‘I am Jovel Lorenzo, Minutera ng Manila’

I'm a Filipino photographer who believes, and is passionate about analog photography. Through my self-made street box camera and antique 8x10, I hope to create unique and priceless images of you via a really old photographic process that I’ve learned to apply through years of experience as a professional lensman.

Ready to have a portrait that tells a story and transcends time?
This is where your journey starts…



The Craft of Old-School Photography,
Made Just for You


Every portrait is developed on the spot. It’s hands-on, it’s creative,
and it’s personal. You’ll see the magic come to life right before your eyes.

Streetbox camera (5x7)

Korona large format camera (8x10)

A Mark Brown Short Film
January 2024


A Rare Throwback You Won’t Forget


The process I use is over 100 years old, from a time when photography was slow, deliberate, and full of soul. I bring that same vibe to every portrait, giving you something special to cherish and share.


Darkroom Process



I don’t use film! (most of the time) Each photo is made directly onto photo paper, and brought to life in the darkroom after the shoot, using time-honored methods.



Photography Done Differently



My kind of photography is slow and thoughtful. Each image is crafted with care, offering something real and personal in a fast-paced world.



Collaborations




  • Want a unique photo? Let’s do a vintage-style portrait session with my street box camera or other classic cameras. Think silver gelatin prints that last forever and make every moment feel like art.

  • Hosting a party or event? I’ll set up my street box camera so your guests can walk away with instant, handcrafted portraits. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any celebration!

  • I capture the beauty of Filipino culture, everyday life, and stunning landscapes. These handcrafted prints are perfect for your home, office, or as a thoughtful gift.

  • Got an idea? Let’s make it happen! Whether it’s personal or for a business, I’ll bring your vision to life with my street box camera.

Try
Something

Totally Different.

  • WHAT PEOPLE ASK US

  • I only want to have one portrait taken with either the street box camera or the 8x10 - is this possible?

    Yes, I usually have popups scheduled throughout the year where you can have one portrait taken. For now, my rate is P3,000/ for the 5x7 portrait and P5,000 for the 8x10. Announcements are posted on my official Instagram account: @boxcamera.ph

  • How Many Shots Do I Get?

    Each session includes one carefully crafted portrait. Because I use a very old and hands-on photographic method, the process is slow and detailed—each image takes about 15 to 20 minutes from setup to creation of the negative image.

    Every step matters, so I take the time to get everything right during the shoot. If there’s ever a technical issue, I’ll gladly repeat the shot to ensure you receive a portrait you’ll truly cherish.

    This approach is all about quality over quantity, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects both the subject and the timeless beauty of analog photography.

  • How long does one portrait take to produce?

    The process starts with capturing the image using the street box camera. This includes composing the shot, setting exposure, and manually developing the silver gelatin paper negative inside the camera. On-site, this takes about 20 minutes.

    Afterward, the negative undergoes a detailed darkroom development process, which can take several days. This ensures the final portrait meets the highest artistic standards, resulting in a truly unique piece.

  • How many people can you do in a session?

    Solo and couple portraits yield the best results for focus and sharpness. While I can accommodate up to three people—or even more—the street box camera's nature may result in slight blurring for some individuals. This characteristic often enhances the charm and authenticity of the image.

  • Can you recopy a shot?

    Yes, I can provide recopies, but these require darkroom processing and cannot be done immediately. Recopies are scheduled to ensure efficient use of resources and developing materials.

  • Why Should We Book You?

    Unlike standard photography, this isn’t just a quick snapshot—it’s a fully handcrafted experience using large format camera technique, analog materials and darkroom knowledge. The process is slow, precise, personal and lasting 

    You’re not just getting a photo—you’re taking home a one-of-a-kind keepsake made with artistic intention and skill, created using a method most people will only experience once in their lifetime.

  • How Many People Can You Do in a Session?

    The most ideal setup is for solo or couple portraits, as these allow for the best focus, sharpness, and overall quality in the final image.

    While I can accommodate up to three people—or even more—it's important to understand that the street box camera uses a traditional process with a slow shutter speed. This means that subjects need to stay very still during exposure, or they may appear slightly blurred—especially in group shots.

    That said, with careful planning, positioning, and guidance, I can still create a group portrait that captures the moment beautifully. These slight imperfections are part of the charm of analog photography, and the final result is always a meaningful, handcrafted keepsake that people truly treasure.

  • Do You Have a Studio?

    At the moment, I don’t operate a regular studio for private shoots. However, I can suggest a few trusted venues where we can hold the session for a small additional fee. If you already have a location in mind or can provide one, the venue fee is waived.

    For those interested in spontaneous sessions, I also hold pop-up events from time to time. I announce these on my social media channels, so feel free to follow along to catch the next one near you!