ZVCC’s Newly Inducted Member:
KOBI JANAIRO
Zone V Camera Club has inducted a new member, Kobi Janairo, during the club’s Christmas party last December 2023.
Here is Kobi’s Q&A so we can get to know him better.
Please tell us about yourself: your family, your work, your hobbies and other interests.
I am Edouard “Kobi” G. Janairo, the eldest in our family and I have 2 brothers. I am a husband and a father of 2 (a dog and a baby girl). As far as my profession goes, I am a freelance photographer and a photo editor to a Jewish New York Photographer. Currently, I own a photography studio named after my daughter, Kelaya Studios.
I started with photography when I was in 4th grade, inspired by my dad who was into photography and videography that time. Before going fulltime with freelancing, I was a lecturer at the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University, teaching courses in tourism, sociology, and photography.
At the start of my photography journey, after graduating from PCCI with a diploma in digital photography, I fell in love with portraiture—mainly, high fashion. Currently, I am into documenting weddings and events and into brand building and development. As I was exposed to the different genres of photography and introduced to other photographers, I came to love street photography as a breather. And then, during the pandemic I did food photography to help my friends market their products.
A few years ago I was invited to be a brand ambassador for a third party lens called 7Artisans (2019-2021). As brand ambassador I conducted several talks and mini workshops, and judged photo contests at the Cyberzone Shutter Expo 2019, the 2019 Photolympics Booth talks and Henry’s Camera x 7Artisans 3 Series Workshop. I also served as a photowalk leader during the Fujifilm Nationwide Photo and Video Walk and Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk in 2023.
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing badminton, cycling, mountain climbing and hiking. I also play the drums.
Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.
I was invited to join ZVCC by Leys Masangcay who happened to be my classmate turned good friend when we were studying digital photography at the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging in Makati.
As a hobbyist, I seldom joined photo contests, so as a Probee, that was what I enjoyed the most. The themes were exciting and challenging and they really made me think outside the box. I realized that there is so much to learn regarding the different genres of photography. During our OTS’s and face to face meetings, I appreciated the camaraderie and the feeling of belongingness.
What is the most memorable lesson you learned from your parents?
That there is no limit to kindness.
If you could master one skill right now that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
The skill I want to master is Sales. In my opinion, it is the most critical skill to have to become successful in any field.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Being an old soul, I would sing “Knocks Me Off My Feet“ by Stevie Wonder and “Change the World“ by Eric Clapton.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
The most daring thing I have ever done was to participate in a legal motorcycle drag race when I was in high school. With the consent of my dad, LOL! My mom had absolutely no idea that it ever happened.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
If only I had known the path I would take 15 years ago, I could have started earlier and would have studied photography and business management instead of taking up Tourism, a Master of Arts in Foreign Service and a PhD in Sociology. But definitely, no regrets.
Share 5 qualities that you appreciate most in people.
I appreciate people who are loyal, honest, authentic, humble and generous.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Given the chance to win the lottery, I would donate to charities for the elderly and animal welfare, I would pay all our debts, finish all the construction work for my home, my photography studio and my mom’s dream apartment. Oh, and I would have a personal sauna at home! I would also make investments so that my wife and I can retire at 50 yrs old, happy, healthy, and safe.
