“If a picture paints a thousand words,” so goes a line from a popular song. More so, if the picture is taken by a camera. Once you are enchanted by its extraordinary realm, there is no way to revert. You will find yourself entranced. This was the experience of Avery Jireh Docena, who hails from General Santos City. He now lives in Springfield, Ohio, married to Meredith Wood, with whom he has two children.
He remembers it well: it was in 2009 that he became captivated by the allure of photography. “A friend, who’s like a big brother and church mate, introduced me to the amazing art form,” he recalls. “I was blown away by the technology cameras could offer, especially when digital cameras came along and replaced film cameras. I’ve always been fascinated by how photography can capture a fleeting moment, tell a story without words, and stir up deep emotions. Seeing other photographers’ work and capturing my own meaningful moments made me realize that photography is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of seeing the world differently.”
It’s not enough to be fascinated with it, you have to learn the basics of taking photos. “I got into photography by learning on my own and doing it in real life,” Avery says. “I started by watching tutorials online, reading photography books, going to workshops and seminars, and studying the work of photographers I liked. As time went on, I practiced a lot – experimenting with different settings, lighting, and compositions – which helped me get better. Every photo I took taught me something new.”
The good thing is he was supported by his family. “I’m so grateful to have such amazing parents who’ve supported me throughout my journey,” he says. “They’re definitely a big part of who I am as a photographer today.”
He gives credit to his mother, Nilda, who really got him started. “During my early days in photography, I owe a lot to my mom,” he admitted. “She used to run a one-stop wedding shop, and she’s also a wedding coordinator and planner. Even though she had a wedding shop, it’s not guaranteed that whenever my mom had clients, that I would automatically be the photographer. I’m so grateful for her because she helped me kickstart my photography career.”
Regarding his father, Andres, he remarks: “My dad influences the spiritual aspect of my life as he is a pastor, and he consistently assists me in making prudent business and life choices.” His sister, who works as a wedding planner, has also helped. “At times, she would suggest me as a photographer to her clients.”
Now that he’s married, he considers his wife as his “biggest cheerleader.” He explains, “She’s been my rock through thick and thin, helping me financially, emotionally, and spiritually. She believes in me and is always there for me, no matter what. I can’t imagine continuing my photography career without her support.”
Avery started his career using his phone taking random photos. “My mother, seeing my passion, got me a camera body, even though we couldn’t afford the lens right away. I borrowed a lens from a friend and started learning the ropes.”
However, the path was not straightforward. “When I initially embarked on my photography career, I committed numerous errors, ranging from images that were excessively dark to blurry photographs that I mistakenly believed were flawless at the time. You are likely aware that the Philippines is renowned for its abundance of talented photographers?
“Nevertheless, securing clients poses a significant challenge. There exists a multitude of options, and the competition within the wedding photography sector in the country is quite intense. I have been focused on cultivating my own distinctive style that sets me apart from others. If I can successfully differentiate my style, I will enhance my prospects of being hired. The journey has not been simple, but it is precisely this difficulty that renders it so fulfilling.”
In his journey, he encountered and worked with some of the best photographers of the city. “I’m so blessed to have worked with other photographers who are also my friends in the industry,” he points out. “They’ve all owned their own businesses, and I’ve learned so much from them about different techniques and shooting styles. It’s been an incredible learning experience!”
Like most photographers, he has his own style of taking photos. “I love capturing meaningful moments and emotions,” he says. “I think it’s amazing how a single image can tell a story, preserve a memory, or inspire someone. And the creative process itself is just so engaging and keeps me motivated to keep improving.”
His life as a photographer completely changed when he met Meredith, who came to the Philippines working at Obed’s House Ministries, an orphanage in General Santos City. “She was looking for an English-speaking church in the city and found our church’s Facebook page while searching online,” he recalls.
“At the same time, she was also looking for someone to help her record a song for a project for a non-profit organization she was working with. She messaged our church’s Facebook page asking for assistance. I was the first one to reply. We had a meeting at Starbucks to discuss the project with the rest of the group, and from there, we exchanged cell phone numbers.”
The rest is now part of history. They developed a strong friendship and began dating a few months afterward. “I made my proposal approximately a year later at that very Starbucks!” Before long, they found themselves married.
Avery is a Filipino while Meredith is an American. In the beginning of their marriage, they traveled back and forth between the two countries, depending on what was going on with their ministry and family.
So many Filipinos want to go to the US. For Avery, it was a dream come true. “When I was 8, I had a dream of coming to the US. It was also my dream to marry a blonde girl, which God led me to my wife,” he says. “I’ve always thought of the US as a land of opportunities, and it’s true!”
He remembered what his father once told him. “Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; create them,” his father said.
“That’s exactly what I’ve done with my photography career in the US,” he says. “If I hadn’t done anything to promote my business, and the connections from both my wife and in-laws, I probably wouldn’t have any clients. One of the first things I noticed about the US was how beautiful it was, especially the first time I came here. I landed in the Chicago airport and saw snow for the first time. I was amazed! That’s why I love winter and cold weather. It’s such a blessing to be able to live in one of the most powerful nations on earth.”
The United States is very different from the Philippines. “Each country is a unique blend of culture, people, environment, and cuisine,” he says. “I’ve always been asked about these differences, especially between my Filipino and American friends. There are definitely some notable differences! For instance, Americans tend to be more straightforward and open, while Filipinos are more sensitive and emotional.
Finding a job in the US is “relatively easy if you’re not too picky. If you apply today, you might start working with your new job the next day. However, they can also fire you easily if you are not really doing a good job.”
According to him, the best part about his photography job is that he can take it with him anywhere in the world – whether in the Philippines or in the US. But “since most of my clients are now all over the US, I’d say I’m more based here in the US than in the Philippines,” he says.
But starting a photography business in a new country, particularly the US, was tough, especially when he didn’t know anyone there. “To get my name out there, I had this crazy idea: I launched a Facebook giveaway where I gave away a free engagement and wedding shoot to one engaged couple. I chose the winning couple based on whose love story got the most likes on my page.”
At their reception, he presented the couple with a delightful surprise: a same-day cinematic slideshow featuring their wedding photos! This practice is not as prevalent in the United States as it is in the Philippines. It was a novel experience for all the guests present. The attendees were astonished, and the excitement from that event quickly spread. “And that is how my business in the US took off! Since that time, I have been incredibly fortunate to photograph clients across various states and even in other countries.”
Avery has worked with over a thousand clients since he started his career in the Philippines 16 years ago. “I shoot weddings, engagements, portraits, real estate, films, aerial drone footage, corporate projects, and events,” he says. “Most of my clients find me through my website, and they usually tell me they heard about me from their friends. Some even say they just stumbled upon my website, checked out my portfolio, and decided to hire me because they love my style. Most of my clients are repeat clients or referrals from families that I’ve photographed! It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for God’s blessings that turned my dream into a reality.”
Avery believes that being a photographer in the US is much easier compared to the Philippines “because of greater access to resources, equipment, and opportunities.” He explains, “In the US, there’s a larger market for creative services, more established industries like media, fashion, real estate and advertising, and clients who are generally willing to pay higher rates for quality work. There’s also better access to education, workshops, and professional networks.
“In contrast, photographers in the Philippines often face challenges like limited budgets, fewer career opportunities, and less recognition for creative work — though the talent and passion are definitely just as strong.”
It’s not only in the US that he has done photography but in other countries as well. “Last year, I had an engagement shoot in Canada, a few years back I was in Singapore for an event shoot, and of course, the Philippines. I’m also hoping to secure a photoshoot in Australia, where my friend currently resides. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.”
To those Filipino photographers who want to make it in the US, Avery offers this advice: “If you know your worth and if you know what God has called you to do, then just trust in Him and the process. There are always blessings if you follow God’s calling for your life. Not everyone is meant to be a photographer here in the US, but wherever you are right now, whether you’re a photographer or not, keep making a difference for Him. Bloom where God plants you, regardless of the place!”
