Emman Montalvan

■ Emman is born and raised in Bukidnon, Philippines and currently resides in Los Angeles, California

■ In mid-2010, Emman spontaneously moved to Los Angeles to properly start a career in photography; he describes living in LA as a place that “pushes you to hustle” and says that he gets to travel to New York sometimes for work, too

■ After almost a decade in LA, Emman is now a well-sought for photographer, working with various publications such as L’Officiel Paris, Wonderland, ASOS, SSENSE, The Reformation, Garret Leight, Nordstrom, GOOP, etc.

■ In 2017, he’s shot one of Philippines well-known young actress, Liza Soberano for a new eyewear brand called Sunnies Face

James J. Robinson

■ James is a photographer and filmmaker from Melbourne based in New York; he graduated at Swinburne University of Technology with a degree in Film & Television

■ He is the former creative director of international photography collective/independent publishing house AEVOE where he managed artist and published countless photobooks

■ James’ work is described as “magical-realism” whereby his subjects are seen in familiar setting offset by various coloured dreamy lighting and props to convey an alternate nostalgic reality

■ With a background in film, his photography is meticulous curated with the use of cinematic lighting, character and movement

■ When interviewed by INDIE regarding his sole use of analogue across his body of work, he replied, ”If I get a roll back and an image is out of focus, there’s a model blinking, the exposure was wrong, it’s still an authentic representation of my scattered mindset at that time.” 

■ James has also made a project dedicated to his Filipino heritage entitled ‘Pamilya’ which features her mother, aunt and grandmother