In an exclusive interview with MEGA, Filipino photographer Dion Trinidad shared the hustle and bustle of the global fashion world
Creatives thrive in the fashion industry with its many branches of specialties. Each one so distinct yet cohesive in their own way, the fashion world is truly a wonder to those who are currently living in it. But one should keep in mind that while there is glamour, there are also thorns in the roses we see on social media. Before we get to appreciate the content that floods our feeds, there is a team behind the scenes that give their all to perfect the moment captured on camera.
We get to see a glimpse of fashion through the lenses of cameras that wait to immortalize a moment in time. There’s a relentless effort to click on the shutter button to guarantee a special image for the world to see, and since they usually take the spot in the shadows, we put the spotlight on a photographer who has been making an effort to take photos from across the world. In an exclusive interview with MEGA, American-based photographer Dion Trinidad takes us to the hustle and bustle of photography life in the west.
Reeling back to the start of it all, Dion fondly recalled his first camera his father gifted to him for his eighth grade graduation. Although his desire to capture photos during graduation was quickly robbed when it was confiscated, it only confirmed his desire to photograph moments that hold a special place in his life.
Fast forward to him experimenting with his style in photography, it’s safe to say that Dion is a romantic at heart. Never the type to cage himself with one style, he would always find a way to connect with the people he would see through lenses. Although he got to dabble into various styles, fashion was able to give him the platform to be surrounded with a community that has such diversity. He shared, “I just wanted to connect with people from all walks of life, and it just so happened that I connected to key people in the fashion industry.”
Just like any creative, everyone has their own preference when it comes to creating a piece. For Dion, it’s a culmination of the past and the present. He grounded his work with the practitioners he worked with, as well as lessons he learned from the past as he draws inspiration from the emotions, stories, and elements he is surrounded by at the moment. But his journey goes on as he expressed, “I think there’s no specific pattern in creating a style. And even now it’s still a growing process.”
With a growing career in the States, there’s no need to sugarcoat the intense work life he has on that side of the world. And with the competition being at its highest peak, Dion stated that sometimes, giving up is an option, but if you do that, you have to have the will to bounce back—regardless of the stress.
“Don’t let it stop you. Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not good enough because there’s someone out there who will believe in you and will take you to the next level.”
Dion Trinidad
He did just that, and low and behold, the twist of his life—the course of his career changed when he was able to work with Filipino designers Avel Bacudio, Michael Cinco, and Jojo Bragais. He recalled his initial reaction to it, the disbelief and shock to having a project that catapulted his career to new heights. Evidently, it was only the beginning as opportunities came knocking on his door.
As he continues to live his dream, it is only fitting to ask him his aspirations for the future and he presented a shortlist of the people he’d love to work with such as Tom Ford, the Miss Universe Organization, and Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One. But he goes back to the start of it all with Avel Bacudio and Michael Cinco, stating that, “They’re both masters of their craft and their creativity, and you just can’t help but step up your game.”
And of course, any creative would have their own ideal project they’d love to put into action in the near future. When we asked Dion about his dream concept, he immediately said, “I want to photograph strong women.” Through his lens, he wants to capture a woman’s strength that goes beyond physicality, and is seen through her confidence, intelligence, and determination.
Dion is a creative that continues to push the boundaries of where Filipino creatives can be in. Continuously looking for doors that can take his career to the next level, as well as showcasing the unique artistry a Filipino can possess, we are definitely excited to see where he goes next. He perfectly wrapped up the interview with the motivation behind his work as he shared, “It’s become my contribution to the world as a Filipino-American. And to show that as Filipinos, we too have a place on the biggest stage and biggest events in this world, and we’re deserving of that.”
Photos courtesy of DION TRINIDAD
