Q+A: Bjorn Bedayo (PH)
If you liked my past post on Onin Lorente of Styleanywhere.com, you'd probably like today's interview with Bjorn Bedayo, the youngest fashion photographer I have met, who used to be a model!
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TiC: Tell me more about yourself!
Bjorn: I'm a 17-year-old photographer for Versa-Vise Productions. I am also a blogger, style enthusiast and a senior in La Salle Greenhills. Just like anybody else, I live my life to the fullest!
I started in the industry as an aspiring model but later on, pursued a calling in fashion photography and creative directing. Together with Versa-Vise Productions, we collaborate with artistic and talented individuals and also support events such as The Editions.
Fabric Fashion Show last Year August 21, 2008
Who and what are your inspirations or influences?
Overall, I am inpired by the everyday arts. Eclectic cultures and vast experiences that I have encountered in my life. You can easily find inspiration as an artist. I am currently shooting my first photography series, in which I take inspiration from the book of Genesis. I always aim to make a statement and be noninterventionist.
I am greatly influenced by the works of Niccolo Cosme and BJ Pascual, although I am still in the process of discovering my own style in photography.
What is your take on fashion?
I love avant-garde, so I do not fear to be eccentric. Fashion should be an expression of one's style and individuality.
Adam & Eve
Why did you choose to be a photographer?
At the age of 13, I discovered that taking pictures greatly interested me. I first got into modelling school a year after and got exposed in the industry. I soon realized that I wanted to be behind the lens rather than being in front of it. I've always been an artist, and fashion became my outlet of aesthetic expression.
What do you think are your advantages and disadvantages of being a young photographer compared to older photographers?
I think the advantage of being a young photographer is that the youth today are the avant-garde artists of tomorrow. Wer'e ahead of fresh creativity and innovation. Being a young photographer, I still have a lot to learn about the craft. I guess the disadvantage is I'm still a work in progress.
Fall of the Man- The Apple
So if you were not a photographer now, what would you be?
I guess I’d be organizing parties and events. I’m a people person. Being a young politician/socialite is part of me.
Great! So tell me about your favorite websites/blogs?
Lookbook, StyleAnywhere, Style Samurai, Jenni Epperson and Chuvaness.
Onin Lorente of StyleAnywhere
So what's on your music playlist right now?
M.I.A, The Ting Tings, MGMT, Lady Gaga, Tilly and The Wall, Cobra Starship, and the Black Eyed Peas.
What about places you love to shop?
H&M (I'm very infatuated), Forever 21, Theodore's the Store, 5cm, Topman, Kaiser, Team Manila and different thrift stores around Manila.
Self Portrait
What's the strangest thing that's ever happened to you while out on a shoot?
We were shooting a promotional campaign for one of our projects. My camera mounted on a very sturdy tripod unexpectedly fell on the ground (I was ten feet away). Nothing was damaged to my camera, but there is a noticible crack on my lens. Good thing it's only the basic kit of 18-55mm lens which doesn't cost that much but I am preoccupied by what had happened.
My last question for you: Who in the fashion industry would you be absolutely starstruck upon meeting?
Well, I already met him - Senor Niccolo Cosme, the prominent fashion photographer who really inspires me to become one. "Absolutely starstuck" is the perfect phrase! But if there is one model I would like to meet and have a photoshoot with, it would be Jasmine Maierhofer.
Disobey your Fate Lookbook
Check out more info on Bjorn Bedayo:
His blog at bjornphile.multiply.com
His Lookbook
Style-Anywhere on Bjorn Bedayo
Email him at: bjornphile@yahoo.com
