Rafael Lorenzo de Leon is a photographer based in Metro Manila, Philippines, focusing on everyday scenes, people, and moments that often go unnoticed. His work is rooted in observation, documenting real life as it happens, without too much setup or the pressure to make things look perfect.
What started as a hobby slowly turned into something more: an outlet, a way to process things, and a way to stay present. Over time, photography became less about collecting shots and more about noticing what's already there.
Rafael mainly works in the streets, always looking for good light, interesting faces, and those quiet moments in between movement. He's particularly drawn to lines, shadows, patterns, and scenes that carry a hint of meaning -- even if that meaning sometimes borders on the absurd. What keeps him going is the idea that even the most uneventful day can offer something worth remembering if you're paying attention.
He currently uses the Leica Q2, a compact full frame camera that suits his way of working: fast, quiet, and simple. Gear matters, but only in the sense that it lets him stay focused on what's in front of him.