JD Valdez: Keeping Focus

From the streets to the stage, photographer and cargo specialist JD Valdez has effectively shifted his skills over time. His thirst for knowledge and openness to new things keep his balance at present – which leaves no doubt why his craft has been gaining much attention nowadays.

JD has toggled with different kinds of photography and this flexibility teaches him to be better everyday. He muses, “photography is not just about having a camera unit, clicking the shutter, applying Photoshop and posting [your work] in social media. Hell no. Photography is about composition; it’s about creating a story out of the frame, out of the photograph.”

We talked to JD and peeked a little more on his photographic work. Check out our interview and JD’s work below.

Hi, JD! Please tell us something about yourself and the work you do.

Hi! I’m JD Valdez, 29-year old freelance photographer and Sr. Specialist at Maersk Line. I love taking photographs [whether] cosplay, fashion, music events, portraiture, landscapes, or street. I am also a music lover since my elementary days; for me, life [is] boring without music.

When did you start taking photographs? Who influenced you?

I formally started photography late 2011. A guy named JL Cortado (a former Maersk employee), who is into music and street photography, influenced me when I saw his works on social media. My other influences are Joel Aragones and Thomas Liu (portraiture), Niña Sandejas (music photography), and Ricky Ladia (flash photography & landscapes).

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We see that you are also into portrait and fashion photography … What other fields of photography would you like to try soon?

I really really want to broaden my knowledge on flash photography and apply it in my portraiture and fashion shoots. Currently, I’m into “ambient” shooting where I use natural light (available light within my shooting area) especially during gigs and concert tours. [This is because] artists have continuous movements while performing on stage that I need to change my light/flash/camera settings from time to time, which I am not comfortable with. Additionally, it is easier for me to retain a camera set-up compatible with the bar’s lighting system and from there memorize it. It’s hassle-free and I can just compose and click during the event.

What/who inspires your work?

Appreciation from people like my models, friends, family, artists, and recognition from people who value my work. [They] inspire and drive me to produce good photographs and keep my passion going.

What is your most memorable shoot so far? Why?

[One is] a cosplay open shoot last 2012 at Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife. The UCAI (United Cosplayer Association International) organized the event and I was the first photographer who arrived. I met my first photography friends [there] and we founded our very first photography group. We have organized various cosplay/fashion shoots and celebrated our first and last anniversary in 2013 by organizing an art exhibit. Our friends from the cosplay community attended the event at The Projects, Anonas.

If you were to photograph one local artist or band, who would it be and why?

Of course, the ERASERHEADS! They’re like my childhood music legends/heroes. I started listening to various kinds of music in elementary when my mother introduced The Beatles to me. Later on, I collected cassette tapes of The Dawn, Teeth, Rivermaya, Eheads, Yano, and other local bands. But the Eraserheads, parang hindi ka tunay na Pinoy kapag hindi mo nasasabayan ‘yung mga kanta nila.

Although I have already took photos of Ely, Raymund, Buddy, and Marcus individually during events I’ve attended, priceless moment at achievement pa rin sa akin bilang photographer na makunan silang apat in a group shot – para ko na ring nakunan ng litrato ang The Beatles. Pangarap ko ‘yun.

Aside from photography, what are your other interests?

I love watching different kinds of movies. I also love writing short stories, poems, and songs. I just don’t have much time to learn instruments pero kung may chance gusto kong matuto mag-drums. Bata pa lang ako idol ko na sila Sir Mike Dizon and Sir Raymund Marasigan. Parang kapag magaling ka mag-drums, kaya mong dalhin ‘yung mood ng banda mo. Rock-out, eh.

What should we look forward to with your work?

I’m planning to produce my own photobook soon (one for music photography and another one for my selected portrait shots from 2012-2014. Actually, I’m currently doing [the] layouts for the first one. It is called “RAKENROL SESSIONS: VOL 1” where Imago, with Mayumi as the vocalist, is the first featured artist. I will produce one copy for TeamManila as well.