Cover MJ Suayan's favourite photograph, "Hope"
MJ Suayan's favourite photograph, "Hope"
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Each month, Tatler invites a photographer to introduce their favourite image—this month we have MJ Suayan
When fate turned its back on MJ Suayan, the creative sought refuge in photography. With his camera, he survived what was probably the most heart-wrenching experience of his life: the passing of his beloved daughter. Through the images he captured, Suayan was able to transform his grief into something that is beautiful.
In one of his interviews, the artist reveals that he started shooting at the streets of Manila where he met mentors who introduced him to the fashion and advertising industry. Since then, he has given editorial contributions to a spate of foreign and local magazines.
In case you missed it: How Xyza Cruz Bacani Went From Migrant Worker To Internationally Acclaimed Photographer
Suayan confides that even up to this day, most of his works remain “experimental” and “based on his experiences”. He describes his works as pieces where dark themes are very much apparent. The creative, who draws inspiration from different music and movies, explains that these works help him create a good image when he’s happy, and interesting and dramatic ones when he’s down in the doldrums.
For Suayan, the most important part of being a photographer is being “free”. He asserts that for a creative to have a distinct style, they must be able to go out of their comfort zones and “play” with a variety of materials.
“I always try to see beauty even in the simplest things"
Among his favourite tools for photography are the Nikon D750, and the Nikon 24-70mm. He likes to call himself an “artistic photographer” for he likes to create painting-like images where lighting is carefully placed.
His favourite assignments include the one he had done with Tatler in 2017. Suayan, together with the team, travelled to Venice to take pictures of the 57th Venice Biennale, the biggest art exhibition in the world. Through this project, the photographer was able to observe all sorts of artists and get inspiration from prolific artists. “It was heaven for me,” he says.
Above MJ Suayan's favourite photograph, "Hope"
MJ Suayan's favourite photograph, "Hope"
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For this issue, he is showcasing a long exposure shot of a landfill in Parañaque. Titled Hope, the photographer seeks to evoke feelings of calmness. For this image, he used a long exposure trick which he frequently used in his past works. “I love how the photo speaks of hope. Knowing the fact that this is a landfill in the slums,” he says.
“The streak of light gives us a feeling that even in the dark, there will always be a light to guide us.” The photo gives us a clearer picture of how the lensman approaches his craft. “I always try to see beauty even in the simplest things.”
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
