Flower Boy

Ed Brendon R. Enclona, Manila

My ultimate dream is to be a seasoned photographer from Manila and be internationally recognized. I’ve been dreaming that one day, Manila will proudly say that I’ve done enough for it; it’s now time to share Manila to the world.

Ed Brendon R. Enclona, 22 years old, Manila-based photographer, Studied Bachelor of Fine Arts major in advertising A Self-taught, colorblind photographer and president and founder of Likha, Awit, Indayog, Abertura an artist collective based in the college of architecture and fine arts in TUP.

Photography was introduced back when I was in college as a minor subject. That was the first time I learned to take photos. I enjoyed using my DSLR and I was curious what I can do more with it. at first, I used it to take photos as reference for my painting then I started doing it as a hobby, posting it online and making art out of it. I started to know some friends who’re into photography, I got inspired and I got introduced to fashion photography which I’m doing today.

I can’t say it as a style but I treat every photo as a painting, an art; the composition, and the concept, every detail about it- I always look at it as a painting. I have my challenges when I’m painting but those limitations don’t exist when I’m shooting. Sometimes, I like it very proper, sometimes not. Sometimes, I like it clean sometimes, I just don’t care. Whenever I’m shooting or painting, I always look for emotions, concept, and story. That’s what makes my work distinct.

Slow progress is still progress

Tell us more about your editorial – what’s the story behind this?

The editorial is about a gender fluid guy trying not to care about anyone or anything. He just wants to do what he wants to do. What makes him happy. What makes him, him.

How did you come up with this concept?

The shoot happened spontaneously. We just wanted to break free, be fluid. We are not there to please anyone. We just adapted to what we have around here.

Anything interesting or memorable about the shoot and did you experiment or had a new approach to this particular shoot?

It was raining that day. We almost lost our hopes and was planning to reschedule it. But we decided to push through and adapt and let it happen. It’s rare for me to shoot male models but iI still tried since I want something new. This shoot taught me to adapt and not to be afraid of possibilities. We experiment on what’s around and what we have. We played with smokes, drapery and other stuff we can found. I realized that we should be thankful for what is happening even it’s a hindrance or not. We should adopt and enjoy. For sure it will end with no regrets.

What’s next for you? Any exciting plans for the future?

A lot of things will happen. More personal shoots. Bigger production. More professional. Experienced. More me. I’ll be trying to explain also what’s the perspective on my condition through a photo series and that will happen for sure. And more projects with my team, The Visual Club!

Where can people contact you or see your works?

instagram.com/edenclona behance.net/edenclona facebook.com/thecolorblindcreative facebook.com/thevisualclub

Photographer and Art Direction: Ed Eclona

Styling and Grooming: Hillary Lee

Model: Murillo Ritto

Hair: Francis Guinto

Clothes: Nordstorm, Zara Men, Dior, Jil Sander, J Crew, Calvin Klein, Mango, Gucci, Next