1. For people being introduced to you, tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Jelito de Leon. I’m from Manila, Philippines. I’m a food and lifestyle photographer and I enjoy watching movies (and also eating cookies)
2. What initially interested you into photography?
I think what sparked my interest in photography was when I was in high school. I enjoyed taking photos of my friends and I when we went out. I just enjoyed how you can look back at these moments and remember what happened. I guess that’s what started my love for taking photos.
3. Do you have a photographer you look up to and why?
I look up to so many to photographers! I can’t perfectly describe in words why I look up to them but one thing I can say is that I just love the work they produce.
For me, everything that they produce is beautiful.
4. What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started taking photographs?
I wish I knew that I was going to become a photographer. I’ve always set my mind that I’ll be a chef back in high school.
The most important thing I always remember is not to stop taking photos. Keep on practicing. I think that’s how I slowly developed my style and how I improved my skills.
6. What kind of gear do you use?
For work, I use a Canon 6D with a 24-70mm F/2.8L lens. But for casual snapping, I use an iPhone 4S. (I wish I had the Fujifilm X100 though!)
7. What would you say is more important, good knowledge or good equipment?
Knowledge of course! I know people who have entry level cameras and produce better photos with ones who have those high-end camera gear.
8. What interests you the most about photography?
I love the idea of freezing a moment and being able to look back at how that moment felt. I also love being able to tell a story through photos.
9. What motivates you to continue taking photographs?
One thing that motives me are the people around me. There are times that I’d want to give up but the support of my family and friends just gives me that extra push to continue. I am very much thankful for that support.
10. How do you shoot in non-ideal shooting circumstances?
Tough question. I guess I just really have to make it work. Shoot tighter or shoot wider (what ever needs to be done) Focus on something to blur this and that.
11. My favourite category of yours is ‘Life’, what’s yours?
Yes! That is my favourite as well. I love looking back to that category and remembering the moments of my life that I enjoyed so much.
12. Do you have any advice for a beginning photographer?
Remember that all of the best photographers out there were also once beginners.
13. And finally, where is your go-to place to grab a coffee?
So many places to go! But the best place to have coffee for me is at home.
– To see more of Jelito de Leon’s work head over to his website and facebook page. –
Two Dark Coffees 