Lens Speak Asia

Conversations about Photography in Southeast Asia. Veejay Villafranca and Charlene Winfred talk to photographers from across the region about questions about the profession and what things are shaping it today. Each episode looks at documentary practice on the ground, the ethics of making images in complex situations, and the topic of representation: who tells which stories, how, and on whose terms. It's a space to think through what's changing. The rise of AI-generated imagery, shifting platforms and audiences, the economics of the profession, and the tools photographers actually use are all part of the conversation, alongside the disciplines of seeing, narratives, and sustaining a long-term practice. Lens Speak Asia is a continuation of an ongoing conversation on the new perspectives on photography and the vibrant community in Southeast Asia. * Veejay Villafranca is a photographer and visual language lecturer from the Philippines. His work has appeared internationally in AFP, AP, Reuters, World Picture News (WPN), Getty, and Bloomberg, covering topics such as the evolving Filipino cultural landscape, effects of displacement on local communities, and the underbelly of gangs and secret societies. Veejay was World Press Photo’s 2024 Southeast Asia jury chair, 2023 jury member, and 2021 Southeast Asia regional coordinator. Charlene Winfred is a photographer, writer and editor. Born and bred in Singapore, she has spent over two decades working in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. She is passionate about community, and in her work as a producer and editor, has championed important social issues, supporting practitioners in the field to tell stories of those most in need, as well as those making an impact.