Flash forward

Twenty-four-year-old Mark Nicdao is one of the metro’s most talented young photographers. Energetic, aesthetically aware, and with an attitude that screams, "whatever, it’s just photography," Francis Abraham’s protege is a veritable genius. Having worked for just about every major local publication, Mark can make the most derelict subjects crisp, beautiful, almost ethereal. Mark shares his experiences, and some of his most personally favored images, with YStyle.

YSTYLE: What inspires you?

MARK NICDAO: Violent movies, like Baise Moi (Rape Me). It’s about two girls who were raped and then decided to go on a rampage and kill people. I’m sick and tired of seeing happy images, which is me and the other people I work with. Every day I work, I see people jolly even though there are problems. I want to see something that’s fresh. It’s the only time and place where I can see these things that I can only envision. It’s my escape.

What do you think differentiates your work from other photographers?

There are some things that I like doing the hard way. There’s an easy way of doing it, but I do it the hard way, just to see the excitement. You can see it in the lighting and the shadows that I use in my pictures. At the end of the day, I realize, that movie came into me.

Do you recall anything from your childhood that helped mold your style and creativity?

Favorite TV show ko dati, the Jim Henson Hour, The Storyteller, one of the things that stirred major creative thinking for me. Simple stories, fables, fairytales, myths. I’d put up with the stupid puppets, but I’d totally be glued to my seat. Up to now, I can’t forget that series. Yung production design, yung effects. I also love Alice in Wonderland. I love the songs, sobrang gusto ko yung Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter. I’d be the combined version of both of them.

What is your most memorable shoot?

When I shot Viva Hot Babe Jen Rosendahl with Millet Arzaga in Pampanga, I think it’s one of my best shoots. And my first shoot for Metro, Nadja Helwig, styled by Rosario Herrera. It was so fast, but it looked really great.

Who are your favorite local photographers?

Gusto ko si Steve Tirona. I like his work and how his themes are so consistently dark. I also love Neil Lucente and Claudine Sia. Gustong-gusto ko yung originality nila. They use these amazing angles that I feel I wouldn’t be able to pull off as well.

What is your ideal working environment?

Location shoots far from civilization.

Is there anything that can turn you off your work, like a team with little to no chemistry?

One thing na natutunan ko, patience. Tolerating people.

Who is your muse? What particular look turns you on to shooting?

Helena Christensen and Chloe Sevigny. Helena for her eyes. The moment she looks at you, parang, that’s it! It’s so sexual.

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Send comments and suggestions to naz_noor@yahoo.com.