Carlo Jardeleza: ‘Shoot, self-critique, repeat’

In a world awash with vibrant colors, filters and fleeting trends, Blanc Portraiture dares to stand still in black and white.

On DAILY TRIBUNE’s PairFect show, host Jeff Fernando introduces us to the creative mind behind this striking brand: Carlo Jardeleza, the manager and photographer of Blanc Portraiture, an artistic extension of the renowned Mayad Studios.

What follows is a deep dive into artistry, authenticity and the soulful quiet of a shutter click that captures not just a face but also essence.

The Blanc difference

Unlike Mayad’s full-day wedding coverage, Blanc Portraiture offers a minimalistic but highly stylized approach by setting up a professional-grade portrait studio at receptions.

“It’s like a portrait studio at your wedding,” Jardeleza explained.

Using a pure white background and monochromatic tones, Blanc Portraiture offers timelessness — elegance reduced to its rawest form. “The less distractions, the more we see what’s real,” he said, describing how stripping away color allows the viewer to focus on form, emotion, and individuality.

Balancing timelessness with trends

Jardeleza emphasizes that maintaining the brand’s artistic integrity begins with nurturing its people.

“It starts with photographers’ growth and training,” he explains. But evolution comes naturally, too — by adapting posing, lighting, and directing styles to make subjects feel relaxed and seen, especially in today’s visually driven world.

“Now, clients show us Instagram or TikTok pegs they want to try — we welcome that,” he shared. “Whether it’s an editorial vibe, a Vogue-inspired pose, or a playful look, we give them that space.”

When asked how he breaks the ice with the subject, he said it’s all about creating a connection: “You talk to them like actual people. When they’re comfortable, even the craziest prompt becomes possible.”

This is particularly important at weddings, he added. He views Blanc Portraiture not just as a service to the couple, but a gift to their guests. “They dressed up, they spent time and effort. Blanc gives them a chance to shine — and keep a beautiful reminder of it.”

From pre-med to photographer

Surprisingly, Jardeleza’s journey didn’t start with a camera, but with a stethoscope. “I was in pre-med but grew tired,” he shared. After drifting through uncertainty, he found expression through a camera he bought with his savings.

“My first subjects were in music bars like Route 196,” he recalled. “Shooting in dim light, with moving subjects, taught me boundaries — and how to break them.”

Finding depth in every shot

One particularly moving memory for Jardeleza happened during a “Let’s Celebrate” shoot. A subject, an unassuming man, returned after the session in tears. After surviving brain surgery, it was the first time he felt “seen” in a photograph. “I didn’t realize the impact of our work until that moment,” he admitted.

He also dreams of expanding into street photography. “It’s raw, rugged, and it tells a city’s story without words. That’s powerful.”

Creatively, the hardest shoots are often the most emotional. Jardeleza recounts a recent wedding where something deeply moving happened during the group portraits — so touching that even the crew was in tears.

“It’s hard to compose when your heart is full,” he said. “But it’s also the fuel that makes me want to tell better stories.”

Staying real

Blanc Portraiture embraces trends — from high-fashion poses to editorial backdrops. Jardeleza encourages creativity but always ensures it reflects the subject’s true self. “Even if a pose is unconventional, if it shows who they are, it’s valid,” he said.

And if someone in the family — say, a passionate uncle with a DSLR — steps in to co-direct? Carlo takes it in stride. “It’s love. They just want what’s best for their loved one. We honor that.”

Asked if he’ll stay in photography long-term, he smiled. “I want to. I love meeting people and watching them unfold in front of the lens. It’s a divine kind of interaction.”

Yet he’s honest about the physical toll of the job and the emotional challenges, including battling depression. “Some days, you just aren’t in the mood. But ego death helps. You remind yourself it’s not about you. You’re here to capture someone else’s moment.”

Advice to aspiring photographers

Practice. Reflect. Improve. That’s the advice Jardeleza received from mentors Jamie Leehan and John Paul Paver. “Don’t just read theory,” he added. “Shoot, self-critique and repeat.”

In a world overflowing with edited perfection, Jardeleza believes in embracing imperfection. “Striving for perfection is fine. But if you wait for it, you might never create. The flaws — those make a photo human.”

Dream subjects, creative fantasies

If given the chance, Jardeleza would love to shoot fellow photographer and creative BJ Pascual. He also wishes to do an entire album concept shoot with SB19 and Paolo Ballesteros whose range and transformation inspire him.

Internationally? Pedro Pascal and the legendary Cher are his ideal subjects. “Terrifying, but amazing,” he laughed.

Blanc Portraiture isn’t just a booth at a wedding. It’s a studio where moments are turned into masterpieces — stripped of distractions, yet full of life.