LIFE: The Classic Collection

When I got started in photography, I started to build a library of resources that I hoped would help me reach my goals as a shooter, or if not, at least point me in the right direction. I remembered one of the books I read a lot as a kid, a hardbound, special edition book of photographs by LIFE magazine. We had a copy at home, but through the years and two address changes, this copy could no longer be located . I recall searching for a copy at National a few years back, but the cost was a few thousand pesos above my budget, so it remained elusive.



I remember being captivated not only by the images but by the stories behind them. Subjects varied greatly in theme, from images of war to the launch of Apollo XI to a photo of a dog, cat and mouse who think nothing of being in the same photo. Some are in color and others in monotone, but all were considered classics by the venerable editors of LIFE. And that is a statement in itself, considering that in the magazine's print lifespan of over a century (the last issue was printed on April 20, 2007, and now only exists in online form), the editors must have seen literally millions of photographs, either from staff photographers, freelance shooters or reader submissions.

Tonight, I found myself in National for some supplies, and while paying for my purchases, I found an updated version displayed at the counter, this time with loose prints that you can take out of the book and frame. I immediately checked out the price, and this time, it was a lot more affordable. I thought about it for all of 3 seconds before I decided on buying it. To sweeten the deal, one of the security guards is an old friend of mine and he generously offered to extend his employees' discount to my purchase. To quote the famous line from Jerry Maguire: "You had me at hello".

And so, as soon as I got home, I opened the book and rediscovered old memories. But more than that, it taught me a couple of lessons which I hope will filter into my shooting philosophy. Before the era of ISO 1600 and 11fps, of Kelvin settings and wireless flash, these masters were already making classics. Browsing through the myriad selection, I found a common element: All the photos told a story. And this is what I hope to apply in the future. More than perfect exposure or razor-sharp focus, it was the story that made these photos classics.

It is both the privilege and responsibility of a photographer to be able to freeze time and capture a moment to be enjoyed and relived by those who choose to view his photographs. Long after lenses have been stored and memory cards have been emptied, it is the memory of what happened that will live on through the photographs that have been taken. This is the single most valuable lesson I take with me from the newest addition to my library.

To the editors and contributors of LIFE, thank you for showing us the way.

For this, I am truly thankful. And forever changed.