Joy & Filipino Beauty with Lawrence De Leon

Name, age, where are you from, what format you like using, what are you currently working on if you are? 

I’m Lawrence De leon, I was born and grew up in Manila, Philippines.

I love shooting medium format, Currently, I’m working on a personal project about Joy and Filipino beauty.

What about your surroundings/environments and upbringing interested you? 

I grew up in Manila, where there’s an unconventionality  in everything.

I think this is a product of our culture and a difficult living environment.

I remember just standing on long lines just to get stuff done, but in doing so,

People could have the most fun and sentimental conversations about anything in the line

while waiting for something that shouldn’t take that long. I love how creative and resilient our people are.

Most of my work is inspired by my memories in the Philippines.

When was the first time you met photography? How did you feel when you met it?

I stumbled upon photography through Skateboarding in the Philippines.

My dad had a small silver point and shoot digicam that I tried to make videos with

But it's so bad with video that I just rather take photos with it. Eventually, I kept wanting to

Have a camera no matter where I am.

Tell us about current projects you have been working on (could be any, or just work you have been doing in general). Is this story inspired out of personal reasons, or others? What are you most excited about in these projects? 

I have 2 projects that I am currently working on. One is about filipino beauty where I photographed Filipinas’ in the Philippine landscape. Last time I photographed it was 2 years ago. I went to the old manila and shot it with Filipino creatives. It's taking a while but I don’t mind it. I’d have to plan another long trip to the Philippines and possibly photograph in a different island.

Another project that I’m working on is about joy, I’ve been really joyful on where I’m in my life right now and I want to remember the feeling of it. One thing that I enjoy the most is working with people that have the same wavelength as me. I feel blessed to have people that support me. I am extremely grateful. I am still lining things up for it and setting up the timing for it since the weather is still cold here in NYC and would love to photograph it in a warmer season.

How did you find your visual literacy? Why are you attracted to certain images more than others? 

Through books, movies, documentaries and school.  I love an image where it draws you in and speaks to you.

Whether, through a rhythm and flow of colors along with the expression that an image shows, I love an image

That communicates. For the most part, an image that is an in-between moment is what I feel attracted to.

Imagine meeting someone who is picking up a camera for the first time. What do you tell them?

Pick up a camera that you're comfortable with and try to understand your voice.

Make an image and tell them who you are.