Life Through The Lens Of Eddie Boy Escudero

Photographs are mankind’s way to freeze a moment so that they could remember that moment for a lifetime. Every picture tells a story. Life itself is like photography — we develop from the negatives. Photography is also the only form of communication that can be understood anywhere in the world. There are no language barriers in photography.

Let us get to know Philippines’ Eddie Boy Escudero — the Rock Star of Philippine Photography! Perhaps, Philippines’ equivalent to David Bailey and one would even dare say, Helmut Newton. “EBE” as he is fondly known in Manila’s high society and the music industry, has captured everything from massive rock concerts, fashion shows, weddings, engagements, to high society parties.

One admirable thing about EBE’s style of photography is that it’s raw; no filters needed, nothing phony or fake, it is all about his subject and the mood. He knows how to capture magic! It’s all real, provocative, and erotically charged. EBE’s personality shows through his photography.

He captured the stories behind the smiles of supermodel Naomi Campbell, Francis Magalona, Eraserheads, and Rivermaya, to name a few of the celebrities who lined up to have their photos taken by the charismatic EBE. The man is a genius when it comes to composition.

He began his career in the music industry by working with music legends such as Apo Hiking Society, Hajji Alejandro, the New Minstrels and managing top bands like the award-winning Something Special, Great Performances, Tropical Depression, Breed, and Rizal Underground before switching to professional photography in 1996.

How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?

“There’s no one way to do this. Many times, luck plays a large part in my photo’s success. I was just there that moment happened, whether it was the light at the moment, or the action the person did, which is why I like to stay alert for these particular moments.”

“I am also my worst critic so a picture has to always interest me. It should be something I would love to keep looking at. Even years after.”

Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

“Oh, I loved looking at photographs of other photographers ever since I saw the nudes in my aunts’ photo magazines when I was around 6 or 7. I was inspired by Life and National Geographic magazines, which our family subscribed to. There were also the girlie and music magazines I bought and collected during my high school and college life. Then, I discovered the fashion magazines in the 80’s.”

“It was when I joined the Zone V Camera Club that I started to buy photography books. I really didn’t know how to properly use my camera yet so my education finally started. I bought books of great photographers: Helmut Newton, Herb Ritts, Henrí, etc. Jaime Daez of Bibliarch made a ton of money from all my purchases in his bookstore.

These heroes were a big influence, but the ones that really made me want to excel were the other members of Zone V. We had monthly contests, it was so difficult to get to stay in the Top Ten.”

Exactly what it is that you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?

“I just want to capture moments in time and leave the viewer with his interpretation of my photo. My photo just has to impress me first before I show it to anyone.”

What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?

“I used to work in the entertainment industry managing music artists and rock bands. When one of my bands had a gig in Singapore in 1983, most of us bought cameras after getting our first paycheque. I just put it on Auto and clicked. It was only when I joined Zone V that I learned how to use my camera. With this new knowledge, I GOT TOTALLY HOOKED! My camera never left my side. Before I knew it, I was shooting my bands’ gigs, parties, promo photos and portraits, album covers, even weddings.

Before I know it, I’m shooting paparazzi for the Inquirer and editorials for Metro magazine. I started to make money and got so busy, I had to retire from the music industry in 1996 and turned pro. In 1999, I became a wedding photographer, but I continued to cover Manila’s underground scene. I used to dance in raves with a camera in one hand and flash in the other. Sometimes, after a back breaking wedding shoot.”

What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best, as you photograph?

“In the beginning, film photography, though harder to learn, had a simpler workflow: you shoot, then you have your film processed, had contact prints made, choose, and have the printer make the prints. I was too lazy for dark room work.”

“With the advent of digital photography, it became so much easier to learn but got more tedious as you now had to be the one to edit/fix your photos yourself. You had to learn how to use Photoshop, choose to either shoot on RAW or just jpegs. I chose the easiest paths so jpegs for me, and Aperture to edit.

I still continue to use this process when using my DSLRs.”

How do you get paid to do what you want to do with your photography?

“Like any other contractual job you agree with the client what your rate is for the job. I wasn’t one of those who charged very large amounts of money. I just wanted to work because I loved my job.”

What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?

“With the advent of digital photography, it was so much easier to learn to shoot, so the number of photographers grew by leaps and bounds. Wherever you went, you’d see someone with a camera around his neck.

Aside from being a job, it stopped being a hobby, as it seemed to have lost its thrill. It’s just too easy already.

And then I owned an iPhone! It was so basic again. Could I still take good photos with it??? I sure did!!! And it was so small and light, it fit in my pockets!”

“My phone is my favorite camera now.”

There you go, simply put: genius doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all down to having a natural talent without the hysteria and fanfare.