For 29-year-old fashion and lifestyle photographer Gail Geriane, whose work is rooted in women empowerment, defying conventional beauty standards is a mission.

Geraine says she was inspired by women and the beauty and struggle that comes with being one.

“Growing up in the province, I saw how fragile our standards for beauty can be. As someone who didn’t quite fit in these standards and struggled with her confidence growing up, it was photography that helped me overcome these challenges,” she shared. 

Along with bringing her Nikon z5 camera to work, Geraine also carries great advocacy when she steps in a studio.

“Being a photographer means having a platform for advocacy. It means having a voice through your medium. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to not only express my emotions but also touch lives through my work.”

DEFYING CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY STANDARDS

It’s important for Geraine to point her camera at “all kinds of faces and reveal the different kinds of beauty.”

Motivated by her ongoing journey of self-love and acceptance, she’s drawn to highlighting both the common and uncommon features that often defy conventional beauty standards. In her projects, she always chooses to showcase a diverse range of faces and bodies. 

“I’d like to think I am challenging the narrow perception of "modelesque" attractiveness, and I hope that this inspires others to embrace their individuality.”

Geriane found her love for photography in pages of fashion magazines at a local bookstore in Northern Samar and blogs she subscribed to on Tumblr back when she was in high school. Little did the young Geriane know that she would have the same moving power once she launched her own projects soon. 

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH OWNING ONESELF

Geriane’s artistic vision is rooted in the idea of empowering women through ownership. 

“I believe that owning oneself—one’s face, body, and sense of expression—is crucial for personal empowerment. This belief has guided my work, which often centers on the women I’ve known throughout my life. Their beauty, uniqueness, and even ordinariness have been a constant source of inspiration,” she said.

In her recent photo series, BULAWAN, she paid homage to her home province. The project, which she calls a “love letter” to the beauty she grew up with, was captured through the faces of local women in Northern Samar. 

In another photo exhibition series she helped launch and that was called Umbra, Geriane touched on sensuality. She and her team redefined the concept of female sensuality, showcasing women’s nude bodies in a way that was empowering and free from objectification.

“What I love about these projects is that they not only celebrate women’s beauty and agency, they also foster a supportive and inclusive community of creatives. I think that’s just as valuable as the artistic output itself. To me, that’s very empowering.”

In her more than 11 years in the industry, she spent most of her work in her hometown. It was only in 2022 when she finally tried her luck in Manila, where she thinks the opportunities could be best found.

“When I started working here, it was as if I’m finally living my dreams…I didn’t know anyone, and I needed to get myself and my name out there. But also, it challenged me.”

During her stay in the metro, she was also able to shoot some showbiz personalities for billboards and magazines. The celebrities she has photographed include Nadine Lustre, Anne Curtis, Vivoree Esclito, Kaori Oinuma, Gabbi Garcia, and Kate Valdez.

In Geriane’s lens, beauty is diverse, and every subject is a stunning piece. Thanks to her job and photography, she had a medium to highlight the strength and grace that women have in many faces of life.