What we can learn from BJ Pascual

MANILA, Philippines - At just 24, BJ Pascual has managed to become one of Manila’s most in-demand photographers, behind the scenes shooting some of Manila’s biggest names, and in front of the lens as a Globe Tattoo ambassador. After detours through shirt designing and styling, as well as some time spent in New York, he has since staked his claim on Manila’s burgeoning fashion industry, producing a staggering body of work that excites, sometimes disturbs, and often inspires.

So what can an aspiring photographer learn from BJ Pascual? We count the ways:

Learn your craft.

A lot of young people say they want to be photographers. But the difference between BJ and a lot of these aspirants is follow-through. With his goal to become a good photographer, he learned the craft, studying the work of the world’s best photographers and taking a battery of classes in New York’s Parsons, Fashion Institute of Technology, and the International Center for Photography. While BJ is fortunate to have the means to study in a foreign country, money or lack thereof shouldn’t limit you. Learn from the Internet. From YouTube tutorials to portfolios of the greats, you can learn a lot just by going online — no tuition required.

Pay your dues.

Before he was shooting the biggest stars for magazine covers and ad campaigns, BJ did everything from product shoots to student-owned online store look books. When you’re a young photog trying to make it in the industry, don’t expect to be shooting the big gigs right away. You won’t be shooting in the ideal situations but, as a kid trying to prove yourself, you have to follow Tim Gunn’s age-old adage: make it work.

Focus.

Shooting the photographer: BJ seems to be comfortable behind and in front of the camera. Photos by JOSEPH PASCUAL Produced by RAYMOND ANG

As a college kid, BJ dabbled in shirt design and styling. Then, he became something of a campus style icon, featured in youth publications and freelancing for a magazine as a stylist. But he knew his strengths really lay in photography and decided to focus all his efforts on his photos. This is an important lesson to learn in the age of slashers. Sometimes, the best way to excel is to be really good at one thing, rather than be okay in many things.

Be inspired.

At 24, he still has youth and exuberance to fall back on. But BJ takes it a step further; at his best, he is visibly inspired, all those years of studying and living fashion apparent in his work. It’s true what they say: when you love your job, you don’t work a single day.

Be inspiring.

If you feel like the industry’s making you jaded, always remember what you’re doing this for. As someone who reaches out to his young fans by giving talks at schools or even just replying to them on Twitter, BJ seems to make it a point to remind himself why he’s doing this in the first place. Less PR, more passion.