Was featured in one of the make-up blogs here in blog spot =)
http://baklitaan.blogspot.com/2008/01/jesse-herrera-tirador.html
The name Jesse Herrera might not yet ring a bell in the fashion and photography industry but his immense talent could make him go very far. While he was taking up his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts in UST, Jesse has been working as a Spongecola roadmanager, segment producer and segment host for ABC 5 while working his way through his passion- film and photography. After graduation, he pursued photography and also engaged cinematography as an apprentice. As of today, his works have graced magazines and broadsheets and he’s currently a probationary member for the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines. Not bad for someone who just graduated March of last year.
Jesse is one of the photographers I’ve always loved working with. His creativity is ever flowing and he never runs out of ideas. Full of spunk and energy, he’s even game to shoot frame after frame even after a tiring day of location shoots complete with unpredictable weather. Whether it be a cat, a dish, or even a water dam, he can turn anything into works of art through his camera lenses and eye for art. As a co-worker, there’s never a dull moment with this guy and given the chance, I’d love to work with him again.
Now, Jesse chats up with me as he agrees to be interviewed for Baklitaan. Looking too at his pictures taken by co-photographers, he sure is excellent in front of the camera as he is behind it. Makes you think of the next Nigel Barker, huh? Oh girls, he’s single and very much available.
1. So how does it feel being featured in a beauty blog as one of our featured colleagues?
Actually, I find it funny and at the same time flattering. For someone like me, it’s nice to know that people get to see my works and appreciate the photos. Its like getting a pat on the back for a job well done.
2. Don’t worry Jesse, I’ll make it less on the “beauty side” though and more on informative. Anyway, why the name Scarlet Photographs for your folio?
That’s Scarlet Photographs - Tirador hehe. I didnt want any fuss on making a monicker. I simply thought Scarlet was a nice name because I’m actually biased then because I had a huge crush on Scarlet Johanssen. I added the word “tirador” to simply say that I pratically shoot anything. =) (“tinitira ko lahat” –JH)
3. Okay, so tell me how you got yourself into photography? Did you just wake up one day and it hit you that you’d want to take pictures?
I love challenges. Some of my close friends had digital SLRs way, way back since I got mine, so I got to tinker around with them a little bit and asked questions. At the same time, I kept seeing photos done by professional photographers and I said to myself, "Hey I can also do that". I started with a video camera, which I used to shoot the behind the scenes for Spongecola concerts, make documentaries and videos for school, so that really got me going because I kinda knew how composition works. I wanted to share with people what I see in people, places and things the way I saw it.
4. No formal training at all? Just practice?
If you consider attending a basic workshop for photography a formal lesson, well then yes. But then, I figured out that what they teach in basic photography I already knew because of the back issues of photo magazines I invested in before I got my dSLR.
5. Part of the decision to become a full-time artist is to convince the parents to allow us to. Did you have a hard time telling your parents that you’d want to go into photography full time?
Yes i did. I had the feeling that they thought that my liking for photography was temporary. We had so many arguments about my chosen field. Both of my parents came from government and banking so, the idea of having a son passionate in visuals is kind of out of their league.
Actually, I'm having second doubts if I want to go full time in photography. Knowing myself, I know that I would want more challenges in life but photography will always be there. I’m not pressuring myself to become a pro-photographer as soon as possible, I’m still enjoying the ride up to now.
6. And I’m definitely sure you’ll make it, with your talent. I’ve seen your portfolio and your work with our shoots. Where do you get your inspiration from with your work?
Most of my inspiration comes from the people around me- the people I see on the streets, other people's work, the people I meet, and the things I see. As a photographer, you have to train your eyes to see even the littlest details in life. Even a simple object to many, can be an inspiration to me.
7. Which celebrity would you like to have a photoshoot with?
There are so many! But to be fair, I really love working with cooperative people. In a shoot, it’s just not about the photographer and makeup artist, it’s all about creating a good photograph as a team, from the models, makeup artists, to the production to the gaffers, everyone! If you'll notice, each post in my multiply account has an acknowledgment area where I thank everyone of pitched in, whether it’s a big contribution or a small one.
8. Describe your favorite photoshoot experience.
My first behind the scenes shoot was for the indie film Pitong Dalagita. I had the chance to shoot 6 gorgeous and talented ladies and the well-bonded crew! It was fun and exciting because of the number of people involved! I have made a lot of friends and really learned a lot!
9. Now describe the worst and how you coped up with it.
It was a corporate account and an event and I was tasked to shoot the people in this "market festival". My job was to shoot them one by one like an ID photosession because graphic artists had to paste their faces in a poster in between 2 celebrities . It was frustrating for me because there was no creativity and worst of all, the people I shot were not really "into" the photosession. I had to do it the whole day for a couple of days. (Had to change details).
10. I’m pretty sure you nailed that shoot anyhow. What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned so far in this industry?
People will always have different opinions and insights about your work, some may like it, others won’t. But the most important thing is that before everybody else, you are your worst critic. You must have your own standards. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to hear what other people's opinions are, it’s best to keep an open mind!
11. What else would you like to do in the future?
Well, aside from photography, hopefully I would get involved in a production where I can apply what I learned from apprenticing in cinematography. I’m planning to make photography my second pririoty for this year because I want to learn something new in a new field, probably marketing or PR. But if photography still pushes through, I don’t mind having a lot of projects =) also, I will try to study Photoshop because someone commented that I should learn to enhance my photos to have it have more oomph! Hehe.
Here are some of Jesse's works in fashion and portrait photography:
Wow… a never-ending quest for knowledge for someone so young and so talented. J Anyway, I’ve asked Jesse if he would like to work again with us (Baklitaan girls) in the future and he said “Yeah sure, just contact me!” So don’t fret, this will not be the first time Jesse Herrera graces our blog. Whether it be his full-time job or a sideline or hobby, photography will always make its way to his system, because the passion is always alive!
(To view more of his works, check out Jesse's website at http://martinjesseherrera.multiply.com/.)
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