Filipino photographers have always been blessed with a wealth of stunning scenery on the islands and in the cities, street photography, portraiture, and fashion photography are on the rise. Among the many notable Filipino photographers practicing, we’ve picked these 5 whose work you should keep an eye out for.
BJ Pascual
After years in the industry, BJ has solidified his reputation as one of the country’s top fashion and portrait photographers, sought out by the most famous celebrities and socialites. He has even photographed international celebrities, has worked for all of the top publications in town, with over 300 cover shoots under his belt (Tatler covers included), and has become an influencer in his own right with over half a million Instagram followers. Not only is BJ known as a photographer but he has also been named one of the country’s most fashionable individuals, recognized for his edgy, playful and androgynous sense of style. BJ is also a published author of a book called Push and started his own YouTube channel as well!
Ezra Acayan
Ezra Acayan is a documentary photographer based in Manila whose work focuses on social issues and human rights. He is best known for his work highlighting the suffering caused by the Philippine government’s war on drugs, which has appeared in numerous international media outlets, and for which he received a special merit at the Human Rights Press Awards. In 2019 he received a World Press Photo Award in the Spot News category and in 2020 won Getty Photographer Of The Year, News Picture of the Year and Photo Essay of the year. Throughout the pandemic, he has been covering the COVID-19 pandemic producing impactful photographs.
Niko Villegas
The son of noted Filipino photographer Arnel Villegas, Nico Villegas grew up surrounded by art. He mastered digital and film photography in college, and went on to shoot for local newspapers before pursuing the subject at The Art Center Design College in the United States. In New York, Nico landed an apprenticeship with Xander Angeles, a Filipino photography and film-making icon, and spent two years working in The Big Apple. These days, he shoots fashion and advertising projects for Edge of Light, one of the Philippines’ most high-profile studios.
Xyza Cruz Bacani
This is one story that truly inspires. Xyza started as a migrant worker (a domestic helper) in Hong Kong and is now an internationally acclaimed photographer. On her days off, she’d traverse the city, snapping photos with her camera. This simple hobby soon launched her now unstoppable career. She is a freelance visual storyteller who has been recognized by the BBC 100 Women of the World. She is a FujiFilm Ambassador and a grantee of the Pulitzer Centre. Xyza constantly strives to document under-reported news and showcase real-life experiences through her artistic eye. Having been featured in The New York Times, Time, CNN, and multiple other media outlets, she continues to share her perspective.
Noel Guevarra
This visual storyteller uses thought-provoking images to document the relationships between communities and their environment, highlighting ways in which they can become more sustainable. He is a lauded conservation, documentary and wildlife photographer who has travelled the globe in search of the perfect shots and is very well known for his underwater photography. Noel is also a commercial director and producer, having created a variety of films and content for top brands. He founded Burnwater Design Studios which handles advertising and design, and StreamPunk, a content production house.
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