US-based Filipino Lensman’s work has graced the covers of international fashion magazines
Fashion magazines are more than just leisure reading. They are gateways to a fantasy world where art and clothing meet. Leading this visual experience are a variety of fashion creators, each contributing elements to the completed epic editorial spread. In the past, many thought that pursuing a career in the fashion industry was limited to becoming a fashion designer. I have. And with hard work and dedication, dreamers can even become successful abroad.
US-based Filipino fashion photographer Aldrin Del Carmen is proof of that. He used to be a fashion stylist, dressing local celebrities, but now he’s a photographer who infuses his passion for fashion and captures stunning photos. Some of her photos of her have graced the covers of international magazines.
Aldrin chatted with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle about her mission to capture the beauty of fashion and the masculine look one stunning image at a time, discussing her early beginnings in the fashion industry, her experience working abroad, and her up-and-coming career. Share tips for fashion photographers.
Hi Aldrin! First, what inspired you to pursue a career in fashion?
From a young age, I had a strong interest in clothes and printed matter. My favorite pastime was going to thrift stores and bookstores back in the Philippines. I would say my love for fashion started when I started thrifting. My early exposure to fashion was through vintage Vogue and her GQ at this bookstore near my home. Looking at those magazines, I was so fascinated by how they were able to get those images. A good amount of the editorials I saw were all by Grace Coddington. I wanted to be a stylist because she has a great ability to tell stories.
When it came time to apply to college, I studied Communication Arts at DLSU and interned for Runway Productions, the team behind Philippine Fashion Week, and celebrity stylist Adrianne Concepcion. I was helping her high-profile clients with an editorial for Garage Magazine. After that, I fell in love with fashion and wanted to become a stylist after college.
Former stylist? What made you switch to photography?
Yes it was. For almost five years, I was a Styling Associate at StyleList, Inc. When I moved to America, I knew no one in the industry, but I still knew I wanted to be a stylist. I made my own shoots and decided I could style them. Eventually, people started making inquiries on Instagram and the rest is history.
How have the lessons learned from styling applied to your current photography?
One of the most important lessons I learned as a stylist was telling a story through clothes. Now I do it with images, but of course I also use clothes. I still style a fair amount of my photo shoots! I’m trying to put together a shoot.
How would you describe your style in photography?
Warm, sculptural. I love mixing fashion and the male form. I love being able to use them to tell a story and shoot where the element is. It could be the ocean, the desert, the middle of a busy city. My biggest inspiration is Herb Ritts. He is a master at doing it.
What magazines have you worked with so far? How was it working in the international fashion scene?
I have been very lucky to work with Daman, a men’s fashion and lifestyle magazine based in Indonesia. It was a surprise to see. I also had the opportunity to grace the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam.
Working in the international fashion scene is wild. I moved to New York a year ago and it was very difficult. But I always try.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a fashion photographer?
Continue taking pictures. keep learning. I still learn new things every time I go on a shoot. The only way to discover your own photography style is to try them all.
Another thing I’ve learned is to shoot with purpose. don’t shoot Make sure you have a theme, vision and mood board for every photo session so you never go to a shoot without research.
What can we expect next?
My goal is to work with new clients so that one day I can get a coffee table reservation. I am incredibly grateful for what I can do.
Hello dear readers! Do you have a story you’d like us to cover?send me a message Facebook, Instagram, tick tockWhen twitter Let’s talk about it.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
Click here to sign up
