As a proud member of Team Fujifilm at CameraHaus Photolympics 2024, my experience was nothing short of unforgettable. The event was a true celebration of creativity, skill, and passion for photography.
Every participant—from every team—showcased an incredible eye for detail and a sharp sense of composition, making the event a photographer’s dream.
Capturing “Celebrating Life at SM”
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Life at SM” was both challenging and inspiring. Each team set out to capture the vibrancy, energy, and essence of life in an SM Mall setting.
At around 11 AM, all participants embarked on their mission to find the perfect shot. The energy in the air was palpable as we raced against the clock, aiming to tell a visual story that embodied the theme. From bustling crowds to tranquil moments and the beauty of everyday life, each photographer was determined to capture that perfect shot that truly celebrated life.
The Early Morning Kickoff and Treats
The day began early at 6 AM, with Team Fujifilm gathering at our booth for registration. We were each given our team shirts, CameraHaus sling bags, and IDs—officially marking the start of an exciting day ahead. As the sun rose, participants were treated to free taho, a sweet Filipino breakfast treat, providing the perfect fuel for the day’s challenges.
The 2 PM Snack and Long Queue
By 2 PM, a scheduled break for free bottled juice and snacks was offered, but unfortunately, we missed it as we were still immersed in our photo sessions. The queue for submissions, which began around 3 PM, was long and filled with anticipation. After hours of capturing shots, the wait was a little tiring, but the excitement of seeing our results made it all worthwhile. Thankfully, there was free coffee at Bo’s Coffee for Team Fujifilm, which gave us the perfect pick-me-up, allowing us to recharge for the final stretch of the competition. Everyone was also treated to free dirty ice cream, adding a sweet touch to the day.
Freebies and Extras for Every Team
One of the highlights of the event was the incredible range of freebies and special offers available to all participants. Every team enjoyed a free camera and lens cleaning, ensuring that our gear stayed in top shape throughout the event. For Team Fujifilm, we were treated to free photo prints and access to a free photobooth, where we could capture fun moments with our fellow photographers. As we visited each booth, we also enjoyed exclusive promos on cameras, adding an exciting incentive to explore the event in full.
What made the event even more thrilling was that each team had its own set of exclusive freebies and perks, which added to the sense of excitement and friendly competition. It was great to see how each team was celebrated with unique offers, making the entire experience feel even more special.
The Passion Behind the Lens
What truly stood out during the event was the incredible passion shared by all participants. The competition was intense, but it never overshadowed the camaraderie and respect that photographers—no matter their skill level—showed for one another. It was clear that everyone, from seasoned professionals to hobbyists, had gathered not just to compete but to celebrate their love for photography and their commitment to the craft.
For me, being part of Team Fujifilm was more than just about competing—it was about growing, learning, and sharing this journey with like-minded individuals. As a photographer, there is no greater reward than capturing a moment that resonates with others, and this event provided a platform for just that.
A Heartfelt Congratulations
Although we didn’t win, we still congratulate Mr. Emman Foronda and Team Nikon—the Grand Champion of CameraHaus Photolympics 2024! Your achievement is truly well-deserved.
The Best Part of the Event
Personally, the best part of the event was not the freebies or workshops offered by each brand. Instead, it was the chance to see photographers from different brands interacting together, sharing tips, and offering insights. It was inspiring to witness the community’s enthusiasm for photography and how we all came together, regardless of brand affiliations, to celebrate our shared passion for the craft.
We wrapped up the day at Team Fujifilm’s Thanksgiving dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, where we indulged in free fries, wings, and iced tea in a lively and fun atmosphere. The excitement didn’t stop with the CameraHaus PhotoOlympics event—it continued at the dinner with a raffle, where we got to take home an Instax goodie bag filled with stickers and notepads. Others were lucky enough to win an SD card or a Fujifilm goodie bag! It was the perfect way to cap off a memorable evening.
Looking Ahead
Though the competition was fierce, the experience itself was a win for everyone. CameraHaus Photolympics 2024 was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of life, creativity, and the power of photography to tell meaningful stories. As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but feel excited for what the future holds, especially if I’m lucky enough to participate again next year.
Congratulations to all teams, and a special shout-out to Team Fujifilm for making this an experience to remember!
