One of my favorite parts of the short New York trip had nothing to do with premieres.
I spent some time with my friend Matt Infante just walking, then eating dumplings, then wandering blocks, and actually accidentally walking onto a random movie set like it was completely normal. One and half unit still photographers standing there (he’s the full one), half lost, half at home.
Matt’s become a really good friend. Which feels especially meaningful when I can count how many Filipino American unit still photographers I know on one hand. I’m a few years older than him, but I still look up to him, and to another stills photographer Eddy Chen, whose work constantly reminds me how high the bar really is.
If I’m being honest, I sometimes catch myself overthinking friendships in this industry, especially when I really admire someone’s work (case in point with Eddy). Not for any dramatic reason, just that quiet feeling of wondering if you’re forcing a connection instead of letting it exist.
With Matt, it feels easier. Even without photography, I think he’d still be my friend. If movies and careers disappeared from the conversation, we’d still enjoy each other’s company.
Lately, I’ve found myself wanting to photograph my own movie instead. But I also hope that one day I can be a unit stills photographer like Matt and Eddy (and in the local 600 union), walking onto sets with purpose instead of accident.
For now, I’ll take dumplings, long walks, good friends, and the reminder that everyone’s path looks different, even when we’re aiming for the same frame.