"Lente ng Pahina" seminar explores art of storytelling through documentary photography, books

Report by Rainier Acosta | Photos by JM Magday

Bachelor of Arts in Communication 4A organized “Lente ng Pahina: A Seminar in Creating Long-Form Documentary Photography and Books” on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Theater Room, Smith Hall Building.

The seminar aimed to provide an in-depth exploration of techniques essential to documentary photography and visual storytelling.

Student speakers Clea Estabillo, Katrine Martinez, Angel Joy Medina, Nancy Manzano, and John Harvey Pamintuan led the seminar covering fundamental topics such as layout, composition, hierarchy, alignment, and the use of color in narrative building.

Moreover, the guest speaker, Mr. Diogenes “DAX” Simbol, a documentary storyteller, discussed the definition of the topic, his experiences in making documentary photography, tips in capturing picture in documentary photography.

Mr. Simbol also emphasized the importance of the seminar, especially for communication students.

“Alam naman natin mahusay naman lahat ng mga teacher sa CASS pero maganda pa rin na may dagdag na kaalaman galing sa labas ng eskwelahan kasi yung learning hindi lang siya dapat nakakahon sa kanto ng eskwelahan dapat lumalabas din siya,” Mr. Simbol emphasized.

Meanwhile, students were invited to share their key takeaways. Dhean Mhar Madriaga, a fourth-year Communication student, reflected on Mr. Simbol’s stories about the risks involved in his work, which made a significant impact.

“Para sa akin from the discussion, yung risk ng pagpunta niya sa mga pinupuntahan niya sa bawat field like sa pag-akyat sa bundok and yung na-share niya about sa pagpunta niya sa Zamboanga na later on nagkaroon ng siege or barilan,” Dhean Mhar Madriaga shared, a fourth-year communication student.

The seminar provided not only insights into the technical aspects of documentary photography but also inspired students to take risks and push boundaries in their own storytelling.