Photo by Grace Seow
Philippine-born and New York City-based, I arrived at JFK in August 1987 and now proudly consider myself a lifelong New Yorker. My passion for photography stems from a curiosity about people, place, and story—traveling, meeting others, and using the camera as a means to connection.
My photographic work spans street, documentary and portraiture, always with the human element at its heart. Whether I’m capturing fleeting urban moments, intimate portraits, or glimpses of community life, I bring a deep respect for lived experience and a desire to reflect dignity, connection, and purpose in every frame.
In parallel to my photography, I have pursued a purposeful career in the social-sector, working to strengthen mission-driven organizations, build leadership capacity, and ensure that organizational efforts generate enduring impact. Over more than two decades I’ve held executive and advisory roles with nonprofits, where I supported education-focused youth programming, leadership development, and social justice initiatives, among others.
By fusing photography and social impact, I hope to bring two lenses to everything I do: the creator’s eye that seeks beauty, nuance, and story; and the strategist’s mind that asks, “How does this make a difference? How can this sustain change?” Whether behind the lens or in the boardroom, my goal remains the same: to amplify voices, honor the human experience and contribute meaningfully to the communities I live and work in.
Exhibitions, Shows, and Awards Highlights
2023
Various works. Salmagundi Club, New York, NY. "New York State of Mind"
"After Cartier-Bresson" Gracie Mansion. New York, NY. "NYC Icons"
"Self-portrait in isolation" Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY. 2024 National Photo Competition. Selection**
"Liberty in flight" 17th Annual iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention (Travel)**
"Rescue me" Envision Kindness 2024 Our World is Kind Photo Contest. Finalist (General and Nonprofit)**
"Hadrien smoking" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Street portrait)**
"In no mood to play" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Street and children)**
"Date night" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Urban love)**
"Family in Venice" 2024 Paris International Street Photo Awards. Honorable Mention (Category: Golden hour)**
2025 **Juried
"Self-portrait in isolation" Photo Artfolio. "Nocturne: Photographs After Dark" Exhibit. Selection**
Envision Kindness Select Photographer, 2025-present.
"Jason in Milan" Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY. 2025 National Photo Competition. Selection**
"Celeste in NOLA" Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Providence, RI. "Resistance: Seen/Unseen" Exhibition. Selection**
"Laveau Aglow" Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild, Cutchogue, NY. "Colorful Times" Competition and Exhibit. Third Place**
"Self-portrait in isolation" Water Mill Museum, Water Mill, NY. "Chasing the Light"
"Celeste in New Orleans" Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR. "Dynamic: Shadow and Light" Exhibit Selection**
"Venetian Light" Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR. "Dynamic: Shadow and Light" On-Line Annex Gallery Selection**
"Laveau Aglow" Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Augusta, GA. 43rd Annual Juried Competition, "A Sense of Place" Exhibit Selection**
"New Orleans Pride Center Portraits" International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention, Category: People Portrait.**
"In No Mood to Play" "Waiting" "A Family in Venice at Sunset" Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Providence, RI. "On the Street" Exhibition. Selections**