Wesley Villarica, whose surname sounds bigtime enough to have it identified with something you go into when pawning stuff, somehow chose not to go with the seemingly natural tide and created a separate career out of his discovered fondness for photography.

A photographer who likes to shoot fashion but does not limit himself to it, Wesley is a 27-year-old Ateneo alumnus who is now on his third year of supporting himself 100% through the photography trade. He has been earning by himself through taking photos of babies, toys, men and women, food, houses, among others.

"Perhaps the sense of capturing reality and beauty at the same time attracted me to photography in the beginning. There’s also the element of creation that spurs me on, that ability to make a picture out of nothing and using nothing but tools (or available light) I have and the subject matter," shares the former Psychology major student who never thought of going into photography until it all began via his mobile phone’s camera.

In 2003, Wesley started shooting through a Nokia 7650 and dealt with plants, people, landscapes, or anything with it. His basic lessons came from a photographer-friend named Toti Parcero who saw his potential and asked him to keep on practicing to develop his own style. The one-on-one sharing took just ten minutes, yet it was enough for Wesley to jumpstart his career as a lensman.

After his affair with his phone’s camera, next was a Pentax k1000. Then he borrowed lights and backdrops from Toti who dropped photography for law practice. His first shoot for a major magazine came in September 2004 as he received his first major paycheck around the same time courtesy of his PR shots for Nike; he was using a secondhand Mamiya RB67 Pro SD.

"I like taking photographs of people simply because no person is the same as the next. It is the unique personality behind each subject (person) I photograph that makes taking photos of people very interesting for me," he said of his preference to capture people by way of camera.

Wesley is now using a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II which he bought a year ago. He likes it because of its versatility, the different custom functions and color profiles, high FPS rate, and high 16.8-megapixel count. For him it’s a plus that it’s weather resistant and very sturdy.

Still, while so many people out there categorize themselves as certified photographers by merely acquiring top-of-the-line equipment, Wesley, like the good ones, knows that it all depends on the man holding the camera and whose eye goes through the viewfinder. His shots would speak a lot about that talent to produce powerful images which according to him generally consist of good composition, color treatment, lighting, and story. "A photographer does not have to follow the rules, but must know them enough to be able to break them and make the photograph still have visual impact," he pointed out.

Being in advertising, he likewise deals with products, travel, food, and architectural photography. Thus, he is just being true about not limiting himself to fashion alone. Currently, he is busy working on brochure photos for an upcoming exhibit by Patis Tesoro and Romulo Galicano which will be held next month (June 9) at the Metropolitan Museum. As someone who loves to share what he has learned, he will conduct a lighting workshop in Singapore this May 11 while a follow up takes place on June 8 here in Manila.

"Passion, drive, and intensity would be very descriptive of how I view my approach to life. I also have many ambitions planned for times ahead. I am goal-oriented and determined, yet flexible and versatile," poured out Wesley who is also into scuba diving during weekends in Anilao, Batangas.

Wesley has paid his dues and is earning from them. He didn’t have to rely on his family’s business to make it; this while he still does his job in support of it. That’s one example of good business crafted by a talented-hardworking guy.

"I guess as long as you believe in yourself and continue to hone photography and business skills and develop contacts, photography could be lucrative. One thing for certain though, if you make the jump, you have to pay your dues."

Wesley has paid his dues and is earning from them. He didn’t have to rely on his family’s business to make it; this while he still does his job in support of it. That’s one example of good business crafted by a talented-hardworking guy.