The Photographer/
Owner

John Michael Marata, also known as Michael, is a freelance photographer and videographer whose journey began in 2021 during the pandemic in Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte.

What started as a simple way to escape boredom gradually evolved into a creative hobby and eventually grew into a career driven by passion, dedication, and a genuine appreciation for visual storytelling.

Throughout his journey, Michael has been fortunate to work alongside various photography and videography teams, where he gained valuable experience and, more importantly, learned from dedicated and experienced mentors who played a significant role in shaping his growth as a photographer. Among those who have guided, inspired, and shared their knowledge with him are Mark Gabriel Palubon, Noldz Reyes Gaylan, Roden Paul Calamba, Brian Bengua, and Sir Armand Frasco.

Their mentorship, guidance, and willingness to share their expertise have been instrumental in his development, not only in strengthening his technical skills but also in shaping his creative vision, refining his approach to visual storytelling, and deepening his appreciation for the art and craft of photography.

One of the notable milestones in his career was the opportunity to serve as a videography stringer for GMA Network's Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), contributing to the feature titled "DALAGA, LIGAWIN PERO BAKIT KALAUNA’Y LAGING BINA-BLOCK?" This experience allowed him to contribute to a nationally recognized television program and further develop his skills in documenting real-life stories.

Watch the KMJS Feature:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SINe3rruOVk

For Michael, photography has grown beyond simply capturing images. His approach to photography is guided by the belief that every moment deserves to be remembered in its truest form. He values natural expressions, thoughtful compositions, beautiful colors, and the small details that bring a story together. Whether documenting a grand celebration or an intimate personal moment, he strives to create images that feel genuine, timeless, and full of life.