Meet Our New Probee: Kobi Janairo

By Leys Masangcay

I met Kobi in class when I took a photography course at the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI) back in 2018. What I observed about Kobi was that he knows a lot about the topics discussed and he was intellectually ahead compared to the other students, myself included. From then on, Kobi would be my go-to person when I find myself scratching my head and could not comprehend the topics being discussed.

Kobi’s interest in photography started way back when he was in grade school as he was influenced by his father who would do videos of the family back when films were used. His photography passion leapfrogged when he had an assignment during his BS Tourism days in college when his project brought him to Mindanao to take photos of the various indigenous tribes that would form part of a coffee table book for the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Armed with a Master’s Degree in Foreign Service, Kobi is qualified and makes for a good ambassador, though no relation to this qualification, Kobi has been a Brand Ambassador for 7 Artisans lenses.

Kobi has also taught at the UST and at the De La Salle University while pursuing his love for photography. There is no stopping Kobi as he also has a PhD in Sociology and he is currently working on his dissertation to complete the doctorate degree.

He is also a full time photographer who does campaigns, fashion shoots, corporate work and events. During his spare time, he loves to take street photography where he learned closely with Raymond Tanhueco.

Kobi is excited about his growing portfolio and work, hence, he is expanding things by building his own 140sqm. studio which he plans to open by January of 2023. The name of Kobi’s studio is Kelaya.

Kobi is married to his long-time sweetheart Pat, wherein they now have a lovely nine-month old daughter named Kelaya Likha, which means, beautiful creation.