Fashion week in Paris, Milan, and New York transforms cities into bustling hubs of style and glamour. Here, the streets are alive with the sound of cameras clicking. Fashionistas, designers, and models rush from one show to the next, their stunning outfits turning the sidewalks into impromptu runways, with street photographers clamoring for the perfect shot.
Yet, amid the sea of movement and noise, Filipino photographer Martin Romero’s portraits create a moment of pause–a standstill that allows us to take in the dynamic and electric atmosphere of fashion week.
In an interview with Preview, the Tarlac-raised lensman talks about his journey at the world's biggest fashion weeks, and his insights on the growing presence of Filipinos in the global fashion scene.
Preview Exclusive: Filipino Fashion Week Photographer Martin Romero
How did you start your career as a photographer?
"I was always part of my schools’ newspapers. I was a photographer throughout grade school and high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute Tarlac, but I got really into it in Ateneo de Manila University. I was a photo editor in my college newspaper, The Guidon. And when you’re part of a college newspaper, it kind of feels like an actual job. I would shoot anything from political rallies to UAAP basketball games. I photographed pretty interesting people during my time at university from then-Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Blue Eagle Chris Tiu, to friends whom people look up to in the lifestyle, design, and fashion spaces such as Kryz Uy, Paulina Ortega, and Rosenthal Tee, to name a few.
"Eventually, I became a student correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and continued contributing after graduation, until I got a full-time job working for President Aquino’s administration. I had to completely shelve my photography career."
Do you have a photographer you look up to?
"There are lots of photographers I look up to, like Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh, Paolo Roversi, BJ Pascual, Mark Nicdao, Andrea Beldua, Shaira Luna, Tommy Ton, and Phil Oh. A number of them I’m lucky to call my friends and some I get to hang with, albeit briefly, during fashion month."
How did you end up photographing for fashion week?
"A few seasons back, I was helping friends navigate fashion week since they were attending it. I was outside the Self-Portrait show and I had my camera, so I started photographing the attendees. I posted it and the designer Han Chong, celebrity attendees, and influencers reposted my work, and the rest is history. Now I get to photograph street style, the backstage, or the runway for celebrities, models, influencers, and brands."
What is the best thing about shooting at fashion week?
"The best thing is the friends. When I started out, I barely knew anyone. Now it’s like a reunion of friends all over the world."
How do you navigate the bustling crowds and fast-paced environment of fashion week to capture the perfect shot?
"I just get in the zone. It’s very overwhelming, especially for an introvert like me. I think attending seasons of fashion week teaches you to be calm under pressure."
Do you have a favorite subject whenever you're shooting?
"My favorite subject to shoot is a person who is well-dressed and knows their style—not a peacock!"
More and more Filipinos are getting invited to fashion week. What are your thoughts on this?
"Nakakatuwa. Years ago, there would only be a handful of us and now we’re able to showcase the world who we are."
From your perspective, what unique perspectives or styles do these Filipino attendees bring?
"I love seeing someone wear a Filipino designer or seeing a Filipino piece incorporated in their look. It just shows that our Philippine-made clothes are beautiful and can be worn at these events."
Any advice to aspiring photographers who want to pursue the same path as yours?
"Just keep shooting so you can find out the subject that you would love photographing, and to figure out the style that you have. It doesn’t matter if you have the latest mirrorless camera or a really old digital compact camera—the best camera is the one you have with you at all times."
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