Atom Araullo, Jaja Samaniego, and Jonathan Hodder share tips on capturing the money shot with Xiaomi 14’s Leica Summilux optical lens
Enhancing connections is facilitated by the inclusion of imagery, which breathes life into narratives. Mobile photography serves as a conduit for achieving this, empowering storytellers to encapsulate pivotal moments effortlessly.
Renowned journalist Atom Araullo, alongside photographers Jaja Samaniego and Jonathan Hodder, are well-versed in this art. Their professions revolve around seizing genuine moments and transmuting them into unforgettable memories. With the aid of the Xiaomi 14, co-engineered with Leica, they effortlessly capture crisp, vibrant images that elevate their artistic expressions.
The power of photographs
Journalist Atom Araullo has made a name for himself by chronicling the authentic experiences within Filipino communities, delving into intriguing aspects of local history and culture. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls how his fascination with journalism and photography ignited during his childhood. Leafing through the pages of old National Geographic and Life magazines, he was captivated by the evocative images portraying distant lands and diverse cultures. He harbored a dream of one day capturing the essence of our world through words and photographs.
Initially drawn to landscape and travel photography, Araullo gradually explored the art of street photography, a passion that now complements his journalistic endeavors. He firmly believes in the unique ability of photographs to convey narratives that resonate deeply. During his leisure time, he seeks to encapsulate the essence of fleeting moments, relishing the nostalgia evoked when revisiting these captured memories.
Professional photographer Jonathan Hodder finds inspiration in the ordinary moments of everyday life, spanning the streets of Barcelona to the bustling cityscape of Manila. Armed with an old Leica M2 passed down by his uncle, he delves into the candid nuances of human expression, embracing the raw authenticity of each captured moment. While street photography remains his foundation, Hodder has expanded his portfolio to include portraiture and documentary work, aligning with his professional pursuits in the development sector.
For Hodder, photography is an inherently personal journey, driven by a genuine passion for exploration and human connection amidst chaotic environments.
Jaja Samaniego’s photography journey began as a means of solace during a challenging period of transition in her life. Discovering film photography during her college years, she found refuge in the creative process, navigating through the storm of loss and relocation. Rooted in her childhood experiences in the countryside, where she found solace in the natural world, Samaniego eventually gravitated towards wedding photography as her career path. Her work is a celebration of life’s impermanence, a tribute to the beauty found in fleeting moments and the enduring power of love and connection.
Photography made legendary
Mobile photography has experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years, offering a transformative outlet for artists like Araullo to break free from creative stagnation. He attests to its accessibility and enjoyment, finding it less daunting and more engaging than traditional photography methods.
Araullo credits the Xiaomi 14, equipped with a Leica Summilux optical lens, for elevating his photography endeavors. Its compact design and renowned Leica color science simplify the process, delivering exceptional results straight from the camera without the need for extensive editing. This seamless experience, he believes, enhances the purity of the photographic journey.
Hodder emphasizes the democratizing effect of smartphones on photography, noting how they have lowered the entry barrier for aspiring photographers. With smartphones like the Xiaomi 14, equipped with advanced Summilux lenses, capturing stunning images has become effortless. The lenses’ ability to capture vibrant, painterly shots with enhanced light and depth of field mirrors the quality of dedicated cameras, allowing photographers to focus more on their creative expression.
Samaniego, a dedicated Leica user, acknowledges the unique quality of images produced by Leica cameras and sees a similar authenticity in the Xiaomi 14’s Summilux lens. She highlights the Leica Authentic filter and its ability to create creamy bokeh and subtle subject separation, producing images of remarkable quality that rival those taken with dedicated cameras.
Xiaomi 14 stands as a testament to innovation in mobile photography, empowering creators to craft compelling narratives through its advanced features. Available at authorized Xiaomi stores and online platforms, it offers unparalleled value for creators seeking to enhance their storytelling capabilities.
