Yukari Lacsamana

Sinqobile Sibiya
Nov 20, 2018
3 min read

Born in Metro Manila, the Philippines, and raised in Yamanashi prefecture, Japan.

Videographer & Photographer

What drew you to videography?

The creativity. I feel like I can create my own world through the lens.

What events led to you moving to Japan and how was the transition for you?

My dad is Japanese so that’s the reason, I don’t remember anything because I was little.

How did you go about learning the process of creative direction?

Probably through my job. I’ve been working in the TV and the media industry for a long time.

How long have you been in the media industry?

About 10 years.

For you, what is the relationship between photography and videography? How are they similar and how do they differ?

Photography and Videography is very different for me, the only similar thing is that they use a camera. For me, photography is easier and videography is harder and more creative, to be honest.

Did you start off as a photographer, or as a videographer?

A videographer, but I wanted to be a photographer first.

You wanting to start with photography first, was it a matter of wanting to learn more or was it something you just were passionate about?

I was just passionate.

What kind of photography do you do?

Portrait.

What is the inspiration behind your projects?

My favorite movies and music videos and the people around me. I try to be with positive and passionate people who can inspire each other.

When did you discover your love for the arts and how did it help you grow into yourself (as an artist and as a young woman)?

When I was around 18 years old, I loved to take pictures of people. When I didn’t have subjects, I modeled for myself, I put makeup on and nice outfits, I made the background look nice and practiced a lot. I’ve been just doing what I love, not for money but myself.

How did you educate yourself on the media industry?

I had a mentor when I was working in New York and he taught me everything.

"I was shy and quiet, still am, but that doesn’t mean I was or am an introvert. It’s just a little hard for me to open up to people that I don’t know very well."

"Influences, I was raised in mixed culture so you wouldn’t see my work and myself have Japanese style. I’ve also lived and worked in the United States and Italy for a few years. I speak Japanese and English and a little bit of Tagalog."

How did you get into the media industry?

I entered the broadcasting industry first. I was contacted by a company that asked me to work for them.

What aspects of the industry educated you more on arts and direction?

I think the people. They inspire me.

Would you say the modeling for your own pictures, did it in anyway inspire a passion or love for fashion or fashion photography?

Yes, it made me want to learn more.

What kind of content do you create (through videography) and what is it about videography that challenges you?

I create mostly fashion films. The challenge is leading the crew, I am kind of shy and introverted, so it's a little hard for me to communicate with people.

Have you ever experienced any form of mental health problems being in the industry or how has the industry impacted you mentally? And how do you deal with that?

I don’t believe so. But this industry makes me crazy for sure! I still have no idea how to deal with it!

What steps have you taken to enable yourself to work abroad and collaborate with people and artists around the world?

I just directly contacted to anyone I was interested in working with.

Do you feel that the visual arts have somehow helped you to express yourself a bit more, open up some things about yourself?