Follow her here:
https://www.facebook.com/JhoanEstreraPH
Jhoan Estrera finally said she had enough of Hong Kong (positively with wide smile), she is leaving Hong Kong to set up her own studio after 6 years of working as a domestic worker.
During our conversation over coffee one Sunday morning, she said that her planned time frame has finally arrived and that she is ready to take on the world of photography as her full-time job in her hometown of Nueva Ecija apart from looking forward to spending more time with her mom.
When did you arrive in Hong Kong?
I arrived in Hong Kong in 2016, no other plans but to earn and save.
Why did you decide to leave Hong Kong after 6 years?
Even when I just arrived in Hong Kong, I did not plan to stay here for a long time. I have set myself a time frame and that time is now.
What will you remember about Hong Kong?
Coming to Hong Kong taught me to become confident in myself and that I can do more regardless of my current situation or job. I grow much more mature and I am sure I can beat the odds. If I can describe it, in Hong Kong I rediscovered my passion in Photography. I will treasure friends whom I bonded with, my fellow photographers, and fellow artists.
Did your Hong Kong stint taught you lessons that will be useful for your future?
I believe my training at Lensational Hong Kong for photography will be a huge help for my future. It has opened up a whole new door for me and I can't stop thinking about my Philippine journey in photography.
Taking the training is one of the best decisions I had.
I also joined Uplifters, an NGO promoting empowerment to migrant workers through team building and workshops.
Joining Guhit Kulay inspired me to create, I seemed to grow artistically due to the influence of all GK members. I will be missing them but, I will remotely participate and support GK's future activities.
Why photography?
I started practicing Photography in 2018 on my off days because I wanted to be good at one thing or skill na pwede kong magamit sa Pilipinas in case mag decide ako mag for good rather than doing nothing in my free time.
Who inspired you?
I was searching something on google and then I saw an article about Xyza Bacani, then I was like “kung kaya nya, kaya ko rin” I mean kaya ko rin ibahin yung path ko using Photography pero nung 2018 diko pa alam anong niche ko. Then, I met Lensational (an NGO promoting women's empowerment through photography) around 2018, I took advantage of free photography workshops and so my journey began. Along the way, I was given a chance to be part of another workshop from Lensational in 2019 which was wedding photography. There, I met Sophia Kwan, who is our mentor, she continues to encourage me to do more portraits at dun nag simula, I fell in-love with it dun ko na-feel na when I started photographing people, this is my niche right there and then, I pursue photography specialising in portraits and weddings.
Advise to fellow migrant workers
It’s time for you to start taking the necessary steps to become that version of yourself na pinapangarap mo.
Try new things or develop a skill na magbe-benefit ka in the future. And don’t forget to enjoy the process.
Jhoan's work
Pre-birthday shoot for this lovely lady.
Wonderfully made for each other.
Making meaningful moments last.
Just you and me dancing in the sunset.
Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet.
Jhoan on set
Guhit Kulay Sponsored Photography Workshop
Jhoan gave a free workshop on Photography for beginners on June 26, 2022 at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town.