Meet Marvin

 

We were lucky to catch up with Marvin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marvin , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

When I moved from the Philippines at twelve years old, everything felt unfamiliar. The language, the culture, and the people were all new to me. I could barely speak English, and I often stuttered, which made it difficult to express myself. Still, I pushed through the fear and kept talking to people, even when my words were broken.

At twenty-one, I was still insecure and unsure of myself. I decided it was time to change. I started going to the gym, tried CrossFit and powerlifting, and eventually completed a half Ironman and a marathon. With every step and every challenge, I became stronger, more disciplined, and more confident.

Working in the hospitality industry helped me even more. Talking with people every day improved my communication skills and made me comfortable in my own skin. Over time, I learned that confidence is not something you are born with—it’s something you build, one small act of courage at a time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Late last year, in 2024, I found myself in a dark and confusing place. I was depressed and felt lost in life. I had jumped from one career to another, yet nothing felt fulfilling. I remembered how I used to love taking photos and videos with a small digital Canon camera my mom bought me when I was twelve. I made vlogs and created stories just for myself. I used to draw a lot, too—but somewhere along the way, I stopped. I convinced myself that pursuing art or photography would never work out.

Then one day in November 2024, I decided to take a risk. I bought a secondhand Sony A7III camera from Marketplace and started taking photos while hiking around my home in British Columbia, Canada. Even though I had no idea what I was doing, my passion slowly came back. I began reaching out to local coffee shops, offering to make promotional videos for free. Some ignored me, but a few gave me a chance. Those small opportunities meant everything.

A few months later, a manager and friend from a restaurant asked if I could take photos for his designer at Vancouver Fashion Week. I had never been into fashion, but I went anyway. Seeing the designs, the creativity, and the energy behind the scenes reignited something inside me. I realized that fashion is another form of art—just like photography.

From that moment on, I started reaching out to people for portrait and editorial collaborations, even without a portfolio. Some said yes, and with every shoot, I learned more and met incredible people. Between March and September 2025, I built a strong portfolio filled with creative collaborations. Then came an incredible opportunity: I flew from Vancouver to New York to work with a designer’s team as a photographer and videographer. Being there and witnessing the show in person felt like a dream.

My journey in photography and videography has taught me that passion grows when you take risks, even when you’re unsure of the outcome. I love connecting with others—models, stylists, and artists—and creating something beautiful together. It feels like we are all painting on the same canvas, each adding our own unique touch. I am deeply grateful for everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way.

Working with designer Eduardo Ramos from Vancouver has inspired me even more. Seeing his vision and creativity motivates me to push harder in my craft and reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. This is only the beginning.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Just Start
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to simply start. Many people wait until they feel ready, but the truth is, you may never feel completely prepared. I used to think I wasn’t ready and didn’t know what I was doing, but once I picked up my camera and began shooting, everything started to make sense. A great mentor once told me, “You cannot bake a cake on high heat; sometimes you have to preheat the oven first.” That advice reminded me that growth takes time, and progress begins the moment you take that first step.

2. Connections
Building connections has been another key part of my journey. Putting yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable, opens doors to new opportunities. I used to be shy, but I learned that showing up is what matters most. Through networking and meeting amazing people, I’ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends who have all played a role in shaping my path.

3. Patience
In such a competitive world, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, especially when comparing yourself to more experienced photographers. Instead of letting that discourage me, I use it as motivation. I’ve learned that everyone has their own journey and timeline. Patience taught me to trust the process and believe that I’m exactly where I need to be.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had a decade left to live, I would spend it traveling the world. I’ve always loved exploring new places and learning about different cultures. There’s something powerful about connecting with people from all walks of life and seeing the world through their eyes.

I would document every part of my journey through photography and video, capturing the emotions, the stories, and the beauty of each place I visit. Photographs have a timeless quality. they allow you to relive a moment and feel its life all over again.

Through my work, I would want to inspire others to travel, create, and see the world as a canvas waiting to be painted with their own experiences. Life is short, but art and memories last forever.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

behind the scene shots by @jpvisions_

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