Whether it’s in the smallest of bar venues or the largest of arenas, music photographers play a key role in documenting the most important and iconic moments in our favorite artists’ careers as well as of our favorite shows.
The Filipino music scene is no stranger to the art of music photography, with camera-toting professionals like veteran music photographer Niña Sandejas — who has taken photos for Rivermaya, Greyhoundz, Kitchie Nadal, and more — having been responsible for meticulously capturing moments from our favorite Filipino artists for years now, one frame at a time. And, like Sandejas, many of these music photographers have even taken photos of or for international artists as well.
In an interview with Billboard Philippines, Sandejas describes music photography as “a visual document of an artist’s legacy.” With how richly diverse and consistently evolving Filipino music and the Philippine music scene as a whole continue to be in the present, her words hold more weight than ever before. It reminds us of the necessity to preserve the countless memories of our artists and spaces — whether big or small — who contribute to the growing identity of the local music scene across all genres and niches.
The past few years have produced some of the best of best when it comes to taking photos of the artists, the fans, the communities and more that have shaped and and continue to define the landscape of our music scene and beyond. While by no means an exhaustive list, here are 10 more Filipino music photographers (besides Sandejas) whose work you should check out.
Niko Cezar
Primarily known as the photographer for Chicosci, Niko Cezar is a music photographer distinguishable for his dynamic photos’ dark and grunge-y looks. His portfolio also notably includes Rico Blanco, Dashboard Confessional, Lostthreads, Kamikazee, and more. Alongside being a photographer, he also extensively does videography and graphic design work, and serves as the frontman for modern metalcore band Fragments,
Cezar is one of the co-founders of KNYA Collective, an independent group of local creatives best known for their photo, video, and design work, mostly specializing in all things music-related.
Karen Dela Fuente
If you’re familiar with folk-pop hitmakers Ben&Ben, then you’re bound to have seen the work of Karen Dela Fuente. Often referred to by the nickname “Rocket,” Dela Fuente is popularly known for being the band’s creative director, having done a multitude of visual work for them, both on-stage and off-stage. She is best known for her experimental approach to color, nostalgic way of editing, as well as shooting both digital and film.
Aside from Ben&Ben, she has also taken photos of the likes of Over October, Zild, Wu-Tang Clan, and Sandwich, and serves as the creative director for actor-singer Jericho Rosales.
Marvin Chua
From shooting for music publications and local gig production houses to one of the most iconic film composers of all time, Marvin Chua is best known for his photos’ dramatic contrast between light and shadow as well as playing around with concert lighting. His diverse portfolio notably includes Hans Zimmer, Slayer, Japanese Breakfast, Gary Valenciano, and more.
Aside from being a music photographer, other aspects of Chua’s life are also occupied by music, as he also works full-time as a score composer for films and television series, as well as serving as one of the guitarists for the post-rock band Long Lost Apollo.
Aimee Aznar
From her bold exploration of colors to creatively compositing images together, Aimee Aznar is known for her experimental take on music photography, often blending her photos with graphic design as well as videography. She is notably known as one of the co-founders of KNYA Collective.
Her extensive portfolio includes LANY, Kamikazee, Ena Mori, The Juans, and more.
Iya Forbes
Also known by her Instagram handle “eggcheeks,” Iya Forbes is a photographer best known for her documentary style of approach to taking images, both within and beyond the music realm. She has consistently done work for music publications and various local concert and festival production entities like Karpos Multimedia — the team behind Wanderland Music & Arts Festival — and Insignia Presents.
Her portfolio notably includes the likes of Sandwich, Ebe Dancel, Eraserheads, and more.
Renuel Fallore
Known for his diverse approach to color alongside an often grunge-y way of editing, Renuel Fallore is a longtime music photographer who has taken on all sorts of shows that have been staged on our shores. Alongside taking photos, he also juggles the role of being a writer and a music journalist. He is also a member of KNYA Collective.
His star-studded portfolio includes the likes of Paramore, Taeyeon of Girls Generation, Hev Abi, The Rose, and more.
Deck Cortez
If you frequently haunt Mow’s or you’re a regular at SaGuijo, then the name Deck Cortez probably rings a bell or two. He is best known for his work in the local underground and alternative music scene, particularly in metal and pop-punk, armed with his signature fisheye lens and flash combo.
Alongside serving as the photographer for 123 Pikit, his portfolio, includes the likes of Zild, Badwave, False Contender, Brickcity, and more.
Roxanne Nebres
Known for her extensive work with a slew of notable Filipino acts, Roxanne Nebres has photographed for the likes of Moonstar88, Imago, Alexa Ilacad, Hale, and more, in both staple local venues as well as festivals all over the country.
Alongside being active as music photographer in the local scene, Nebres is also known as huge K-pop fan and notably attended and documented her experience of K-pop icons BTS’ Permission To Dance concert in Las Vegas using only a small digicam.
Gerard Cayco
Known for his documentary-style and immersive approach to photos, Gerard Cayco is music photographer who dabbles in both digital and film as his means of capturing moments from the artists he encounters.
Alongside being the official photographer for Gary Valenciano, his portfolio also includes Munimuni, Dilaw, and more.
Ysmael Salvador
Known for his grunge-y yet dreamy edits, Ysmael Salvador is a music photographer best known for his work in the rock and metal scene. He has notably done work for the likes of Rocksteddy and Chocolate Factory, with his portfolio also including others such as Flow G, As I Lay Dying, Stand Atlantic, and more.
Alongside being a photographer, Salvador juggles his photo-taking duties with being a videographer and also dabbles in a lot of 3D art, often combining these three fields of visual art together in his works. He is one of the co-founders of KNYA Collective.