Frames of Freedom: Celebrating Women Behind the Lens with Shaira Luna, Karen De La Fuente, Iya Forbes, and Niña Sandejas

Manila, Philippines — In honor of Women’s Month, we shine a spotlight on four remarkable female photographers who have made significant strides in the music scene: Shaira Luna, Karen De La Fuente, Iya Forbes, and Niña Sandejas. Through their lenses, they capture the raw energy of live performances, the intimate moments of artists, and the vibrant stories that resonate with audiences. From their shared stories, take a look into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate the world of live music photography.

The Journey Behind

Each photographer began her journey in unique ways, often driven by a passion for music and storytelling. Shaira Luna recalls, “I was around 16 when I got into photography... I just kind of wanted to take photos of the stage and the lights. I was really mesmerized.” She started with a simple point-and-shoot camera, capturing memories at gigs: “I just genuinely loved taking photos.”

Karen De La Fuente’s journey began with a small digital camera gifted by her mother. “It kind of snowballed from there,” she recalls, highlighting how joining the Ateneo Musicians Pool opened doors to various bands and opportunities.

Iya Forbes was inspired by her father, a hobbyist photographer. “Since there weren't smartphones back then, I was the only one documenting our whole high school experience,” she shares, highlighting the role of experimentation in her early years.

Niña Sandejas transitioned from being a stylist for Rivermaya to a full-time photographer, finding it easier to take pictures than manage clothing for the band. “While I was building my portfolio for styling, I took photos of them,” she states, underlining the access she gained through her initial role. This led her to realize, “It was easier to just take pictures than buy clothes for grown men.”

Pushing Through Challenges

The path to success hasn’t been without hurdles. Shaira reflected on her early days navigating the industry with limited resources and knowledge. “Photography is not a cheap hobby,” she admits, recalling the struggles of obtaining equipment. “I was not assertive. I didn’t even know if that was the proper way to go about things.”

Karen emphasized the importance of building a support system among women photographers. “It was such an important support system to have in a field that, at that time, was kind of like a man's world,” she states, underscoring collaboration as key to overcoming obstacles.

Iya and Niña both highlighted the evolving landscape of music photography. Iya expressed her excitement about increasing diversity, stating, “I see a lot more women photographers.” Niña acknowledged the importance of documenting artists’ legacies rather than just short-term projects, sharing, “I want to see the evolution of the artist.”

Individual Marks and Signatures

Each photographer has developed a unique visual style that reflects their personal experiences. Shaira describes her work as nostalgic, saying, “I love it when my photos look like they’re from old photo albums. I love the softer contrast. I love warm tones."

Karen focuses on the connection between the audience and performers, emphasizing, "I try to be more attuned to my emotions when I shoot... the feel of how you see the band interacting with the audience."

Iya’s style leans towards documentation, capturing the atmosphere and stories surrounding live music. “I’m trying to feel what’s happening in the room,” she explains. Niña aims for a long-term narrative, stating, “I only work with people who want me to document their legacy.”

Gender and Generational Gaps

As women in the industry, they have faced unique challenges but embraced opportunities for growth. Shaira reflected on the supportive environment today, saying, “It makes me so happy to see so many people trying.”

Karen emphasized visibility, stating, “I think just by being a woman, you bring your own perspectives to each work that you do.”

Iya shared her experiences of being one of the few women in the early days, noting, “The challenges when I was starting were really different... Now, there are so many more women photographers.” Niña echoed this sentiment, saying, “If you have that particular focus on women, it's easier for everyone to invite more women to be inspired.”

The Female Gaze: Through Lens

The photographers agree that women bring a unique perspective to visual storytelling. “Women are just natural empath” Niña remarks, noting how this sensitivity enhances their ability to capture emotions. "Our tendency to understand emotions in other people... is an advantage because we get to go into spaces that other photographers cannot go to."

For Iya, “frames of freedom” symbolize the ability to express oneself authentically. “It’s important to feel safe enough to be honest, vulnerable, and true,” she states. Shaira views freedom in photography as “letting my imagination flow,” while Karen believes it creates space for new creatives to express themselves, and describes it like true love that is freeing, an "entryway that opens up space for other people."

Photography and Its Future

As the landscape of music photography evolves, the photographers shared insights on technology and the future of the industry. “Concert photography has changed because of the development of technology,” Niña explains.

Looking ahead, they envision a future filled with more opportunities for diverse voices. “I hope it gets better at how artists are perceived,” Karen hopes, while Shaira dreams of creating an exhibit showcasing her journey through OPM artists.

Held Closely

Each photographer shared a pivotal photograph that encapsulates their journey. For Shaira, it’s about the memories associated with her images. Iya’s emotional photograph represents her grieving process after her father’s passing. Nina’s first photo of her son signifies her personal and professional growth, and project on flip-top battles highlights her role as a respected photographer in a challenging environment.

As they continue to navigate the world of music photography, these women inspire and empower future generations of creatives. Their stories are a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art through the female lens.

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Artist SHAIRA LUNA IYA FORBES KAREN DE LA FUENTE NINA SANDEJAS Creative Director M FERRERAS Photographer JOB CORPUZ JOVELYN MATEO Videographer JOB CORPUZ Cover story JAS RICO Produced by THE NEW HUE Special thanks to NHUE STUDIO

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