This is yet another very overwhelming post to compose. I look at other blogs’ submissions (Lucid Gypsy, Madhu, Adin) to this and I feel pitied, hesitant and dried up to even respond to this award. Look at one of the links and tell me that I’m overreacting! Plus, I wanted to include new/er pictures for this. Disappointingly, I have nothing new show you. This has been waaaaay overdue post so I’m just gonna let it out. I wanted it to be special, but what I only got are images that you, my followers, are already familiar of. Here are my 7 SUPER SHOTS!
A photo take took my breath away…
From a picture-taker’s end, there are these images that as soon as you took it and reviewed from your camera’s monitor, you know that other people are going to love it. I took this one in Virgin Island in Bohol, Philippines. The scenery speaks for itself. And that it presents itself making it easy for anybody to get good shot of it. I knew it, then and there, that this IS my winning shot.
From looking down the sand on the sightly low, clear blue water to looking afar the vast ocean that you can see an island miles away, and with the cotton candy clouds on the horizon, this truly is such an arresting view! It’s the most pristine spot in the world I’ve ever seen. Point Blank.
A photo that makes me laugh or smile …
There are pictures that might take a second look, or something that you have to broaden your perspectives before you appreciate it. Some you have to manipulate to get the best out of it. This picture I took wouldn’t be here if I had not turned it to Black and White.
I completely neglected this image at first. I stripped the colors, and ahoy! the colors no longer are stealing the main focus of the shot. After that, I got an acquired taste for my own Black and White photos. Note that this is taken from Venice Beach in California where skaters, segway riders, rollerbladders, biker, etc. come to roll. It’s a candid image seeing these these ladies spin their own wheels.
A photo that makes me dream …
I’m a big fan of rock formations. And this another breathtaking part of this world, The Rocky Intertidal Zone in San Diego, California, I truly admire and completely stunned by it. I was snapping away with my camera and I couldn’t believe my eyes what I was witnessing. I was smiling in disbelief that people must have thought I’m crazy. I’m sure they are astonished by these magnificent views as well that they understand the glow in my eyes. There’s a lot of people that just sit there and just absorb the views around them. Looking at the two couples seating there, it makes me long to have someone I love to be beside me again.
A photo that makes me think …
This is a no brainer. Animals, plants, flowers, mountains- nature in general makes you wonder. I think jellyfish is the epitome of that. They’re such a delight in your eyes. When you look at them, their movements, how you can see the parts of their body operate, their weightlessness, it gives you that polarizing effect. The way they float freely and gracefully, it makes you wanna be like them, or float with them. They really are wondrous and marvelous creatures.
Not to be confused, this one I took from Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, San Diego.
The Jelly Experience is from Monterey Bay Aquarium. I hope you read what I’ve written here.
A picture that tells a story…
How the boy takes care of the carabao. How he walks in the field every morning for a day’s work …with a dog as his company. How farmers create a smoke to make the trees healthier …not realizing how it immensely beautifies the surroundings. How people can be so poetic without even realizing it. How the sun lovely shines creating magnificent silhouettes. How ambient the image is and what effect it has on us. How the boy goes on to help in his family’s livelihood at a very young age. How he may considers it as his way of playing outdoor. And what separate us, people who travel far, from him who is blessed by this field everyday? One picture, different open routes to interpretations.
A picture that made my mouth water …
This one takes the cake, and brings home the bacon. This is a picture of a Gnocchi I got from Carpi, Italy. One who goes to Italy shall not let pass the opportunity of tasting this heavenly, mouthwatering culture food.
A picture that I am most proud of …
People may not agree but this one is my most accomplished shot for me. It took a tremendous toll on me capturing my concert images. I was wrestling with the crowds. I have to constantly change camera settings. My concert shots are action shots. The band moves a lot that it’s hard for me to capture a still image result. I was raising my arms trying to keep focus. There are stoners around that I have to have to avoid. Amidst it all, I was living the moment of appreciating the performances. Some shots, you really have to be patient or work hard just. And that oftentimes, it is be the most satisfying.
I’m reviving this old award. My 7 Super Recipients are
Debra of Bagni Di Lucca
LuAnn of Paint your Landscape
Sony Fugaban of Stories of my Wandering Feet and Mind
Allan of Modes of Flight
Amy of The World is a Book
Marianne of East of Malaga
and …
Angelia Sims of Living, Loving, Laughing
__________________________________________________
Excellent Photography?
FEATURED BLOG
Here’s to a blog where compositions is always well thought-through. This photography blog shows its followers what expert photography really is. Looking at Cardinal Guzman’s blog, you can tell that he varies his subjects from time to time. Street photography, nature, people, designs … you can eaily find a visual treat that suits your eyes. Do check out his Travels, Recipes!?, his History of Tattoo series, and his IMPRESSIVE list of movie recommendations to which we are in agreement to a lot of it. My favorite post – Morning at the Western Wall.
___________________________________________________
Last Call …
Some of your most commented photos …
By the way, I have collected 4 stars so far. Blog of the Year requires 6. 
The photo with the carabao is magical! ~ Kat
That is why it is one of the favorites. Thanks Kat. Loving your travels and writing.
Beautiful Captures – thanks so much for sharing the Beauty! Have a Great One:)
Always absolutely smashing shots.
Good switching your theme, Rommel. It is the best for displaying your beautiful work.
I award you for this, Allan. It’s up to you if you want to respond.
Gorgeous photos, as always!
Hi Rommel! Awesome pictures. You truly deserve blog of the year. Keep up the great work!
Nice set of shots!!
Nina
Best choices for the 7 super. Hope the day will come soon… she’ll sit beside you again.
I’m honored to be nominated by you, Rommel! Kind of intimidating though.
Ahhhh, I saw it. You’ve been nominated and have already done it. I think we hadn’t been acquainted yet back then. Well, glad to have meet you.
Being on you list gives my blog a great exposure. I’m sure anyone would beg for it… I get the privilege.
Grazie mille, Rommel 
Hey, all pics are gorgeous in their own ways but I love the pic of the jellyfish
I have a blog of the year award for you. Consider it another star. Yes, you can count it. Just haven’t gotten to post it yet. Lol. I have been crazy busy. I’m super? No! You are! No, you.
My dream place is your first photo. I’ll be sad when Survivor ends. And I love the tide pool shot as well. I could look at that view forever.
I love your pictures and the stories you tell about them; they are so captivating, ALL of them!
I just love the photo of the women and their walkers! And you are certainly correct in seeing that the shift to black and white created something very special. You are an excellent photographer, Rommel. You capture with so much detail and great composition. Lovely!
Thank you! Every now and then, I try to play with my images and imagine them in B&W. Thanks for the compliments.
I love your black and white photo of the three elderly ladies – fantastic!
Thanks for the visit!
Yup, the three black and white ladies literally made ma laugh out loud. It was a very tender and uplifting kind of laugh, and quite enjoyable
Good photography man!
They truly are endearing to look at.
These pictures are amazing mate, I may just have to do one myself,
but mate why 7? why not 12 for you know 2012 just curious
I love this!!!
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Great question, Soloist. Great darn question. I have no idea. I know. Why restrict choosing pictures down to 7 when you can have 12. I didn’t make rules. I don’t how in the world they come up with this. Hey! just link it here. Please. I want to see it.
will do mate, probably will do it at the end of the month or so, I got hundreds of pics to sift through and most of them are of nightlife heh
How utterly amazing is that first pic on Virgin Island in Bohol? The colours, the composition, everything about it is wonderful. I love the b/w one of those dear old ladies, and your “most accomplished shot” is awesome. Well done on your Super Shots, Rommel, and thanks so much for the kind mention.
Thanks for the validation. I can now sleep at night.
I’m so happy to know that, Rommel.
Oh yes, you should be proud of the concert photo … simply fabulous
I had a heavenly risotto on Capri 
It sure is easy to taste heaven in ITaly.
Great series! Loved your introduction to each photo as well. It’s very educational to follow someone else’s evaluation process. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment and visit. Now, I’m glad I took that route on how I was going to approach this post.
These are awesome shots and I had to laugh over that black and white shot… Perfection!
I can see it’s all smiles and tender laughters all over the three elderlies.
Love the Bohol shot — it’s really stunning and I can get lost in in. For sheer fun, I love the ladies walking. Composition makes it (and the black and white is good too). I’ve only been blogging since the summer, but I’ve really enjoyed your posts. Great photos, great travels….and a lot of dedication and hard work. Thanks Rommel.
A big thank you, Angelina! Ow, WHERE ARE YOUR POSTS!? Hehe.
Great and Excellent Shots! You have a good eye.
Great shots!
Thanks for the comment and visit!
such stunning photos!
Thanks fro the comment and visit, liz.
They’re all superb Rommel, but I love 1, 2, and 7 best!
I love the 2nd picture! The black and white of the three ladies. Great shot! Very interesting, makes you want to know more.
I know!!! I look at the picture and feel like wanting to interview them. hehehehehe
Thank you very much for your kind words about my blog. I am deeply honoured.
Im not familiar with the Super 7 Shots, but I can imagine that it’s difficult to pick out 7 shots from the archives. Still you’ve done a great job.
Your #1 photo is fantastic and the 3 girls on wheels just makes me smile: you’ve captured friendship & life in a humoristic way.
The jellyfish is psychedelic and the colors are perfect. I also love your storytelling photo and I agree with you on your thoughts about concert photographing. It can be very difficult to take concert photos: the light conditions are constantly changing and the people on stage are moving around, making it difficult to get the combination of perfect focus & lighting. It’s challenging, but it’s also very fun
Great post with great shots! And once again: Thank you very much for your kind words.
Thanks right back at yah. It’s always nice when you receive compliments from a real photographer. You do expert photography and have been an inspiration to many. Just about time to feature you.
Pingback: Seven Super Shots | Have Life, Will Travel!
You have clicked some of the amazing pictures. I would like to click pictures like you some day. Great job fella !!
Plenty of technology and even apps to enhance photos nowadays. I bet you can easily find something of good price for camera (or phone) and free apps to get decent looking images.
I do use some apps but u are really good. Keep up the good work
Your photos are brilliant Rommel. Thanks for the nomination….again.
How I badly wish you respond to it. But I know your schedule. Have fun in Australia.
Oh my! That first shot is breathtaking! Love love love the colour of the boat on the water. Great job!
What’s up, Rom?
If I were to choose a favorite it would be the first one (your super shot from Virgin Islands in Bohol). Well for someone who really feeds on photos of nature, that is pretty subjective…You must admit though, photos like that are the ones that really take our breath away.
However it may be, all the photos are winners–with their respective descriptions. The words that went along with the are too powerful to ignore and they truly speak every inch of the photos’ raison d’etre.
On the flip side, thank you so so much for mentioning Stories of the Wandering Feet & Mind! You just made my heart skip a bit–simply because that is really a HUGE thing for me.
Thank you once again.
Thank you for stopping by Word Play For Today. Your photos are breathtaking to say the least!
7 excellent choices!
Thanks for the comment and the visit!
The one that ‘tells a story’ is awesome. Nicely done.
Check! Favorites are all over the board on this post. Thanks for the feedback.
Absolutely stunning pics. The first is outstanding, it took my breath away too:-)
Thanks for the comment and visit, cocoaupnorth.
Gorgeous photos! My favourite is the one with the carabao
Carabao, Aye! Favorites are all over the board on this post. Thanks for the feedback.
Rommel, these photos are fantastic! I love the one of the women “rolling” in Venice Beach. All of the pics are fabulous — thanks for sharing! Steph
You and many have agreed. Thanks for the feedback, steph!
I don”t get tired of looking at that first photo of Virgin Island. I like the rock formation photo as well. Yet, that carabao pic just takes everything away. Still my all time favorite.
I knew it! I thought of you when I was preparing the picture of our Philippine carabao.
Reblogged this on yammerproject.
Thanks for the reblog!
They are not just super but rather extraordinary. Each picture tells a story that only someone with a talented eye can capture. An adventure of life, truth and wonder. The boy with the carabao kind of symbolize how I was growing up. Hopeful, simple, innocent, care free and laid back. I wish life can be like that even if we are now adults.
Awesome interpretation for that image, IT. Thanks for sharing it.
You had me at the very first shot. Spectacular!!!!
Thanks Jodi. Have fun and safe travel as always.
Super images…all of them! I cannot pick just one or two! Oh, okay, just one because it made me smile too…the ladies out for a stroll! How sweet and cute!
Thanks for the feedback. It does look like my super shots are equally favored.
Agreed, 7 super good photos! Keep it up!
Thanks for the comment and visit.
For some reason the announcement of this post ended up in my spam folder so sorry for the delay Rommel. You can stack your photography up against anyone else’s any day of the week as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for a brilliant post and for the nomination. You are a most generous soul.
Ahihihi … Thanks for the vote of confidence, Luann.
My favourite is the one of the three women!!! You’re right, sometimes black and white makes a photo really pop!
“it makes me long to have someone I love to be beside me again.” Were that the care you might not be capturing the images you’re displaying here. It’s a lonely sort of job – for good reason. Good work!
You are too modest Rommel! These shots are some of the best I have seen since I started blogging….love each and everyone of them!
Wishing all your dreams come true in the coming year, and with your love by your side
Thank you for the strong compliments. Your 7 Super Shots are just very memorable to me.
AMAZING photos!
You’ve got some amazing photos. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Thanks for the comment and visit.
Absolutely LOVE the first shot!
First of all, a belated Merry Christmas and a wonderful joyous new year, Rommel.
Your shots are all fantastic. If I have to choose 1, I suppose I will go for the boy caring for the carabao simply because of the human interest involved in it. The three ladies come in second. Again, because of the humanity showing through. Your concert shot is dramatic. If only for the effort required to take such a photo, I agree with you completely about its inclusion. But it is not just the effort – talent is definitely required to make a composition like that.
Belated Happy New Year! Bwahahahaha
Don’t you just love the rural areas of the Philippines. So much stillness yet photography-perfect.
Wonderful choices and I appreciate the added descriptions. Photos tell a story on their own but the phoographer has a richer story to tell.
Thanks for the feedback and visit.
Pingback: #200 « The Sophomore Slump