
this weekend we like to introduce you to Carlo Angelo Quiogue, a young photographer from Tokyo, Japan with an interview, that we did with him during last week and show some of his impressing photos.
Hello, my name is Carlo Angelo Quiogue. I'm 26 years old. I was born and raised in the Philippines, but currently living in Tokyo, Japan. Besides from doing photography I'm also a Triathlete and Language Instructor.
Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
I’ve always been intrigued by other artists and art forms i.e. sculptors, sketch artists, musicians, and dancers. Unfortunately, I did not possess the attributes to excel in any of those listed, but I always believed, I could see the beauty in things. I was just unsure, how to express or tell the story of what/how I see things. I overlooked the obvious… photography! Photographers do just that share their vision with others through still images. That’s when I realized photography was my medium, my paint brush, my stage.
Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious where your creativity comes from?
Ha, that‘s a question, I really can‘t answer! When I‘m out on location, I just go with the flow. I‘m feeling exited, but also very calm. I feel a rush, but I‘m never hasty. I‘m really letting my brain do all the work and while I‘m doing that I feel free and comfortable. I‘m kind of creating my own little world in the world around me. What you see, is what I am. Nothing more, nothing less. That‘s maybe in a way where my creativity comes from?
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography?
It started only as a hobby and my love for motorsports. I used to take a lot of photos from different car scenes here in Tokyo from drifting and racing events and even car shows. And eventually met some great fashion photographers, that led me into learning and doing fashion/ portrait photography as my forte.
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? what is your favorite lens?
I'm currently using both Nikon and Olympus Systems. Back when i was just starting doing photography, my camera first gear was a Nikon D3200 w/ double zoom kit lens. My Favorite work horse lenses are the Sigma 50-150 2.8 OS HSM, Nikkor 85mm 1.8, Tamron 17-50 2.8, and Nikkor 105 F2 DC
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the street until you showcase the developed picture?
I usually start by getting in touch with talented models, designers, hair and make-up artists to discuss the details for the photoshoot. Then I prepare all necessary equipments needed for the shoot. During the photoshoot i always talk to my team, so that everyone gets comfortable working with each other, which brings out the creativeness and self-confidence of everyone. After the photoshoot i do most of the post processing in both Adobe Lightroom 5 and Photoshop CS6.
Do you see a particular influence, be it a photographer or school on your work? Any subject that attracts you?
My mentors and other photographers, that i looked up to, are my inspiration to always do better every time.
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other photographers?
I really don‘t like to compare my work with other photographers, I‘m just doing my own thing. Impossible to compare my own creativity with the creativity from someone else.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
My favorite work? It's tough to say. But I think this fashion and portrait is my favorite.
Tell us your funniest or most awkward photography story.
i was taking a portrait using a 300 w/s strobe. I'm fairly new to portrait photography at this point and i am trying to appear to be a professional. I had fired off a few testers and decided to turn down the power of the strobe. Holding my cam in one hand, i was facing the strobe and adjusting it with the other...yep you guessed it.........for whatever reason i pressed the damn shutter button and tripped the strobe while my face is within inches of the strobe. I was blinded by the 300w/s right in my face and i got a nice shot of my shoe as well. The model had a look of concern on her face and i thought, that maybe my eyebrows were smoking. I played it off like "it's working fine now".
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Read a lot on the internet about photography. Everything you need to know is out there. Make sure you feel one with your camera. The best learning school is the street or studio itself, so go out and shoot as often as you can. And most of all: have fun. When you are having fun doing it, it will show in your results. Also never stop learning.