doing what you love. Learning to build confidence of your own outputs and never ever doubt that you could.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Be different from what you were yesterday, and look forward to what you will be doing tomorrow. Share positivity to all the creators out there.

Contact Info:

• Other: Pexels link:
  https://www.pexels.com/@ian-panelo/

Image Credits

Photo taken by Ian Panelo