Brunei's entry of 'Celebration' in Photography Vibes 2005
By CT Hj Mahmod

Rudolf Portillo - a familiar name the Bulletin's readers may have come across - but one that is even better known among the Sultanate's art enthusiasts as a true professional.

Rudolf's name will also turn up in the Photography Vibes 2005's hardbound manuscript edition produced by the US-based Circle of Photographers, as his work entitled 'Celebration' was among those selected from 12,000 entries worldwide, which means it has a shot at winning.

The photograph captures a vibrant fireworks display over Bandar Seri Begawan during last year's wedding event of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Its technical qualities had caught the eyes of the manuscript's editors.

A team of judges selected Rudolf's 'Celebration' on this basis as well as its composition, flow, texture and light with an "asymmetric composition and light mix used throughout" that they appreciated.

Made of high quality bounded paper, the manuscript contains professional illustrations, and Rudolf's photo will be printed alongside the artworks of other famous photographers.

'Celebration' will no doubt put our small country on the map. This is not the first time that his work has received international recognition.

It in fact marks the fourth time his photographs have been published in the international arena. The first three were chosen as finalists in the International Library of Photography whereby his artworks were published in several coffee-table illustrations.

In Southeast Asia, Rudolf's commendable art has won him two first prizes and a bronze medal for the 'Hello Kids of Asia-Pacific' competition.

Although photography was not a hobby during childhood, Rudolf has always had a love for the arts.

After discovering that he possesses a knack for capturing beautiful images, Rudolf took it upon himself to improve on his new found talent by taking up a professional photography correspondence course.

Photography soon turned into a serious interest for Rudolf and four years ago, he turned his passion into profession, taking pictures that "says a thousand words" for the daily national newspapers.

His style and techniques are unique as well as distinctive, just like the works exhibited on an official website, www.rudolf-portillo.com.

Rudolf Portillo is known among his peers as a man who takes great pride in his art and to have his work receive praise from an international body has only fired up his passion of telling great stories through his photographs to the world.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin