BEHIND THE LENSES
Jerry Tan LeeProfessional Photographer
For Jerry Tan Lee, photography has been a passion since childhood. His first exposure to the art came through his brother, Alvin, and later, a professional photographer he fondly calls “Uncle.” A member of the Nikon F2 Club, Uncle instilled in him the fundamentals of composition during his early teenage years. Jerry vividly remembers being taught that a photograph becomes significantly more powerful when it evokes genuine emotions from its subject—an invaluable lesson he carries with him to this day.
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In 1976, while studying at Colegio De San Juan de Letran, Jerry founded the school’s first photography club, marking the beginning of his photographic journey. His early experiences with Uncle deeply influenced his choice of genre, which he defines as “human interest.” He also developed a preference for black-and-white photography, believing it offers a more natural and timeless aesthetic.
However, as he transitioned into professional life, Jerry set his camera aside for an extended period. Yet, even during this hiatus, visions in black and white continued to fill his mind, eventually reigniting his passion. In 2010, he decided to return to photography, enrolling in a short course at the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. Seeking a more intensive and artistic approach, he later pursued further training under The Paul Yan Experience, a prestigious program designed for serious and passionate photographers.
Jerry’s return to the craft quickly led to recognition. He was named Photographer of the Year by the Prima Camera Club in both 2011 and 2012, with his black-and-white image also winning Photo of the Year in 2012. His success continued in 2013 when he won the Fol Rana Cup People's Choice Award at Prima Camera Club and was honored as Photographer of the Year by the Avid Photographer’s Club. That same year, he competed in the Book My Tour Photo Contest, where his entries secured 1st place in the Sunrise/Sunset category and 2nd place in Flora and Fauna. In 2014, he further solidified his reputation, earning three prestigious awards from Prima Camera Club: Photographer of the Year, Photo of the Year in Black-and-White, and People’s Choice of the Year.
His talent gained international recognition in 2016 when his entry in the APEC International Photo Contest placed him among the Top 10 Finalists. Additionally, his photo was awarded the Most Popular Choice Award.
Now, Jerry continues his artistic journey, delving deeper into the emotional essence of photography—seeking not just to capture moments, but to transform emotions into a profound visual experience.
However, as he transitioned into professional life, Jerry set his camera aside for an extended period. Yet, even during this hiatus, visions in black and white continued to fill his mind, eventually reigniting his passion. In 2010, he decided to return to photography, enrolling in a short course at the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. Seeking a more intensive and artistic approach, he later pursued further training under The Paul Yan Experience, a prestigious program designed for serious and passionate photographers.
Jerry’s return to the craft quickly led to recognition. He was named Photographer of the Year by the Prima Camera Club in both 2011 and 2012, with his black-and-white image also winning Photo of the Year in 2012. His success continued in 2013 when he won the Fol Rana Cup People's Choice Award at Prima Camera Club and was honored as Photographer of the Year by the Avid Photographer’s Club. That same year, he competed in the Book My Tour Photo Contest, where his entries secured 1st place in the Sunrise/Sunset category and 2nd place in Flora and Fauna. In 2014, he further solidified his reputation, earning three prestigious awards from Prima Camera Club: Photographer of the Year, Photo of the Year in Black-and-White, and People’s Choice of the Year.
His talent gained international recognition in 2016 when his entry in the APEC International Photo Contest placed him among the Top 10 Finalists. Additionally, his photo was awarded the Most Popular Choice Award.
Now, Jerry continues his artistic journey, delving deeper into the emotional essence of photography—seeking not just to capture moments, but to transform emotions into a profound visual experience.
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Isabel Angela GalangaProfessional Photographer | Videographer | Editor
She began her journey in photography in March 2012, inspired by Jerry Tan Lee. She recalls Jerry telling her that she had a keen eye for photography. Just two months later, she joined a photography organization, which became her first exposure to the artistry and craftsmanship of the field.
In 2013, she pursued formal training in photography, enrolling in a Basic and Creative Photography class under “The Paul Yan Experience.” She later advanced her skills by taking an Advanced Photography course at the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation in September 2014. Throughout this period, she continued capturing people, places, and events as a hobbyist. |
Her work started gaining recognition in October 2013 when her photo, A Fisherman’s Cry, was featured in IMag Photography Magazine Issue #42. The image, selected as one of the Top 10 in the iChallenge: Street Photography category, depicted the raw emotion of a fisherman’s disappointment at his meager catch in Manila Bay—a reflection of her humble beginnings in photography.
In April 2014, she won 1st place in the Photo World Cup for the theme “Woods,” featuring a wood carving by Paete’s National Artist, Luis Ac-ac. She achieved another milestone in February 2015, securing 1st place again in the Photo World Cup’s Rural Life theme. The winning image, taken at Yambo Lake in San Pablo, Laguna, told the story of a father and son fishing under the sun’s intense heat. This recognition contributed to her ranking among the Top 10 Photographers of the Year in the Photo World Cup 2015.
Among the mentors who shaped her photographic journey are Jesus Paul Yan, who helped her discover her creative style, and Jerry Lee, under whom she apprenticed as a photo assistant. Jerry not only gave her the confidence to venture into event photography but also encouraged her to explore videography.
In 2018, she expanded her expertise by working overseas as a Wedding Videographer and Video Editor. This experience honed her skills in capturing cinematic moments, refining her editing techniques, and telling compelling stories through video.
In 2020, she became active again in the photography community, joining Prima Camera Club. By the end of the year, her dedication and talent earned her the Overall 3rd Place Photographer of the Year award.
Now, with years of learning and experience behind her, she is both grateful and honored to practice her craft professionally. As a full-time Photographer, Videographer, and Editor at Frame of Mind Photography, she continues to capture meaningful and memorable moments through her lens.
In April 2014, she won 1st place in the Photo World Cup for the theme “Woods,” featuring a wood carving by Paete’s National Artist, Luis Ac-ac. She achieved another milestone in February 2015, securing 1st place again in the Photo World Cup’s Rural Life theme. The winning image, taken at Yambo Lake in San Pablo, Laguna, told the story of a father and son fishing under the sun’s intense heat. This recognition contributed to her ranking among the Top 10 Photographers of the Year in the Photo World Cup 2015.
Among the mentors who shaped her photographic journey are Jesus Paul Yan, who helped her discover her creative style, and Jerry Lee, under whom she apprenticed as a photo assistant. Jerry not only gave her the confidence to venture into event photography but also encouraged her to explore videography.
In 2018, she expanded her expertise by working overseas as a Wedding Videographer and Video Editor. This experience honed her skills in capturing cinematic moments, refining her editing techniques, and telling compelling stories through video.
In 2020, she became active again in the photography community, joining Prima Camera Club. By the end of the year, her dedication and talent earned her the Overall 3rd Place Photographer of the Year award.
Now, with years of learning and experience behind her, she is both grateful and honored to practice her craft professionally. As a full-time Photographer, Videographer, and Editor at Frame of Mind Photography, she continues to capture meaningful and memorable moments through her lens.
