Henri 'hank' Oftana
I'm Hank — 59, Marine veteran, photographer, baker. Born in the Philippines, left during martial law at 6. Raised on Guam, where I spent most of my life in my family's bakery.
Bought my aunt's bakery in Daly City because whether I liked it or not, the work runs in my blood. I've been behind a camera for nearly 40 years. Black and white portraiture is where my real work lives.
My wife Lyn keeps me shooting when I'd probably talk myself out of it.
This channel is the process — how I shoot, how I see, and the life around it all. The plan: retire to the mountains of the Philippines, build a café together, put my photographs on the walls.
🌐 thetravelingphotog.com
📸 creativelybare.com
Henri 'hank' Oftana
Sometimes you just need a second try.
First visit to Five Guys? I rushed it.
This time? Jalapeños, Cajun fries, and malt vinegar — done right.
🍔 Five Guys, second round →
youtube.com/shorts/Zq1GZOEO6U...
6 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
What makes a shoot “flow” for you?
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
📷 My latest blog post is up: My Zen Shoot
One model. One camera. No overthinking. Just flow.
Read it here → www.thetravelingphotog.com/blog/my-zen-shoot
7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
Title: ✈️ 5 Flights. 20+ Hours. Finally Boston.
Body:
This was one of the longest travel days I’ve ever done — Guam → Honolulu → San Francisco → Sacramento → Denver → Boston.
From airport chaos to quiet window views, here’s the full journey, condensed into just 4 minutes.
👉 Going live later today, watch it here: https://youtu.be/TR00ubcMQMU?si=3PqGG...
Would love to hear: what’s YOUR longest travel day?
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
✈️ In flight… on to the next city.
After Boston cafés (Flour + Tatte), I’m working on a longform Desperately Seeking Cafés piece for next week. Short form drops will keep coming along the way.
Sometimes it’s the window seat that reminds me why I keep traveling like this. More cafés, more corners of cities, more stories ahead.
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
☕ Quick Short is up from Coffee Bay Cebu — cozy café vibes and my go-to spot for a caffeine fix.
👉 Watch the Short here: youtube.com/shorts/9f7AFCuziq...
👉 Full Coffee Bay tour is already on the channel 🎥
💬 Cebu folks — where’s your favorite café for coffee + chill?
8 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
🍕 Napolitani Pizza in Cebu — light crust, authentic flavor, and an incredible team led by Chef Jeremy.
📽️ Quick Short: youtube.com/shorts/prOnoKEFr7...
📽️ Full Review: on the channel now!
🇵🇭 Would you call this the best pizza in Cebu?
8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
Posted a new Short this morning — a quick look at my stay at F1 Hotel Manila in BGC.
From the lobby to the breakfast spread.
Full review is already up on the channel if you want the whole tour.
https://youtu.be/1KbJx2JLcdA?si=knAg-...
8 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
Posted a quiet Short this morning — just a simple walk to Ayala Terraces.
Filmed on the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. No talking, no setup. Just steps and sidewalks.
Letting it breathe here: youtube.com/shorts/J7-ogT_52H...
8 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Henri 'hank' Oftana
Model shoot might happen this Saturday.
Still waiting on confirmation — but the Leica Q2 Monochrom is coming either way.
Moody black-and-whites.
Natural light. Quiet frames. That’s the plan.
8 months ago | [YT] | 0
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