In Manila, we have Jo Ann Bitagcol — a top model-turned-in-demand photographer. Now meet her male counterpart, kind of: Eric Alessi, a native of Argentina, started out as a model in South America eight years ago. Discovered at the age of 16 while riding a bus, Alessi became a model by day, university student by night. He stopped only a couple of years ago to focus on modeling full time. After working in Chile, Uruguay and most of South America, he ended up in China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Seven months ago, he decided to settle in Manila where he faces a new challenge — being the man behind the camera.
ON THE RADAR: It’s been four years since you started to go around the world. So, where is home?
ERIC ALESSI: Manila. It has its own little charm. Many of my friends would ask me what I see in Manila and I think it’s the people and I’ve made so many friends. I love it here. Since I have a car now, I like going around and outside the city. As for Manila itself, I live in Malate and I love waking up and just looking at the Bay. I eat breakfast for an hour and a half just to look at it. It’s so beautiful!
How was your childhood in Argentina? When was the last time you were in Buenos Aires?
My parents are divorced and I have two half siblings. I have a very good relationship with my family even if I don’t see them so often.
I was in Buenos Aires two years ago. When I’m there, I feel like I’ve changed so much while everything else has remained the same. I think I can visit there but not stay for a long time, I feel like I need to be here in Asia.
You’re vegetarian and Argentinean. How ironic is that?
Three years ago, I started to think about my body and my health. I wanted to be more spiritual. So I’ve been a vegetarian for two years and I now reject meat but I still have milk and eggs. Here in Manila, I cook a lot of meals at home since there aren’t a lot of vegetarian choices out there.
After modeling, when did you decide you wanted to be behind the lens?
From the beginning of my modeling career, I’ve always been interested in photography. When I have shoots, I observe how the photographer sets up the lights and the shots. I would check out the camera and I even try to read books about photography but I can’t do that so much here in Manila because we lack better libraries and museums where you can just read books and study.
Anyway, I really wanted to learn photography and I played with my friends’ cameras when I didn’t even know how to manage a camera back then. Eventually, I got one for myself.
I don’t have any formal training but I’ve been a model for eight years and I’ve tried to learn photography through experience.
What would be your focus as a photographer?
I’m focusing on fashion photography but I’m trying different concepts because I’m interested in many things. I think my best works are the ones not picked by the magazines.
I’m working for Metro magazine, Philippine Tatler and also Spark, the new magazine of Carla Sibal and Michael Salientes. I did Spark’s cover and the main story.
What’s your opinion on Photoshop?
It’s okay but I get mad when you can tell that it’s been Photoshopped. It’s like when a woman is supposed to look natural but you can tell that she’s wearing a lot of makeup. I don’t like that.
Who are your favorite photographers?
I like Steven Klein, Alexi Lumbowiski, Camila Akrans Lauri Bartley, Baldovino Barani and Herb Ritts to name a few. I like their stuff because they’re very raw. I don’t stick with one inspiration or style and I like researching and learning what’s happening around the world. I think local magazines are growing and ready for more challenging styles.
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To see more of Eric’s work, please visit http://www.ericalessi.com
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Grace blogs at http://www.divasoria.ph.