G-nie Arambulo is one of the top advertising photographers in the Philippines. In 1992, she discovered her love for photography while art-directing shoots as a client for ADPHOTO. She then joined the premier advertising and commercial photography studio as an in-house designer and moved up as an assistant photographer of the renowned photographer, Mr. John Chua.
Soon after, she gained multiple recognition and awards for her work including The Best in Portraiture from the Master Photographers Association in 2006, Boysen’s print ad campaign ‘Flowers’ won a Bronze Lion at the 2009 Cannes International Advertising Festival, a winner at the Spikes Asia Advertising Festival in 2009, an Araw Award from the Philippine Advertising Congress in 2011, and a Silver Lion award in the Outdoor Category at the Cannes Festival of Creativity in 2011.
Her mastery of creating lighting moods and special effect have made her well-known in the industry, coming up with the most creative solutions to meet her clients’ vision.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your education, you first job maybe, and how did you start photography?
I loved drawing when I was a kid. In college, I took up Fine Arts and discovered that being an illustrator wasn’t for me. I was always intrigued by photography, but back then it was too expensive for the average person. When I graduated, I started my career as a Visualizer/ Art Director in an advertising agency. We worked with professional photographers for our campaigns and it was during one of the shoots that I realized my true calling – photography.
I had to convince John (Chua) to take me on as an apprentice. It was tough at first, back then photography was a male-dominated field. The years of dedication and hard work eventually paid off, and I’m doing what I love the most.
#fotografíaSpotlight © G-nie Arambulo, Advertising Photographer
What do you love most about what you do?
It allows me to be creative and focus on visuals.
What or who inspires you? Where do you find inspiration?
People I meet, movies, books and travel.
#fotografíaSpotlight © G-nie Arambulo, Advertising Photographer
What is your favorite camera and lens? Could you tell us a bit about the equipment you use?
I use Fuji camera system. For advertising work, I use GFX50s/ 50r . For online projects and personal photography I use the XT3 . The X100F is my everyday “walk around” camera.
Lens depends on the situation / mood of what subject to be shot.
With the Fujifilm cameras that I have, from my everyday F100 camera, to my travel and special events XT2 cam, and my workhorse GFX 50s, there is no doubt that Fuji provides the best cameras for my creative needs.
It’s ergonomic. The buttons and functions can be customized according to your preferences. I can set all the important functions with my right hand while shooting without needing to lower the camera to change the settings.
The GFX 50s is my bread and butter, with the image design technology incorporated with Fuji’s GFX 50s, I am able to produce high quality image that meets the demands of the advertising industry. I may be “old school” in the world of photography but Fujifilm’s cameras helped me with its efficiency. I couldn’t be happier with my camera system since I started with the X series.
Name an interesting place you’ve ever photographed? Travel destination? Favorite road trip perhaps?
Japan. Because of their culture. And of course Paris.
#fotografíaSpotlight © G-nie Arambulo, Advertising Photographer
What music do you like to listen when you edit images? And can you name artists?
Dance/electronic. Pegato is my favorite, must listen for studio shoots.
What is your dream photo shoot, dream photo assignment?
A travel air/road trip.
Name atleast 2-3 Filipino photographers you look up to?
My mentor – John K. Chua
#fotografíaSpotlight © G-nie Arambulo, Advertising Photographer
Do you ever get burned out? If yes, what helps you get back into the creative process?
Photography is my life. I love visuals. Since, I do advertising, it gives me different kinds of genre to shoot on different kind of projects given.
Non-photography related, any other hobbies you love to do?
I love The idea of “flying”, it lifts my adrenalin and gives me a different smile.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Practice is the key. And don’t stop learning.
If you have time, check on my Instagram and Facebook.
I love to fly, i love to do aerial photography and I am a CAAP certified drone pilot.
For now, I do an everyday lockdown diary thru images which I post.
#fotografíaSpotlight All images © G-nie Arambulo and used with permission. To see more of her work, you may visit her website and follow her Instagram.