Had a blast going to the Digital Photographer Philippines’ VI Anniversary party at Bonifacio Global City last May 26. I got to see the best photographers (Jo Avila, Sara Black, Lito Sy, Pilar Tuason, Raymund Isaac, Manny Librodo, Xander Angeles, etc.) in the Philippines give us lectures on portraiture, fashion photography, boudoir, etc. On top of the amazing photographers, I also got to see Jinri Park and Ellen Adarna! What more can you ask for?

Here’s fashion and beauty photographer Sara Black showing us what it takes to capture a subject with a lecture on portraiture:

Here’s Jinri Park being directed by the great Raymund Isaac:

Xander Angeles being amazing as usual:

And last but not the least, and not needing any introductions, Ellen Adarna:

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Some background on the photographers during the Digital Photographer Philippines

Jo Avila is one of the Philippines’ most respected photographers and instructors, and a Datacolor Spyder endorser at the time I took my Basic Photography Course.

Sara Black was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Upon finishing her Communication Arts degree at Ateneo de Manila University, she jumped into her first job working at a photography studio as an assistant. While steadily learning about the craft, she was pulled on to the other side of the lens as a model — a happy accident to which she credits her better understanding of her subjects, a factor so crucial in all kinds of portraiture.

Pilar Tuason was launched in 2013 as SONY CAMERA SOUTHEAST ASIA’s first region-wide female Brand Ambassador (“Sony Professional”). Pilar began her photography career focused on honing her classical portraiture under the late Monte Zucker, a New York based photographer regarded as one of the 20th Century’s best modern portraitists. Pilar has been sponsored and supported by the photography industry’s best: from Phottix, Wacom, Sekonic and Elinchrom to name a few. Pilar also hosted a TV show called ‘Digital Photo Plus’ on Studio 23.

Raymund Isaac has been in the business of photography and visual arts for more than thirty-five years—and counting. He has worked on photographs for fashion magazines, and advertising campaigns for local and foreign brands. He is the president of Portfolio Photography and Studio, Inc.

Manny Librodo is from Lambunao, Iloilo, Philippines. He graduated Valedictorian in high school and was a college scholar at University in the Philippines in the Visayas in college. Before he ventured into photography full-time, he was a high school teacher in one of Thailand’s premier international schools.

Xander Angeles is one of the most sought-after photographers in the Philippines, getting his big break in 2002 by shooting his first FHM cover. His story from then on is well known, but few people know about his early life. Xander was born in Manila and grew up on Blumentritt.