Capturing Moments at City Park in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Quan L. Smith, Photography 04JAN25 - BLOG: 001-25
Hey everyone! Welcome to my VLOG. Today, I want to share a special photography session I had at City Park in Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Armed with my Sony A1 and my 50mm f/1.2 lens, I stumbled upon a heartwarming scene that perfectly captured the simple joys of life. Here's the story behind these shots.
Discovering the Scene
I had initially set out to City Park just to explore and take in the atmosphere. The park is a peaceful, charming place—an oasis of calm with its open spaces, towering trees, and a lovely community vibe. As I walked around, I noticed a group of kids playing among a flock of pigeons near the park's center. Their laughter echoed through the air, drawing me in to capture this candid moment.
These kids were completely immersed in their own world—catching pigeons, gently tossing them into the air, and watching them flutter around before landing back on the ground. Surprisingly, the pigeons didn’t seem to mind. They just flew a few feet away before returning to the scene, as if they were part of the game. It was such a natural and beautiful interaction between children and nature that I couldn't resist photographing it.
The Gear and Setup
For this session, I used my Sony A1 paired with the incredible 50mm f/1.2 lens. This combo allowed me to focus quickly on the kids and pigeons while achieving that creamy background bokeh I love so much. Shooting at f/1.2, I was able to isolate the subjects beautifully and give the images a dreamlike quality, which fits the playful and innocent nature of the moment.
The Photos
Photo 1: The Pigeon Whisperer
In this shot, I captured a boy holding two pigeons—a white one and a darker one. His confident smile, framed by the blurred background, really draws you in. The other kids can be seen laughing in the background, which adds more context to the story. I love how his face is lit softly by the overcast sky, making the expression even more striking.
Photo 2: Curiosity in Action
This next image shows a younger boy crouching down, holding a pigeon in one hand while another flutters nearby. His wide-eyed expression is priceless—it’s a mix of curiosity and excitement. The dynamic positioning of the pigeons, along with the scattered flock in the background, gives this photo an energetic vibe while still maintaining that serene black-and-white aesthetic.
Photo 3: Pure Playfulness
Finally, this shot captures the whole group. One child playfully tosses a pigeon into the air, her head tilted back with joy, while the other two kids stand smiling and holding their birds. This image truly encapsulates the energy of the moment. The pigeons seem at ease, creating a unique harmony between the children and the animals.
Why Black-and-White?
I decided to process these photos in black-and-white to emphasize the emotion and timelessness of the moment. Removing color allowed me to focus more on the textures, expressions, and contrast between the children, the pigeons, and the park background. It also gave the photos a classic feel that fits the simplicity of the scene.
Final Thoughts
This photography session at City Park in Valencia reminded me of the power of candid moments. The connection between the kids and the pigeons was so genuine and unfiltered that it was almost magical. As a photographer, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love this craft—it’s about capturing stories, emotions, and fleeting slices of life.
City Park in Valencia, Negros Oriental, is a fantastic spot for street and candid photography. The friendly community, beautiful scenery, and relaxed vibe make it an inspiring place to shoot. If you’re ever in the area, it’s worth a visit—camera in hand, of course.
What did you think of these photos? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more photography adventures. See you in the next vlog!
Check out my YouTube video featuring these photos and more:
