Cameras

Learning street photography with the Canon EOS RP

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words

Published

August 25, 2019

Vincenz

Street photography has been around for decades — way back in the early years of World War, famine, hunger, and financial crisis. It even sparked several debates whether it’s legal or ethical to do so. Although these questions remain unanswered, a lot of people have been more invested in street photography lately.

It may have started that way but it didn’t stay for long. Today, it’s not just limited to photojournalists, it even hits casual and creative photographers alike. But the real essence of this photography genre is still intact: it is thrilling, challenging, and takes a lot of patience because it should be candid and in perfect timing, not staged.

Canon Philippines gave us an opportunity to learn more about shooting in streets with the guide of popular photojournalist, Jilson Tiu. We roamed around the streets of Intramuros and got a glimpse of life inside the walls.

It hasn’t been long since Canon released the EOS RP in the Philippines. Just a refresher, it is the early successor of the EOS R, which is Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera. It is also their second mirrorless camera with a smaller body and introduced other cut-down features to make it (a little bit) cheaper.

Canon has come a long way in making and manufacturing cameras. My first camera is a 60D, which was a prosumer king during its time. My initial hands-on with their newest mirrorless camera felt familiar. They have managed to keep the design language in a smaller form factor.

Enough with the technicals. As someone who has been into photography since high school, I can tell that street photography is specifically not my forte. But this doesn’t mean I won’t challenge myself. I learned so many things during this photo walk — so I’m giving you eight tips when shooting around the streets, together with my EOS RP experience.

1. Learn the basics

They are called “basics” for a reason. You should not go to war without learning how to shoot a gun — the same principle applies in photography. Learning how shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture work before you shoot is essential because you will not (and should not) rely on Auto Mode, especially that you are going to use DSLR or mirrorless cameras when shooting, which is a lot more versatile than using point-and-shoot cameras.

Other photography jargons such as Depth of Field (DOF), focal length, white balance, exposure bracketing, should follow along the way. Composing shots is also part of the basics, including placing subjects within the frame, exercising Rule of Thirds and/or Golden Ratio, and more. With the existence and vastness of the internet, searching for tutorials shouldn’t be a problem for most.

More over, technicals should come along the way. Even the lens you pick affects the quality of shots you take. Prime, kit, telephoto lenses, you name them. Photography isn’t as easy as it seems, but trust me, knowing the basics will be one of your biggest achievements and advances as an aspiring photographer (or photojournalist).

2. Look for human elements

Imagine walking around the streets without any human element, do you think street photography would still make sense? Human element creates several stories in the shots you capture. Street photography isn’t literally talking about capturing the streets, it’s more about capturing the culture between people and the streets you pass by.

One misconception about street photography is when photographers take their posing models as subjects, and street as a background element — put simply, that’s not street photography.

3. Know one’s story

To whoever is reading this, I would admit that I’m socially awkward. A big chunk of me being an introvert holds me back from talking to people. If you are really focused on doing street photography, this tip is very important in establishing connections and making relationships as you shoot more individuals in the long run.

Once you find at least one (or several) human element/s you want to capture, it shouldn’t stop there. Talk to them. Ask them about life, how is their day going, other questions to follow. These questions may sound simple but it helps in creating a sense of belongingness, even if you are both strangers to each other. It would also feel authentic when you talk to them more, even when you are both focused on the different things you’re doing.

Taking the shot above as an example. Although he is busy with his job as a barber, he still entertained our group because we took the initiative to speak with him. Talking to people contributes to the candidness of the photograph. It did not disrupt the things we all did — he even enjoyed the small talk with our group. Let your single photograph say a thousand words to those who will see it.

4. Respect all things around you

Part of having moral ascendancy is respecting each and everything around you — not limited to life forms such as people, animals, and plants, even non-living things alike.

In this particular shot, an old man got mad at our group for suddenly capturing this dog. After trying to ask for permission, he then decided to let us shoot. There are times when people are not amused seeing cameras pointed at them nor at the things they own. If it happens to you, respect their privacy and decision. You should not argue and you definitely need to walk away before you get yourself in trouble.

5. Stop making poverty an aesthetic

I have seen a lot of street photographers who are making poverty as an aesthetic. In connection to tips two and three, showing one’s respect is not imitating the way they live or how they interact with other people.

Exhibit A: You want to do a staged photoshoot with models pretending they are beggars.

Exhibit B: You were awed when you saw two siblings sleeping along the footbridge. You decided to take photos of them and shared it on Social Media without their consent.

Social Media exposure would raise awareness about their situation, but do you think it would make them happy if they knew they were photographed without consent? If no talk or story-telling happened in between, it is not street photography anymore. The essence of knowing their life nor story never even happened. It is unethical to make one’s living condition a part of your Instagram or Bēhance portfolio — so is exaggerating one’s situation as a staged shoot.

6. Post-processing is normal, #NoFilter shots are not bragging rights

Cameras and lenses are not created equally. Although my experience with the Canon EOS RP is outstanding and its RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens does the job well, there were times that the shot I took was not aligned to what I wanted the outcome to be.

Post-processing isn’t cheating. There’s nothing wrong with fixing your photography mistake (or worse, a hardware mistake). In fact, it already takes place the moment you press the shutter button on your camera — that is why people should not make #NoFilter shots a big deal. If you are one among the clumsiest users who forgot to set RAW shooting, you have no choice but to stick with your .jpg files.

Let’s say you forgot to adjust the Custom WB (White Balance) while shooting, post-processing apps can help you fix it. You can even do other processing techniques if you want to convey more feelings in your shots. It is a part of experimentation, and the values in each photo you edit are not something that’s always definite.

In this particular photo, I adjusted the curves that helped it achieve a faded look instead of deep shadows, making it feel softer with minimized shadows and contrast. I minimized the highlights because of the harsh sunlight hitting the tile bricks. I also moved the slider to the warmer side for it to look lively. Color science says that photos on the cool side feels melancholic and lifeless.

I suppose not everyone is computer-literate. There are mobile apps you can try when it comes to post-processing your shots — such as VSCO, Snapseed, and Lightroom Mobile, a toned-down version of the PC-based Adobe Lightroom. Take note that mobile apps may have limited functions, especially because they are free.

Reminder: Before all of you use (and abuse) the power of post-processing, you should have already understood the first tip. Not to sound like a broken record but it is about understanding the basics. Nowadays, a lot of people rely on post-processing without knowing the essentials — maybe it’s time to learn them properly.

7. Capture the scenery, too

Imagine you are trying to shoot on top of a building. You peeked at your camera’s viewfinder, adjusted the focal length, and tried fitting human elements within the camera’s frame. Suddenly, you realized that the scenery makes them stand out more — that’s what this tip is for.

Street photography should not be limited to street per se. As long as the background element does not overpower the human element or subject, you are good to go. The lush greenery along this golf course make the golfers stand out more. The differences in their movement make it feel dynamic, candid, and emphasizes their actions of playing golf.

8. Explore unusual elements to shoot

Last but definitely not the least is all about looking for odd elements that will make you and your composition different from others. Staged photographs can be imitated, but not the candid ones. That’s why learning the basics matter, so you can compose shots in a split second — every shot you take makes a lot of difference.

Use juxtaposition when possible in order to convey two contrasting elements in one frame. In the shot above, I was aiming to describe the situation of the Philippines (or other similar nations) today — the biker represents that Filipino citizens are freely moving around, while the window grilles represent that we are restricted to freely express ourselves due to government policies and sanctions (Threat to Press Freedom, anyone?).

I captured more than ten photographs in the same location just to get my desired composition. If you think this goes against the essence of shooting candid photos, it’s not. I do not personally know him nor directed him to pass by. Misconceptions like this can cause trouble among the photography community, and you should avoid that.

Another candid shot I took talks a lot about growing up and getting old. Having the same walking direction between the old man and the children tells us that time is constant. There is nothing that can stop us from accepting more responsibilities and having different kinds of interest as we grow up.

Photography throughout my years

I was born knowing what traditional film cameras look like and how they function. I was even there when VGA, 3-megapixel and 5-megapixel cameras in phones made headlines. Photography has come a long way, and they still keep improving. It’s not even limited to professional cameras anymore that newer smartphones with excellent mobile photography prowess can now be considered as contenders.

As I was saying, street photography is not my forte. But from my experience using the Canon EOS RP coupled with a new RF lens system (vs the old EF lens mount), capturing photos still felt like I was using my old 60D because of the familiar feel and function. After using different cameras throughout my creative journey, Canon still lives up to their name for creating a big name in the camera industry.

Related Topics:Canon Canon EOS RP Canon RP

Cameras

Inside an OCR training day with Bring Your Game

Captured on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III

Published

June 19, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The first leg of Spartan Race’s Philippine National Series doesn’t wait for anyone.

We joined an OCR team, BGY BYG aka Bring Your Game, at Bridgetowne Obstacle Park as they put themselves through an obstacle course race simulation. I brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to document every athlete giving their best.

Shooting under direct midday sun is its own challenge. The 32.5MP sensor handled the harshness of open daylight without blowing out detail. The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already in the frame before the moment fully happened.

Athletes were moving fast and in every direction, but the 8.5-stop IBIS kept every shot steady as we moved alongside them.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked mid-sprint, mid-climb, and everywhere in between.

This is what race prep looks like up close.

Abegail Manzano, UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year in women’s athletics at UP Diliman, leading the warm-up session.

Jeri Vega Oro from All-female Pop-Rock Band, ROUGE.

In photo: Georgii Brisuela

In photo: JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2

BGY BYG/Bring Your Game’s Team Captain, Aldrin Collantes

Words and photos by MJ Jucutan.

Accessories

Father’s Day gift guide: Gadgets for every kind of dad

Dad deserves a gift that won’t collect dust after Father’s Day

Published

June 19, 2026

Chay Lazaro

As we get older, Father’s Day shopping gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about the typical dad gifts. Especially since it’s not always your dad you’re shopping for anymore. It could be your grandfather who insists he doesn’t need anything. Maybe it’s your brother who just became a dad and is running on three hours of sleep. Maybe it’s your father-in-law.

Whoever it is, here are some of my favorite picks to give them this year. Spoiler alert: there are no “World’s Best Dad” mugs included in this list.

For the dad who wants a smarter home

Some of the best tech is the kind you stop noticing because it just runs in the background. The Baseus X1 Pro dual security camera is one of those. It combines a dual-lens design with a wide 210-degree field of view and 300-degree motion tracking, allowing it to cover areas that would normally require multiple cameras.

What makes it stand out is its ability to track two subjects at the same time. Unlike traditional security cameras that can lose sight of one person while following another, the X1 Pro’s dual-lens system can independently follow both, creating a more complete picture of what’s happening around his home.

Its dual 3K cameras capture plenty of detail during the day, while color night vision and 8x zoom make it easier to identify visitors, vehicles, and other activity after dark.

The included solar panel means less maintenance for dad. As little as 20 minutes of direct sunlight can provide enough power for a full day of operation. It’s also got local storage with no monthly subscription fees.

You can get the Baseus X1 Pro for as low as US$119.99 using the code X1PROPRNO1 until June 30th.

And then there’s the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini, which solves one of the most ignored chores in any home: cleaning windows. Dad can attach it, let it run, and something everyone’s been avoiding for months just disappears from their mental checklist.

From large glass panels to smaller apartment windows, the compact robot cleaner uses intelligent WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation to map out the most efficient cleaning path and avoid missed spots. Multiple cleaning modes let you choose between a quick refresh, deep cleaning, edge cleaning, or targeted spot cleaning depending on what the glass needs.

Hard-to-reach windows become less intimidating for dad to clean. Whether it’s a second-story window, a glass door, or a large mirror, the Winbot stays securely attached while it works, turning a tedious chore into a hands-free task.

You can get the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini for just under US$240.

For the dad who’s always in the kitchen

Every family has someone who treats grocery shopping like strategy. If that sounds like your dad, then the FEPPO compact food vacuum sealer is a great addition to the family.
It keeps food fresher longer, makes bulk buying from Costco more practical, and turns freezer storage a lot more organized.

Unlike traditional countertop vacuum sealers, the FEPPO is compact, cordless, and rechargeable, making it easy to store when not in use. Despite its size, it delivers strong suction and can seal food in just a few seconds with a single button press.

The included kit comes with 10 reusable BPA-free vacuum bags and three storage containers. The bags and containers are washable and reusable, s not only are you saving space in the fridge or freezer, you’re also helping reduce waste.

I also like that FEPPO designed it with a detachable water tank that collects excess moisture during the sealing process, making cleanup simpler and helping keep the machine running smoothly over time.

It doesn’t look exciting on paper, but once it’s part of dad’s kitchen routine, they’ll wonder how they managed without it, and thank you later.

Get the FEPPO Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food for under US$70.

For the dad who needs any excuse to be outdoors

Some dads are indoors dads. Others will take any excuse to be outside. The OGERY F11 camping fan is one of those small upgrades that makes outdoor time noticeably more comfortable—not just for them but for the whole family. Whether it’s camping trips, backyard BBQs, RV adventures, or just surviving peak summer heat, it’s a gift dad would surely appreciate.

What makes it stand out is its versatility. The adjustable tripod lets it work as either a floor fan or desktop fan, while the massive 30,000mAh battery can keep air moving for days on lower settings. It also doubles as an LED lantern and emergency power bank, perfect for camping camping and even power outages.

Dad will love the wide-angle oscillation and the included remote control so he can sit back and relax while cooling down.

The OGERY F11 Camping Fan is available for US$89.99.

The SJCAM C400 action camera is for the dad who is always doing something worth remembering: biking, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, or just being the unofficial family photographer.

It captures 4K video through a wide 154-degree lens, making it easy to record everything from scenic landscapes to fast-moving action. Built-in 6-axis image stabilization helps keep footage smooth even when the camera is mounted to a bike, helmet, or backpack. Its battery life is rated to last up to seven hours so his adventures get documented before needing a top up.

The C400 also supports features like slow motion, time-lapse, and wireless app control, making it equally useful for adventure loving dads or one who simply wants a hands-free way to capture family memories.

Get the SJCAM C400 Action Camera for US$179.99.

And the Kiwibit smart bird feeder turns into something unexpectedly addictive. It’s the perfect gift for the dad who enjoys slowing down and appreciating the little things.

The built-in camera captures 4K video and 8MP photos through a wide-angle lens, allowing you to watch visiting birds up close and even check in after dark with infrared night vision. Two-way audio also lets you listen in on the activity happening outside.

For dads who enjoy learning, Kiwibit’s AI can identify more than 10,000 bird species and send alerts whenever a new visitor arrives. The companion app automatically creates galleries and summaries, making it easy to keep track of backyard regulars.

The feeder itself is thoughtfully designed, too, with a solar-powered roof, removable battery, and a dual-compartment seed hopper that can attract a wider variety of birds. It’s the kind of gift that would keep delivering small moments of joy long after Father’s Day is over.

The Kiwibit Bird Feeder is available in two gorgeous colors: Sage Pine and Autumn Clay and is on sale at just under US$180.

For the dad who treats his car like a second home

Cars collect everything. The FEPPO cordless vacuum handles the everyday mess: crumbs, dust, snack debris, pet hair, and whatever else somehow finds its way into the car. Powered by a brushless motor, it delivers strong suction while remaining cordless and easy to maneuver around tight spaces like dad’s car.

What makes it particularly useful for busy households is its thoughtful design. The anti-tangle brush helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, while a multi-stage HEPA filtration system captures fine dust and allergens before recirculating cleaner air.

Long battery life means it’s ready for quick cleanups without constantly needing a recharge. The different attachments make it easy to clean around the house or car.

The best part is you can get the FEPPO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for under US$200.

The STATIK TireHero tire inflator is the tool you never think about until you reallyy need. It lives in the glove box until the exact moment it saves you from a low-pressure warning, a road trip delay, or a late-night stop at a gas station air pump.

Beyond inflating car tires, it can also handle bike tires, sports balls, paddleboards, air mattresses, and other inflatables, making it surprisingly versatile for road trips, camping, and family outings. It even doubles as a portable power bank for charging a phone in an emergency and includes a built-in flashlight for nighttime use.

It’s a practical gadget that may not feel exciting when dad unwraps it, but becomes invaluable the first time he actually needs it.

The STATIK TireHero is available for US$59.99.

For the dad who brings people together

Some of the best gifts will keep on giving. The XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector turns any blank wall into a movie screen. Dad can set up backyard movie nights, World Cup watch parties, or casual weekend hangouts without needing a dedicated entertainment room.

What makes the MoGo 4 special is how portable it is. About the size of a tumbler, it’s easy to toss into a bag for camping trips, vacations, or visits with family. The built-in battery provides up to 2.5 hours of viewing time so you can enjoy a movie without needing to plug it in. It’s also got a 360-degree adjustable stand and automatic image correction to make setup almost effortless.

Despite its compact size, it delivers Full HD 1080p visuals, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, and Google TV with licensed Netflix support.

The XGIMI MoGo 4 is now US$469.

The Liiton American Peaks whiskey decanter set is for dads who have had a stressful year. It helps them slow down, unwind, and appreciate the ritual of pouring a drink at the end of a long day.

Inspired by some of the most iconic mountain ranges in the US, the set includes a crystal decanter and four whiskey glasses featuring detailed 3D mountain impressions molded into the base. Beyond looking beautiful on a bar cart, the mountain design helps chill and aerate the drink. Place the glass in the freezer and in just 18 seconds he gets a drink that stays cold until the last sip, thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System.

Made from heavy lead-free crystal with a weighted base, the glasses feel substantial in the hand and elevate everything from bourbon to tequila. The included gift-ready presentation box also makes it feel like a truly special Father’s Day gift.

And because the set includes four glasses, it’s just as much about sharing a drink with friends and family as it is enjoying a quiet moment alone.

The American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set is available for under US$130.

For the dad who likes to express himself

The INKWON TAG is probably the most unexpected product in this entire list. This pocket-sized printer can create stickers, temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, and photos directly from a smartphone. Paired with the INKWON app, it can turn almost any image into something physical within minutes.

That’s where it gets fun. One day it might be custom stickers for a water bottle. Another day it’s temporary tattoos for his kids. It can even be used to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and keepsakes. For dads who enjoy making things, it’s the kind of gadget that sparks creativity long after Father’s Day is over.

The INKWON TAG starts at US$199.

Not every gift needs to change someone’s routine. Some just make it slightly better.

The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are for dads who always have something playing in the background. Unlike traditional earbuds, the open-ear design lets them enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything happening around them.

They’re lightweight enough to wear for hours, offer impressive battery life, and deliver surprisingly rich audio despite their compact clip-on design.

The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are currently on sale for US$59.99.

Then there’s the Posh Tech Hunt distressed leather Apple Watch band, which transforms one of the most common pieces of tech into something with a little more character.

Made from genuine distressed leather, it develops a worn-in look over time that feels more personal. It’s a simple upgrade, but one that can make an Apple Watch feel less like a gadget and more like an everyday accessory. It’s available for US$35.

For the dad who’s focused on staying well

The Merach NovaRow R50 rowing machine is one of the best examples of low-impact fitness that can stick. It’s a full-body workout that engages his legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, all while being easier on his joints than running or other high-impact exercises.

What makes it work isn’t intensity; it’s consistency. The movement is smooth, the setup is simple, and the Merach app adds guided workouts, performance tracking, and scenic rowing routes that make it easier to show up again tomorrow.

With 10 levels of air resistance, it can grow alongside dad’s fitness journey, whether he’s just getting started or looking for a more challenging workout. It also folds for easier storage, making it a practical option for apartments and home gyms alike.

The Merach NovaRow R50 is the priciest item on this list but is an affordable option compared to the Concept2 RowErg. It’s on sale now at US$529.99.

The Amazfit Balance 2 is one I gave to my dad, who’s almost 70. He’s not training for anything nor is he tracking performance. What the smartwatch has done is he is paying a little more attention to himself.

He checks how much he’s moved. He looks at his heart rate. He notices patterns he wouldn’t have thought about before.

At the same time, it scales up for someone who is more active. With over 170 sport modes, recovery insights, golf mapping, scuba support, and up to 21 days of battery life, it’s a great smartwatch no matter the recipient’s fitness level.

Get the Amazfit Balance 2 for US$299.99.

And then there’s the CAVN blood pressure monitor.

Instead of being intimidating or clinical, it’s designed to be simple enough for everyday home use. It’s got a barrel-style design with one-touch operation that removes the hassle of wrapping a cuff properly. Dad can just slide his arm in, press a button, and it does the rest.

It also supports multiple users, stores readings over time, and makes it easier for families to track trends. The large display and color indicators also make it more accessible for older users, too.

The CAVN Blood Pressure Monitor is available for US$179.99.

The Blueair Mini Restful sunrise clock air purifier takes a different approach to wellness by improving the environment dad sleeps in.

It combines a medical-grade air purifier, warm evening lighting, and a sunrise-style alarm clock into a single bedside device. Blueair’s HEPASilent filtration technology removes airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke while operating quietly enough not to disturb sleep.

In the evening, the warm amber lighting helps create a more relaxing wind-down routine, while the sunrise alarm gradually brightens before wake-up time to make mornings feel less abrupt.

Thoughtful extras like soothing wake-up sounds, app controls, and a built-in USB-C charging port make it an easy addition to any nightstand. It’s an all-in-one device for cleaner air, better sleep, and calmer mornings.

The BlueAir Mini Restful is available in Coastal Beige and Midnight for US$199.99.

Cameras

Kodak Charmera gets seven Y2K-inspired designs

It’s the perfect way to soothe your inner 90s child.

Published

June 17, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

A Kodak Charmera is the latest camera fad to hit social media by storm. The tiny camera is now a must-have for anyone collecting memories. Of course, the appeal is the nostalgia of using an old point-and-shoot. If that’s why you have one of these cameras, the Charmera has a new Millennium Edition, which amplifies the nostalgia factor with seven Y2K-inspired designs.

The original Charmera is a product of 80s technology. Though it can capture photos at a resolution of 1440 x 1080, it’s still delightfully lo-fi. Photos are grainy and don’t really look great, but that’s just the charm of the camera. It’s reminiscent of those times when you can simply turn on a point-and-shoot and capture a moment quickly without thinking about composition or contrast.

The new Millennium Edition, which launches today, adds seven new designs to the Charmera. Unlike the more traditional designs of the initial release, the new release typifies the aesthetics of the 90s to the early 00s: bold colors, metallic finishes, and chrome. All of these are represented in two or three options of the Millennium Edition.

It’s just a design update, though. Other than how it looks, the Millennium Edition is identical to the original camera. Still, if you’re a huge fan of the early 00s aesthetic, these seven designs might be a must-have as well.