Benjo Beringuela

Having known him for years, one of Everyday Idealist’s editors, Apple Raperoga, has been witness to how Benjo Beringuela developed his photography skills from being merely a hobby into being professional. Unlike usual photographers, Benjo is known for his knack at taking casual but timely candid shots, which assures that each photo is unique from everything else.

This week, the spotlight is on Benjo Beringuela, 4 BS Communications Technology Managemeny. Student. Photographer. Everyday Idealist.

This must probably one of the easiest and lightest, but nevertheless inspiring inerviews EI has ever had. First, Benjo begins by telling us his story about how he started liking photography. Back in high school, flashy and precise DSLRs were not yet very popular, and thus, he had to rely on a trusty digital camera. “Nagstart ako nung fourth year. Wala pa akong DSLR nun, pero I got hooked with a digicam. I started using it for projects, then ayun. Nacarry ko na until college.”

According to Benjo, it was around his second year of college that he got his own DSLR, and that time, he would carry it around taking pictures of random school days and activities. Later on, he volunteered as an event photographer for campus programs and events (such as OrSem, some Ateneo org parties, or special requests for his friends) And now, he’s been taking pictures for bigtime names such as The Guidon, UAAP events, and even for an interview with former Chief Justice Renato Corona. Benjo has also taken his hobby into a serious career, as he is now part of the Shutter Panda Photography team.

“Feeling ko, never na malalaos ang photography so I guess maganda kung masprespread pa ‘yun.” According to Benjo, one of the features of photography that he likes so much, is its ability to store memories and events, which would probably never happen the same way again. He even said that he loves the fact that pictures can be printed and carried around, much like having a hard copy of a memory with you. However, since most people have no more time now, digital and online copies of photographs would suffice.

“Sana rin hindi maging fixed yung tao sa tinuturo ng photography lessons. I think it’s better to go out of the box.” Benjo tells. Our Everyday Idealist is all about uniqueness and originality. He belives that each photographer has something to bring to the table, and has a certain corresponding style, to which a person is to be known for. For him, when it comes to style, no one should and could ever copy you, for that is exactly who you are. And when asked what his style is, he answers:

“Mas gusto ko talaga ang candid, kasi mas raw ‘yung emotion. In a way, I look for pegs. Then I apply my own style to it, in a way na maging unique at akin talaga siya.” Benjo tells that his creativity is kept going through the creativity of other people as well. He continues to be inspired by the good works for fellow photographers. But of course, he doesn’t let this get in the way of his style. 

Photography, as a hobby and as a profession, is truly a fun and fulfilling job. However, what most pople don’t know is that this could be very exhausting and draining. So, when asked about what keeps Benjo on his toes when it comes to his career, he answers: “’Yung mga tao na wala pang trabaho pero sikat na.” Benjo looks up to people who are very dedicated to their career, and have worked very hard to achieve it.  “Hindi naman sa sikat, pero yung successful na in terms of their art”

He also tells us, that if you really want to pursue photography, it is important that you have people with you, belonging to the same craft, such that you can act as each other’s support system. For him, his fellow student photographers have given him great help and inspiration, not only that they team up to cover the same events and cater to the same contacts, but also that they are the ones who are able to talk during their free time, schedule photowalks, and just share the common conviction.

“Wag kang gagaya. Never kang gagaya.” If there’s a plagiarism guard in the photography scene, it must be Benjo Beringuela. But for him, this is because he believes that each person really has something to offer, and one need not copy another person’s work. As an advocate of candid shooting, he also believes that each moment is unique, precious, and should not be allowed to just slip away.

“Don’t stop shooting, kahit sobrang pagod ka na. Always bring your camera, lalo na kung nagtraravel ka. Kasi kahit hindi ka nagplan ng shoot, may makikita kang maganda. So kung di mo dala yung camera mo, sayang ‘yung scene, or sayang ‘yung tao.”

Finally, when we asked him why he continues to strive hard in his potography career, “Wala lang. Feeling ko kung okay ka sa art mo, masaya ‘yung buhay. Ang cheesy.”

Benjo Beringuela.

Student.

Photographer.

Everyday Idealist.