10 Filipina Photographers You Need To Know Now!
Here are Filipina photographers whose wide-ranging compelling work in portraiture, photojournalism, art, and fashion continue to inspire us today.
It doesn’t have to be International Women’s Day to honor, celebrate, and congratulate all women. We know that we’re standing on the shoulders of giants to be even be able to say this but there is no perfect time to talk about sexism and how much it would mean for women to have their work, practice, and point-of-view recognized.
For decades and even for years, the Filipina photographers we’re about to introduce and reintroduce to you have carved new and safe spaces in a male-dominated world. To be a female photographer, to grab hold of an instrument that women traditionally remain in front of, and to be able to have an eye to view and challenge perspectives today is already worth celebrating. With the progress we have made, it’s completely discouraging to let certain circumstances set us years and years back.
In case you know someone who needs some reminding, here are 10 Filipina photographers who matter and whose wide-ranging compelling work in portraiture, photojournalism, art, and fashion continue to inspire us today. From a world-renowned photojournalist whose works have been published in National Geographic, The New York Times, and Time, a soulful girl wonder whose photos prove that nostalgia is her strongest feat, to a photographer who is specifically known for her vivid ultra femme gaze, and more, learn a thing or two from the budding and legendary industry icons in the gallery down below. Remember to see their best work as you will and take your time to relish each photographer's imagery by sustaining an open mind.
Filipina Photographers
Filipina Photographers
Andrea Beldua
There are only a few pink-haired girls under our style radar and Andrea Beldua is one of them. Apart from her star-studded portfolio, we can’t help but feel instantly lured and captivated by her ultra femme gaze. Andrea uses her lenses to capture poses and movements that will make you feel like you’re in a dream sequence. It’s also part of Andrea’s aesthetic to accentuate and put focus on every line, curve, dip, and length of her muse’s body. The likes of Nadine Lustre, Yassi Pressman, Kylie Verzosa, and Sarah Lahbati can fully attest to this!
Photo Credit: Photo from @andreabeldua
Photo Credit: Photo from @andreabeldua
Aya Cabauatan
We’re positively sure that Aya Cabauatan is a gift to the industry. From portraits to flower studies to portraits with flower studies, Aya can comfortably play along the lines that separate and define women from nature. Some of her best works include the sun-dipped campaign she shot for swimsuit brand Alba and the high octane Araw The Line’s Kislap holiday campaign from 2019.
Photo Credit: Photo from @_positivity
Photo Credit: Photo from @_positivity
Charisma Lico
To claim that Charisma Lico’s work is out of this world would be an understatement of what she can actually do. Famous for her photos of Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, and Heart Evangelista, Charisma’s work is not something you should be taking lightly. On top of that, we’re incredibly proud to have her in our roster of photographers. Her signature pastel-hued photos are definitely something to remember every time!
Photo Credit: Photo from @charismalico
Photo Credit: Photo from @charismalico
Colin Dancel
There’s something about Colin Dancel’s work that brings us a sense of relief. We can hardly pinpoint which feature we feel most gravitated to but we know that she’s got every detail down to a T. Her works for Kim Jones’ The Fore Series and her personal ones have a special place in our hearts.
Photo Credit: Photo from @colindancel
Photo Credit: Photo from @colindancel
Elena Ortega-Ong
Model-turned-photographer Elena Ortega is a master at self-portraits. Not only because she has the experience of being in front of the lenses but she also has a neat eye for portraiture. You definitely need to see the work she did for Tropa Store!
Photo Credit: Photo from @elena___ong
Photo Credit: Photo from @elena___ong
Eloisa Lopez
Eloisa Lopez’s work spans from the harshest realities in the Philippines and Asia to photos that will simply just peak your interest. Her coverage of the current pandemic and the occurring drug war gave us the perspective we may be lacking from social media. Since 2017, Eloisa has already exhibited some of her works in France, Bosnia and Herezegovina, and Switzerland.
Photo Credit: Photo from @eloisalopez
Photo Credit: Photo from @eloisalopez
Favour Ajah
Like scenes straight out of a film, Favour Ajah’s work with Leila Alcasid and Siobhan Moylan are proof that photos can tell as much stories as a full-length film. If you take a step further, you might not be able to find yourself in the real world! Crisp and clean with a dash of mischief, that’s exactly how we like our photos taken!
Photo Credit: Photo from @favour.ajah
Photo Credit: Photo from @favour.ajah
Hannah Reyes Morales
Award-winning photojournalist Hannah Reyes Morales is someone who deserves all the recognition she gets. As one of the very few Filipina photographers who have been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, and TIME, we can’t help but feel immensely proud of how far she has come. Her narrative-driven work ooze with stories that are worth telling. It’s not hard to have your eyes opened when there are artists like Hannah who can tell the truth and stories through her photographs.
Photo Credit: Photo from @hannahreyesmorales
Photo Credit: Photo from @hannahreyesmorales
Regine David
If feelings could be felt through our screens, we would be trembling in awe right now. Regine David’s phygital world is a safe space for anyone to empathize and feel with her muses. As an advocate for queer visibility, Regine is set to fully destigmatize love, sexuality, and voyeurism in the local and international art and fashion industry.
Photo Credit: Photo from @reginedavid
Photo Credit: Photo from @reginedavid
Shaira Luna
It’s not a secret how Shaira Luna is able to time travel through her photos and her clothes. Just one look at her feed and you’ll instantly get teleported! Her signature muted and soulful photography style sparked this generation’s love for nostalgia whether through art, music, or fashion. Some of our favorite works of Shaira include her photos of Zild Benitez with Shanne, Jasmine Curtis’ Gucci shoot, and her Metro cover shoots with Bela Padilla and newly-weds Megan Young and Mikael Daez.
Photo Credit: Photo from @shairaluna
Photo Credit: Photo from @shairaluna
Lead Photos from Hannah Reyes Morales, Andrea Beldua, and Regine David.
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