Now here's something you don't see every day...

Imagine, a photographer renowned for his digital
masterworks shooting a classic Rolleiflex, in
black and white...it's here! :-)

I had the honor and privilege to meet up with one of the finest
photographers in the world today. A man who I consider one of the
most influential photographers to have come out of the internet
generation. A man who made his name right here on Pbase, who to date
has nearly 20 million hits on his Pbase site (before the damned counter
stopped working!). A man who continues to inspire a whole new generation of photographers
with his amazingly unique style. This man is none other than Manuel Libres Librodo Jr.

Manny and I, along with our buddy Elmer "EQ" Quianio (see next photo) had dinner and
conversation in Chinatown, and even did some shooting afterwards. I was impressed with
Manny's down to earth nature, and his generosity in sharing his knowledge and technique.
His passion for photography is obvious and inspiring. And he is such a great guy to
hang out with, so easy going, you would never know you were hanging out with such
a heavyweight photographer!

Manny, over the years, has crafted a unique style of portraiture using his own methods.
His images are almost always "perfect" in my eyes. A combination of flawless compositions
and magical Photoshop work with beautiful colors and tones resulting in a superb
final product. The "look" Manny has crafted has become known as "The Librodo Look" or
"The Librodo Technique" and many people have tried to emulate it.

Thankfully, Manny has decided to share his knowledge by giving master workshops around the
world. If you see one in your town, I suggest you sign up quick!

As in any situation, the more successful you become, the more detractors you have as well.
Manny knows this. He knows that his critics have said that his work is "all Photoshop."

Manny was kind enough to show us his latest images on his Epson portable viewer,
and I can say, without a doubt, the Master gets it right "in-camera" before any
Photoshop is done. In fact, many of his 'throw-away' images would be a masterpiece
for most of us! :-)

I told Manny that I love his work, and while I enjoy the images from the photographers
he inspired, whenever I want to see a masterwork I look to his site. I told him just like
when I want cola, I want Coca-Cola, not C&C Cola, or RC Cola or even Pepsi (but it's close!).
I want, as the Coke ad said, "The Real Thing."

Ladies and gentlemen, Manuel Libres Librodo Jr., just like Coca-Cola, just like the Rolleiflex,
is "The Real Thing" and I am proud to call him my friend.

Please click on the link above to see the Master's work.