Good Omens

Bathers

Joan Ilejay, Manila

To become a great visionary like Jean Paul Goude. Joan Ilejay, 32 years old based in Manila.

First was when I found my Dad’s old Konica camera, I fell in love with it. The sound it makes when you turn the lever, the loud clack when you push the button. It was a different excitement for me. After graduating I had to stop photography because we had to move to the Middle East and photography there wasn’t as welcomed as it was here. Fast forward to 2013, my partner became a photographer an since then we would always work together hand in hand whether he’s shooting or I’m shooting, we’re always together. It made photography so much special for me.

How will you describe your style in photography?

I’d like to say sensual but feminine.

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

Good Omens, is a book by Neil Gaiman. It is a story of an angel and a devil working together to stop the apocalypse. This my attempt in translating what it means to me. I’ve always been a reader of Neil Gaiman and whenever I get the chance, I would always try to push a story into the concept.

The jumping shot was really interesting. Basically, she was balancing (on heels) on a cement bench leaning forward trying not to fall on me while Kevin( my partner) is grabbing her arm so she can lean as far as she can while I was lying down on the floor in a sit-ups position taking the shots. We were all at it for a good 10-15 minutes. It was a team effort and It felt like a good exercise!

I’m looking forward to more interpretations of stories that inspire me in the future.

You can see my work on instagram: @joanilejay