Jer Sandel. Photographer.
Storyteller. Instructor.
Motivator + Kickstarter.




My story
I have been a lifelong admirer of photographs and the stories they made me see. Never considered myself arts-inclined until I picked up the camera and fell in love with the possibilities I could make with it. The burning curiosity soon became a passion. I've never stopped fanning it since.
I'm a photographer because I love being alive : witnessing our beautiful world, trying to comprehend the qualities and quirks of human nature, surviving the twists and turns that we all go through. The camera is not just a tool for expression and creativity for me, but also a companion as I go through life. I like to document while appreciating all the experiences that come my way. Good or bad, I'll take pictures.
As time goes by I have come to recognize that photography is not just an art form, but also an effective platform for empowering people. I'm proud of the images I've captured over the years but nothing compares to the fulfillment I get when seeing the work of former students or colleagues who realized their own possibilities : what they could create and what they could become. It's amazing what a small dose of instruction, challenge, or encouragement could lead to.
Photography is the perfect witness for our journey. It makes us see. It makes us feel. It makes us change. Then it makes us remember. It moves us and moves along with us. And I've grown with it the past twelve years.... also the most interesting years of my life, simply because I see the world in a different light. Being a photographer is not merely a profession but also a lifestyle. More importantly, a mindset : Focus on the positives, highlight what's important to you, take every shot as if it's your last... and always be thankful in between.
Education
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Public Administration
University of the Philippines - Diliman
Photography Training / Workshops
Basic Photography, Post-Processing, and Color Management
Jo Avila
Advanced Photography
Regie Fernando
Landscape Photography / Night Photography / Advanced Post-Processing
Chasing Light (Jay Jallorina & Edwin Martinez)
Virtual Reality Photography
Mitz Picardal
Studio Lighting
Ken Go
Wedding Photography
Oly Ruiz
Post-Processing for Portraits
Parc Cruz
Beauty & Glamour Photography
Borj Meneses
Fashion Photography
Neal Oshima
Food Photography & Styling
Jo Avila & Pixie Sevilla
Artistic Post-Processing
Amorsoloesque (Jon & Maricris Carlos)
Conceptual Post-Processing
Gerbie Pabilonia
Cityscape Photography
Jay Jallorina
Aerial Photography
Jay Jallorina & Zander Servando
Affiliations
Founding Officer / Social Media Manager
Planning Committee - Luzon representative
Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - PhotoWorld Cup